HS Code for Silicon wafers

Silicon wafers that have been doped for use in electronics are classified under HS code 381800. This code covers chemical elements that have been modified by the addition of small amounts of impurities (doping) to alter their electrical conductivity, provided they are in the form of discs, wafers, or similar shapes. Silicon is the most common element in this category. The doping process involves introducing elements like boron, phosphorus, or antimony into the silicon crystal lattice. This classification is found in Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) because the doping process and the specific physical form (wafer) transform the raw silicon into a specialized industrial substrate. The code 381800 also includes chemical compounds doped for electronics, but silicon wafers represent the vast majority of trade under this heading. This classification applies to wafers that are polished or unpolished, but they must not have any circuitry or discrete components etched onto them.

Products Included

• Doped silicon wafers
• Polished semiconductor wafers
• Epitaxial silicon wafers
• Doped silicon discs for integrated circuits
• Czochralski-grown silicon wafers

Common Misclassification

Silicon wafers are often misclassified as pure silicon under HS code 280461. However, 280461 is only for undoped silicon. Once the silicon is doped, it must move to 381800. Another common error is classifying wafers as finished semiconductor devices under HS code 8541. If the wafer has been further processed to include transistors, diodes, or integrated circuits, it is no longer a "wafer" in the sense of 381800 and must be classified in Chapter 85. Finally, undoped wafers in disc form are sometimes incorrectly placed here; they should remain in 2804.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Silicon wafers?

The HS code for silicon wafers doped for electronic use is 381800.

Are finished microchips classified under the same code as silicon wafers?

No, finished microchips and integrated circuits are classified under HS code 8542, whereas 381800 is only for the doped substrate wafers before circuitry is added.