Product classification
HS code for Transistor: 8541.21
Electrical apparatus, transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of less than 1W.
Classification of transistor under HS 8541.21
Transistors are classified under HS code 8541.21 because they fall within the broader category of semiconductor devices. Heading 8541 specifically covers diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductor devices, as well as photosensitive semiconductor devices. The classification is determined by the physical properties and the power handling capacity of the component. Subheading 8541.21 is reserved for transistors, other than photosensitive ones, that have a power dissipation rate of less than 1 watt. This classification follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize the terms of the headings and subheadings. The dissipation rate is a critical technical threshold; it refers to the amount of heat energy the device can safely dissipate during operation. If the device exceeds this 1W threshold, it moves to a different subheading. These components are essential in electronic circuits for switching and amplification, and their classification is strictly based on their electrical specifications rather than their specific application in a finished product like a computer or a radio.
- Covers
- Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT) with dissipation < 1W
- Field-Effect Transistors (FET) with dissipation < 1W
- Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFET) with dissipation < 1W
- Small-signal transistors
- Switching transistors for low-power applications
- Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFET)
- Also under 8541.21
- BC547 BJT
- 2N3904 NPN transistor
- 2N7000 N-channel MOSFET
- SOT-23 package transistors
- Fairchild Semiconductor KSC1845
Codes often confused with 8541.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between HS code 8541.21 and 8541.29. Code 8541.29 is used for transistors with a dissipation rate of 1 watt or more. Importers often fail to verify the technical datasheet of the component, leading to errors. Additionally, transistors are sometimes incorrectly classified under 8542.39 as integrated circuits. While an integrated circuit may contain transistors, a discrete transistor must be classified under 8541. Photosensitive transistors are also a common source of confusion; these must be classified under 8541.41 or 8541.49, regardless of their power dissipation rate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854121 (the code used for transistor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854121 (the code used for transistor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 30% 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 854121, not only transistor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 31% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $1.2B 24% of world exports
- 3 Japan $589M 11% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $1.6B 30% of world imports
- 2 China $1.2B 23% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $323M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $5.4B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 transistor
Brazil splits HS 8541.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8541.21.10Unmounted transistors under 1 W dissipation
- 8541.21.20SMD transistors under 1 W dissipation
- 8541.21.91Heterojunction FETs (HJFET, HEMT) under 1 W
- 8541.21.99Other mounted transistors under 1 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about transistor
What is the HS code for Transistor?
The HS code for Transistor is 854121 (Electrical apparatus; transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of less than 1W). The HS code for a transistor with a dissipation rate of less than 1 watt is 8541.21. If the dissipation rate is 1 watt or more, the code is 8541.29.
How do I classify Transistor for customs?
Transistor is classified under HS code 854121 — Electrical apparatus; transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of less than 1W. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the dissipation rate determined for classification?
The dissipation rate is typically found in the manufacturer's technical specification sheet, usually measured at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. It represents the maximum power the device can handle without damage.
Which countries are the top exporters of transistor (HS 854121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854121 (the code used for transistor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 31% of world exports), Hong Kong ($1.2B) and Japan ($589M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 transistor (HS 854121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854121 (the code used for transistor) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.6B, 30% of world imports), China ($1.2B) and South Korea ($323M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 Transistor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854121 for Transistor 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 transistor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854121 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for transistor depends on the product's details: 8541.21.10 (Unmounted transistors under 1 W dissipation), 8541.21.20 (SMD transistors under 1 W dissipation), 8541.21.91 (Heterojunction FETs (HJFET, HEMT) under 1 W), 8541.21.99 (Other mounted transistors under 1 W).