Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of goods from household appliances to industrial electronic components. Capacitors, as basic electronic components, are classified in this chapter regardless of their material and use, specifically under heading 8532. Heading 8532 covers fixed capacitors, variable capacitors and adjustable capacitors (including power capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, mica capacitors, plastic capacitors, etc.). This heading is further subdivided by dielectric type and structure, including multilayer ceramic capacitors, single-layer ceramic capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, etc. A single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor refers to a fixed capacitor with ceramic as the dielectric and only one layer of ceramic dielectric. Code 853222 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "32" represent heading 8532 (fixed capacitors, variable capacitors and adjustable capacitors); digits 5-6 "22" represent subheading 853222, specifically "single-layer ceramic fixed capacitors". In the HS classification, digits 5-6 are the internationally harmonized subheading level, used to distinguish capacitors of different dielectrics or structures under the same heading. The key difference between single-layer ceramic capacitors and multilayer ceramic capacitors (853224) lies in the number of dielectric layers: single-layer has only one layer of ceramic dielectric, while multilayer is formed by stacking multiple layers of ceramic dielectric. This product is a single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor, whose core characteristics are ceramic as the dielectric, fixed capacitance value, and only one layer of ceramic dielectric. Therefore, it is classified under 853222, rather than 853224 (multilayer ceramic fixed capacitors) or 853223 (other ceramic fixed capacitors). If it were a multilayer structure, it would be classified under 853224; if it were another dielectric (such as electrolytic or mica), it would be classified under other subheadings.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of goods from household appliances to industrial electronic components. Capacitors, as basic electronic components, are classified in this chapter regardless of their material and use, specifically under heading 8532.
Heading
Heading 8532 covers fixed capacitors, variable capacitors and adjustable capacitors (including power capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, mica capacitors, plastic capacitors, etc.). This heading is further subdivided by dielectric type and structure, including multilayer ceramic capacitors, single-layer ceramic capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, etc. A single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor refers to a fixed capacitor with ceramic as the dielectric and only one layer of ceramic dielectric.
Digit Breakdown
Code 853222 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "32" represent heading 8532 (fixed capacitors, variable capacitors and adjustable capacitors); digits 5-6 "22" represent subheading 853222, specifically "single-layer ceramic fixed capacitors". In the HS classification, digits 5-6 are the internationally harmonized subheading level, used to distinguish capacitors of different dielectrics or structures under the same heading. The key difference between single-layer ceramic capacitors and multilayer ceramic capacitors (853224) lies in the number of dielectric layers: single-layer has only one layer of ceramic dielectric, while multilayer is formed by stacking multiple layers of ceramic dielectric.
Classification Basis
This product is a single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor, whose core characteristics are ceramic as the dielectric, fixed capacitance value, and only one layer of ceramic dielectric. Therefore, it is classified under 853222, rather than 853224 (multilayer ceramic fixed capacitors) or 853223 (other ceramic fixed capacitors). If it were a multilayer structure, it would be classified under 853224; if it were another dielectric (such as electrolytic or mica), it would be classified under other subheadings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the dielectric type and structure of the capacitor, such as "single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor". Brand Type: Fill in the brand of the capacitor; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand", and it must be consistent with the actual product. Model: Fill in the specific model or specification code of the capacitor to distinguish products with different parameters. Dielectric Material: Clearly state that the capacitor's dielectric is ceramic and note that it is a single-layer structure. Capacitance Value: Fill in the nominal capacitance of the capacitor, usually in picofarads (pF), nanofarads (nF), or microfarads (μF). Rated Voltage: Fill in the rated working voltage of the capacitor, usually in volts (V). Use: Briefly describe the application scenario of the capacitor, such as for filtering, coupling, bypass, etc. Product Name: Single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor; Brand Type: No brand; Model: CC0402JRNPO9BN100; Dielectric Material: Ceramic (single-layer); Capacitance Value: 10pF; Rated Voltage: 50V; Use: For high-frequency circuit coupling. Misreporting a single-layer ceramic capacitor as a multilayer ceramic capacitor, resulting in classification error. Failing to note that the dielectric material is ceramic, which may lead to classification under other capacitor subheadings. Incomplete entry of capacitance value or rated voltage, affecting customs valuation and classification.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the dielectric type and structure of the capacitor, such as "single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor".
⚠️ Declaring it only as "capacitor" or "ceramic capacitor" without distinguishing single-layer or multilayer.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand of the capacitor; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand", and it must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer name for the brand, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification code of the capacitor to distinguish products with different parameters.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Dielectric Material
Clearly state that the capacitor's dielectric is ceramic and note that it is a single-layer structure.
⚠️ Failing to note single-layer, resulting in misclassification as a multilayer ceramic capacitor.
Capacitance Value
Fill in the nominal capacitance of the capacitor, usually in picofarads (pF), nanofarads (nF), or microfarads (μF).
⚠️ Incorrect unit entry or failure to specify the unit.
Rated Voltage
Fill in the rated working voltage of the capacitor, usually in volts (V).
⚠️ Omission or incorrect entry.
Use
Briefly describe the application scenario of the capacitor, such as for filtering, coupling, bypass, etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as "used in electronic equipment".
Misreporting a single-layer ceramic capacitor as a multilayer ceramic capacitor, resulting in classification error.
Failing to note that the dielectric material is ceramic, which may lead to classification under other capacitor subheadings.
Incomplete entry of capacitance value or rated voltage, affecting customs valuation and classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the dielectric type and structure of the capacitor. According to HS notes, 853222 applies only to single-layer ceramic fixed capacitors, i.e., fixed capacitors with only one layer of ceramic dielectric. If it is a multilayer structure, it is classified under 853224; if it is another dielectric (such as electrolyte, mica, plastic), it is classified under other subheadings. In addition, it must be confirmed that the capacitor is fixed (not variable or adjustable), otherwise it is classified under other subheadings of 8532. 853224 Multilayer ceramic fixed capacitors: Multilayer ceramic capacitors are formed by stacking multiple layers of ceramic dielectric, while single-layer ceramic capacitors have only one layer of ceramic dielectric. The two differ in structure and manufacturing process, and classification must be distinguished by the number of dielectric layers. 853223 Other ceramic fixed capacitors: This subheading covers ceramic fixed capacitors other than single-layer and multilayer, such as ceramic trimmer capacitors. If the capacitor is a single-layer structure, it should be classified under 853222. 853225 Paper or plastic dielectric fixed capacitors: The dielectric material is paper or plastic, not ceramic. Classification should be judged by dielectric material: ceramic dielectric is classified under 853222, paper or plastic dielectric under 853225. 853229 Other fixed capacitors: This subheading is a residual provision, applicable to other fixed capacitors not elsewhere specified, such as mica capacitors, glass capacitors, etc. Single-layer ceramic capacitors already have a specific subheading and should not be classified here. Confirm whether the capacitor is a fixed capacitor (not variable or adjustable). Confirm whether the dielectric material is ceramic. Confirm whether the ceramic dielectric is a single-layer structure. Verify whether parameters such as capacitance value and rated voltage are consistent with the declaration. Check whether the brand, model, etc. are filled in completely.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the dielectric type and structure of the capacitor. According to HS notes, 853222 applies only to single-layer ceramic fixed capacitors, i.e., fixed capacitors with only one layer of ceramic dielectric. If it is a multilayer structure, it is classified under 853224; if it is another dielectric (such as electrolyte, mica, plastic), it is classified under other subheadings. In addition, it must be confirmed that the capacitor is fixed (not variable or adjustable), otherwise it is classified under other subheadings of 8532.
Confused Codes：
853224 - Multilayer ceramic fixed capacitors
Multilayer ceramic capacitors are formed by stacking multiple layers of ceramic dielectric, while single-layer ceramic capacitors have only one layer of ceramic dielectric. The two differ in structure and manufacturing process, and classification must be distinguished by the number of dielectric layers.
853223 - Other ceramic fixed capacitors
This subheading covers ceramic fixed capacitors other than single-layer and multilayer, such as ceramic trimmer capacitors. If the capacitor is a single-layer structure, it should be classified under 853222.
853225 - Paper or plastic dielectric fixed capacitors
The dielectric material is paper or plastic, not ceramic. Classification should be judged by dielectric material: ceramic dielectric is classified under 853222, paper or plastic dielectric under 853225.
853229 - Other fixed capacitors
This subheading is a residual provision, applicable to other fixed capacitors not elsewhere specified, such as mica capacitors, glass capacitors, etc. Single-layer ceramic capacitors already have a specific subheading and should not be classified here.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the capacitor is a fixed capacitor (not variable or adjustable).
✓ Confirm whether the dielectric material is ceramic.
✓ Confirm whether the ceramic dielectric is a single-layer structure.
✓ Verify whether parameters such as capacitance value and rated voltage are consistent with the declaration.
✓ Check whether the brand, model, etc. are filled in completely.
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a ceramic capacitor is single-layer or multilayer? Single-layer ceramic capacitors usually have a simple structure with only one layer of ceramic dielectric, commonly used in high-frequency circuits. Multilayer ceramic capacitors are formed by stacking multiple layers of ceramic dielectric, with small size and large capacitance. They can be judged by appearance, model, or specification sheet; for example, if the model often contains "MLCC", it is multilayer. In the declaration elements for HS code 853222, how should the dielectric material be filled in? It should be filled in as "ceramic (single-layer)", clearly stating that the dielectric is ceramic and has a single-layer structure. Avoid filling in only "ceramic" to prevent confusion with multilayer ceramic capacitors. If the capacitor is single-layer ceramic but used in a power system, is it still classified under 853222? Yes, as long as it meets the definition of a single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor, it is classified under 853222 regardless of use. However, note that power capacitors may have separate provisions; it is recommended to check the notes to heading 8532. What is the main difference between 853222 and 853224? The main difference lies in the number of ceramic dielectric layers: 853222 is single-layer, and 853224 is multilayer. Classification must be accurately judged based on product structure: single-layer under 853222, multilayer under 853224. What are the consequences of omitting the "single-layer" description during declaration? It may cause customs to classify the goods under other subheadings (such as 853224), resulting in classification errors and affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions. It is recommended to declare completely to avoid omitting key information. How to check the import tariff rate for 853222? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional classification platforms. Tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest published version. What are the common uses of single-layer ceramic capacitors? Commonly used in high-frequency circuits, RF circuits, filtering, coupling, bypass, etc., such as communication equipment, radar, medical electronics, etc. If the capacitor is a variable ceramic capacitor, which code should it be classified under? Variable capacitors should be classified under other subheadings of 8532, such as 853230 (variable or adjustable capacitors). Single-layer ceramic fixed capacitors apply only to capacitors with fixed capacitance values.
Q: How to determine whether a ceramic capacitor is single-layer or multilayer?
A: Single-layer ceramic capacitors usually have a simple structure with only one layer of ceramic dielectric, commonly used in high-frequency circuits. Multilayer ceramic capacitors are formed by stacking multiple layers of ceramic dielectric, with small size and large capacitance. They can be judged by appearance, model, or specification sheet; for example, if the model often contains "MLCC", it is multilayer.
Q: In the declaration elements for HS code 853222, how should the dielectric material be filled in?
A: It should be filled in as "ceramic (single-layer)", clearly stating that the dielectric is ceramic and has a single-layer structure. Avoid filling in only "ceramic" to prevent confusion with multilayer ceramic capacitors.
Q: If the capacitor is single-layer ceramic but used in a power system, is it still classified under 853222?
A: Yes, as long as it meets the definition of a single-layer ceramic fixed capacitor, it is classified under 853222 regardless of use. However, note that power capacitors may have separate provisions; it is recommended to check the notes to heading 8532.
Q: What is the main difference between 853222 and 853224?
A: The main difference lies in the number of ceramic dielectric layers: 853222 is single-layer, and 853224 is multilayer. Classification must be accurately judged based on product structure: single-layer under 853222, multilayer under 853224.
Q: What are the consequences of omitting the "single-layer" description during declaration?
A: It may cause customs to classify the goods under other subheadings (such as 853224), resulting in classification errors and affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions. It is recommended to declare completely to avoid omitting key information.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 853222?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional classification platforms. Tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest published version.
Q: What are the common uses of single-layer ceramic capacitors?
A: Commonly used in high-frequency circuits, RF circuits, filtering, coupling, bypass, etc., such as communication equipment, radar, medical electronics, etc.
Q: If the capacitor is a variable ceramic capacitor, which code should it be classified under?
A: Variable capacitors should be classified under other subheadings of 8532, such as 853230 (variable or adjustable capacitors). Single-layer ceramic fixed capacitors apply only to capacitors with fixed capacitance values.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.