Product classification
HS code for Solar cell: 8541.42
Electrical apparatus, photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels.
Classification of solar cell under HS 8541.42
HS code 8541.42 covers photovoltaic cells that are not yet assembled into modules or made up into panels. These are individual semiconductor devices that convert light energy directly into electricity via the photovoltaic effect. The classification is part of heading 8541, which encompasses diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductor devices. To fall under 8541.42, the cells must be in their basic form—typically silicon wafers that have been processed with p-n junctions but not yet framed or connected in a series/parallel array that constitutes a module. This code is critical for manufacturers who import raw cells to assemble them into finished solar panels locally. The distinction between a "cell" and a "module" is the primary driver for classification; once cells are interconnected and encapsulated between a backing sheet and a glass front, they move to a different subheading.
- Covers
- Monocrystalline silicon solar cells (unassembled)
- Polycrystalline silicon solar cells (unassembled)
- Thin-film photovoltaic cells not in modules
- Multi-junction solar cells for specialized applications
- Individual solar cells with simple contact points
- Also under 8541.42
- Trina Solar Vertex cells
- Jinko Solar Tiger Neo cells
- LONGi Hi-MO cells
- Canadian Solar CS cells
- Hanwha Q CELLS Q.ANTUM cells
Codes often confused with 8541.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with 8541.43, which is for photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels. Many importers use these codes interchangeably, but 8541.42 is strictly for the individual components. It is also sometimes confused with 8501.31 if the solar equipment is part of a larger DC generator set.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854142 (the code used for solar cell), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854142 (the code used for solar cell) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 854142, not only solar cell.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.5B 44% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $1.7B 17% of world exports
- 3 Laos* ~$982M 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $2.7B 31% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.5B 29% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $629M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $8.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for solar cell
Brazil splits HS 8541.42 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8541.42.10Organic solar cells, not in modules
- 8541.42.20Other solar cells, not in modules or panels
- 8541.42.90Other photovoltaic cells, not in modules
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about solar cell
What is the HS code for Solar cell?
The HS code for Solar cell is 854142 (Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels). The HS code for individual photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules is 8541.42.
How do I classify Solar cell for customs?
Solar cell is classified under HS code 854142 — Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 8541.42 and 8541.43?
HS code 8541.42 is for individual, unassembled solar cells, while 8541.43 is for cells that have been assembled into modules or panels ready for installation.
Which countries are the top exporters of solar cell (HS 854142)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854142 (the code used for solar cell) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 44% of world exports), Indonesia ($1.7B) and Laos (about $982M). World exports came to about $10.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of solar cell (HS 854142)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854142 (the code used for solar cell) in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.7B, 31% of world imports), the United States ($2.5B) and Singapore ($629M). World imports came to about $8.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Solar cell the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854142 for Solar cell is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for solar cell in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854142 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for solar cell depends on the product's details: 8541.42.10 (Organic solar cells, not in modules), 8541.42.20 (Other solar cells, not in modules or panels), 8541.42.90 (Other photovoltaic cells, not in modules).