Product classification
HS code for Tantalum capacitors: 8532.21
Electrical capacitors, fixed, tantalum.
Classification of tantalum capacitors under HS 8532.21
HS Code 8532.21 is specific to fixed tantalum capacitors. These are passive electronic components that store energy in an electric field using tantalum as the anode material. The classification is determined by the fixed nature of the capacitance (as opposed to variable) and the specific chemical composition of the dielectric and electrodes. Tantalum capacitors are known for their high capacitance per volume and stability, making them distinct from aluminum or ceramic alternatives within the 8532 heading. These components are widely used in telecommunications, medical devices, and automotive electronics due to their reliability and compact size. The Harmonized System separates capacitors based on their construction materials because the manufacturing processes and applications vary significantly. Tantalum capacitors utilize a pellet of tantalum powder as the anode, with an oxide layer acting as the dielectric. This specific construction is what mandates the use of subheading 8532.21. The code applies regardless of the mounting style, whether they are Surface Mount Technology (SMT) chips or leaded components.
- Covers
- Tantalum electrolytic capacitors
- Molded tantalum chip capacitors
- Radial leaded tantalum capacitors
- High-reliability tantalum capacitors
- Solid tantalum capacitors
- Also under 8532.21
- KEMET Tantalum Capacitors
- AVX Tantalum Capacitors
- Vishay Tantalum Capacitors
- Panasonic Tantalum Capacitors
Codes often confused with 8532.21
Common mistake. Tantalum capacitors are frequently misclassified under HS Code 8532.22, which is reserved for aluminum electrolytic capacitors. While both are electrolytic, the base metal is a critical distinction in the HS nomenclature. They are also sometimes confused with HS Code 8532.24 (ceramic multi-layer capacitors). If the capacitor is variable or adjustable, it must be classified under 8532.30, regardless of the material used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853221 (the code used for tantalum capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853221 (the code used for tantalum capacitors) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% 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 853221, not only tantalum capacitors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $604M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $430M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $229M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $769M 28% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $424M 16% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$317M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.7B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 tantalum capacitors
Brazil splits HS 8532.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8532.21.11SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation 125 V or less
- 8532.21.19SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation over 125 V
- 8532.21.20Through-hole (PTH) tantalum capacitors
- 8532.21.90Other tantalum capacitors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tantalum capacitors
What is the HS code for Tantalum capacitors?
The HS code for Tantalum capacitors is 853221 (Electrical capacitors; fixed, tantalum).
How do I classify Tantalum capacitors for customs?
Tantalum capacitors is classified under HS code 853221 — Electrical capacitors; fixed, tantalum. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for tantalum chip capacitors?
Fixed tantalum chip capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.21.
How do I distinguish between 8532.21 and 8532.22?
HS code 8532.21 is exclusively for tantalum-based capacitors, while 8532.22 is for aluminum-based electrolytic capacitors.
Which countries are the top exporters of tantalum capacitors (HS 853221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853221 (the code used for tantalum capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($604M, 23% of world exports), China ($430M) and the United States ($229M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 tantalum capacitors (HS 853221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853221 (the code used for tantalum capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($769M, 28% of world imports), Hong Kong ($424M) and Taiwan (about $317M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Tantalum capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853221 for Tantalum capacitors 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 tantalum capacitors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853221 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for tantalum capacitors depends on the product's details: 8532.21.11 (SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation 125 V or less), 8532.21.19 (SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation over 125 V), 8532.21.20 (Through-hole (PTH) tantalum capacitors), 8532.21.90 (Other tantalum capacitors).