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 products from household appliances to precision electronic components. As the foundation of the modern electronics industry, semiconductor devices have their core classification concentrated in heading 8541, while 854150, as a residual subheading, accommodates other semiconductor devices not specifically named as photosensitive semiconductors, light-emitting diodes, mounted piezo-electric crystals, etc. Heading 8541 covers: diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals. This heading is divided into multiple first-level subheadings by device type and function, including 854110 (diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes), 854120 (photosensitive semiconductor devices, including photovoltaic cells), 854130 (light-emitting diodes), 854140 (mounted piezo-electric crystals), 854150 (other semiconductor devices), and 854160 (mounted piezo-electric crystals, other than those named in 854140). 854150, as a residual subheading, covers semiconductor devices not specifically named in other subheadings. First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., 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. Digits 3-4, 41: indicates heading 8541, i.e., diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals. Digits 5-6, 50: indicates subheading 854150, i.e., "other semiconductor devices." This subheading is a residual subheading used to classify semiconductor devices not specifically named in 854110 through 854140 and 854160, such as certain special types of semiconductor switching elements, semiconductor sensitive elements, unmounted semiconductor wafers or chips (but note the distinction from 8542 integrated circuits), etc. This commodity is classified under 854150 rather than adjacent codes because it is neither a diode of 854110 (other than photosensitive or light-emitting), nor a photosensitive semiconductor device of 854120, nor a light-emitting diode of 854130 or a mounted piezo-electric crystal of 854140/854160. At the same time, it is not an integrated circuit of 8542 (integrated circuits have a higher degree of integration, and 8542 has independent classification rules). 854150 is specifically for discrete devices or similar devices that have semiconductor characteristics but are not specifically named in other subheadings of 8541.
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 products from household appliances to precision electronic components. As the foundation of the modern electronics industry, semiconductor devices have their core classification concentrated in heading 8541, while 854150, as a residual subheading, accommodates other semiconductor devices not specifically named as photosensitive semiconductors, light-emitting diodes, mounted piezo-electric crystals, etc.
Heading
Heading 8541 covers: diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals. This heading is divided into multiple first-level subheadings by device type and function, including 854110 (diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes), 854120 (photosensitive semiconductor devices, including photovoltaic cells), 854130 (light-emitting diodes), 854140 (mounted piezo-electric crystals), 854150 (other semiconductor devices), and 854160 (mounted piezo-electric crystals, other than those named in 854140). 854150, as a residual subheading, covers semiconductor devices not specifically named in other subheadings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., 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. Digits 3-4, 41: indicates heading 8541, i.e., diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals. Digits 5-6, 50: indicates subheading 854150, i.e., "other semiconductor devices." This subheading is a residual subheading used to classify semiconductor devices not specifically named in 854110 through 854140 and 854160, such as certain special types of semiconductor switching elements, semiconductor sensitive elements, unmounted semiconductor wafers or chips (but note the distinction from 8542 integrated circuits), etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 854150 rather than adjacent codes because it is neither a diode of 854110 (other than photosensitive or light-emitting), nor a photosensitive semiconductor device of 854120, nor a light-emitting diode of 854130 or a mounted piezo-electric crystal of 854140/854160. At the same time, it is not an integrated circuit of 8542 (integrated circuits have a higher degree of integration, and 8542 has independent classification rules). 854150 is specifically for discrete devices or similar devices that have semiconductor characteristics but are not specifically named in other subheadings of 8541.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the type and function of the device, such as "other semiconductor devices (semiconductor switching elements)." Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model or specification of the product to distinguish it from similar products. Use: Explain the main application field of the device, such as "used in power management circuits," "used for signal amplification," etc. Material: Fill in the semiconductor material, such as silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, etc., as well as the packaging material (such as plastic, ceramic). Working Principle: Briefly describe the semiconductor working principle of the device, such as "uses PN junction characteristics to achieve switching function." Mounted or Not: State whether the device is mounted as a component or module, such as "unmounted chip" or "encapsulated discrete device." Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Other semiconductor devices (semiconductor switching elements)
Brand: TOSHIBA
Model: 2SK1234
Use: Used in switching power supply circuits
Material: Silicon, plastic package
Working Principle: Uses the field effect of a PN junction to control current on/off
Mounted or Not: Encapsulated
Classification: 8541500090 Misclassifying integrated circuits under 854150; integrated circuits should be classified under 8542. Ignoring photosensitive or light-emitting characteristics, resulting in failure to classify under 854120 or 854130. Failure to distinguish mounted piezo-electric crystals from unmounted ones; the latter may be classified under 854160 or 854150.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the type and function of the device, such as "other semiconductor devices (semiconductor switching elements)."
⚠️ Filling in only "semiconductor device" is too general and does not distinguish the specific type.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand, making traceability impossible.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification of the product to distinguish it from similar products.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or use of internal codes, making it impossible for customs to identify.
Use
Explain the main application field of the device, such as "used in power management circuits," "used for signal amplification," etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "used in electronic equipment," lacking specificity.
Material
Fill in the semiconductor material, such as silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, etc., as well as the packaging material (such as plastic, ceramic).
⚠️ Filling in only "semiconductor" without specifying the material, or ignoring the packaging material.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the semiconductor working principle of the device, such as "uses PN junction characteristics to achieve switching function."
⚠️ Incorrectly describing it as the working principle of an integrated circuit, leading to classification disputes.
Mounted or Not
State whether the device is mounted as a component or module, such as "unmounted chip" or "encapsulated discrete device."
⚠️ Misreporting a mounted module as unmounted, affecting classification.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Other semiconductor devices (semiconductor switching elements)
Brand: TOSHIBA
Model: 2SK1234
Use: Used in switching power supply circuits
Material: Silicon, plastic package
Working Principle: Uses the field effect of a PN junction to control current on/off
Mounted or Not: Encapsulated
Classification: 8541500090
Common Mistakes:
Misclassifying integrated circuits under 854150; integrated circuits should be classified under 8542.
Ignoring photosensitive or light-emitting characteristics, resulting in failure to classify under 854120 or 854130.
Failure to distinguish mounted piezo-electric crystals from unmounted ones; the latter may be classified under 854160 or 854150.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: First, confirm whether the commodity is a semiconductor device, i.e., an electronic component that uses the properties of semiconductor materials to achieve a specific function. Second, determine whether it belongs to a specifically named subheading under heading 8541: diodes (854110), photosensitive semiconductors (854120), light-emitting diodes (854130), mounted piezo-electric crystals (854140, 854160). If none apply, classify under 854150. At the same time, integrated circuits of 8542 must be excluded; integrated circuits generally refer to multiple components integrated on a single chip with complex functions. 854150 mainly covers discrete semiconductor devices, such as certain special types of transistors, thyristors, semiconductor switches, etc. 854110 Diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes: 854110 specifically refers to diodes, including rectifier diodes, switching diodes, etc., while 854150 covers non-diode semiconductor devices, such as transistors, thyristors, etc. 854120 Photosensitive semiconductor devices: 854120 includes photovoltaic cells, photodiodes and other light-sensitive devices; 854150 does not include photosensitive devices. 854130 Light-emitting diodes: 854130 specifically refers to LEDs, including visible and infrared LEDs; 854150 does not include light-emitting devices. 854140 Mounted piezo-electric crystals: 854140 refers to mounted piezo-electric crystals, such as quartz crystal resonators; 854150 does not include piezo-electric crystals. 8542 Integrated circuits: 8542 covers integrated circuits, i.e., highly integrated circuits, while 854150 is for discrete semiconductor devices with a low degree of integration. Is it made of semiconductor material? Does it have photosensitive or light-emitting characteristics? Is it a diode? Is it a mounted piezo-electric crystal? Is it an integrated circuit?
Basis
Core basis for classification: First, confirm whether the commodity is a semiconductor device, i.e., an electronic component that uses the properties of semiconductor materials to achieve a specific function. Second, determine whether it belongs to a specifically named subheading under heading 8541: diodes (854110), photosensitive semiconductors (854120), light-emitting diodes (854130), mounted piezo-electric crystals (854140, 854160). If none apply, classify under 854150. At the same time, integrated circuits of 8542 must be excluded; integrated circuits generally refer to multiple components integrated on a single chip with complex functions. 854150 mainly covers discrete semiconductor devices, such as certain special types of transistors, thyristors, semiconductor switches, etc.
Confused Codes:
854110 - Diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes
854110 specifically refers to diodes, including rectifier diodes, switching diodes, etc., while 854150 covers non-diode semiconductor devices, such as transistors, thyristors, etc.
854120 - Photosensitive semiconductor devices
854120 includes photovoltaic cells, photodiodes and other light-sensitive devices; 854150 does not include photosensitive devices.
854130 - Light-emitting diodes
854130 specifically refers to LEDs, including visible and infrared LEDs; 854150 does not include light-emitting devices.
854140 - Mounted piezo-electric crystals
854140 refers to mounted piezo-electric crystals, such as quartz crystal resonators; 854150 does not include piezo-electric crystals.
8542 - Integrated circuits
8542 covers integrated circuits, i.e., highly integrated circuits, while 854150 is for discrete semiconductor devices with a low degree of integration.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it made of semiconductor material?
✓ Does it have photosensitive or light-emitting characteristics?
✓ Is it a diode?
✓ Is it a mounted piezo-electric crystal?
✓ Is it an integrated circuit?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS code 854150 and 854110? 854110 specifically refers to diodes (other than photosensitive or light-emitting), such as rectifier diodes and switching diodes. 854150 is the residual subheading for other semiconductor devices, covering non-diode semiconductor devices such as transistors, thyristors, and semiconductor switches. If the device is a diode, it should first be classified under 854110. How do you determine whether a semiconductor device should be classified under 854150 or 8542? The key is the degree of integration. 8542 is for integrated circuits, meaning multiple components integrated on a single chip to achieve complex functions; 854150 is for discrete semiconductor devices, usually with a single function, such as one transistor or thyristor. If the device is a single semiconductor element, classify under 854150; if multiple elements are integrated, classify under 8542. Which code should photosensitive semiconductor devices be classified under? Photosensitive semiconductor devices should be classified under 854120, including photovoltaic cells, photodiodes, phototransistors, etc. 854150 explicitly excludes photosensitive devices. If the device is light-sensitive, 854120 should be considered first. Which code should mounted piezo-electric crystals be classified under? Mounted piezo-electric crystals are classified under 854140 or 854160. 854140 includes mounted piezo-electric crystals, but 854160 is a subdivision of 854140, and the specific classification depends on the crystal type and use. 854150 does not include piezo-electric crystals. What key information is required when declaring 854150? Product name, brand, model, use, material, working principle, mounted or not, etc. are required. In particular, it is necessary to explain the semiconductor characteristics of the device and that it is not photosensitive, not light-emitting, not a diode, not a piezo-electric crystal, and not an integrated circuit, to ensure accurate classification. If a semiconductor device has both photosensitive and other functions, how should it be classified? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, if a device has photosensitive characteristics, it should first be classified under 854120. If photosensitivity is the main function, classify under 854120; if photosensitivity is only an auxiliary function, classification should be based on the main function. It is recommended to provide detailed technical documentation and apply for advance classification if necessary. What is the export tax rebate rate for 854150? The export tax rebate rate changes with national policy adjustments, and the specific rate must be checked in the latest export tax rebate documents. It is recommended to check the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the State Taxation Administration, or consult a professional customs broker. This answer does not provide a specific tax rate value. How can I check the MFN rate for 854150? The MFN rate can be checked through the "Import and Export Tariff" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, or by using the customs classification advance ruling service. The rate may vary depending on trade agreements, origin, and other factors; it is recommended to rely on the tariff in effect at the time of actual declaration.
Q: What is the difference between HS code 854150 and 854110?
A: 854110 specifically refers to diodes (other than photosensitive or light-emitting), such as rectifier diodes and switching diodes. 854150 is the residual subheading for other semiconductor devices, covering non-diode semiconductor devices such as transistors, thyristors, and semiconductor switches. If the device is a diode, it should first be classified under 854110.
Q: How do you determine whether a semiconductor device should be classified under 854150 or 8542?
A: The key is the degree of integration. 8542 is for integrated circuits, meaning multiple components integrated on a single chip to achieve complex functions; 854150 is for discrete semiconductor devices, usually with a single function, such as one transistor or thyristor. If the device is a single semiconductor element, classify under 854150; if multiple elements are integrated, classify under 8542.
Q: Which code should photosensitive semiconductor devices be classified under?
A: Photosensitive semiconductor devices should be classified under 854120, including photovoltaic cells, photodiodes, phototransistors, etc. 854150 explicitly excludes photosensitive devices. If the device is light-sensitive, 854120 should be considered first.
Q: Which code should mounted piezo-electric crystals be classified under?
A: Mounted piezo-electric crystals are classified under 854140 or 854160. 854140 includes mounted piezo-electric crystals, but 854160 is a subdivision of 854140, and the specific classification depends on the crystal type and use. 854150 does not include piezo-electric crystals.
Q: What key information is required when declaring 854150?
A: Product name, brand, model, use, material, working principle, mounted or not, etc. are required. In particular, it is necessary to explain the semiconductor characteristics of the device and that it is not photosensitive, not light-emitting, not a diode, not a piezo-electric crystal, and not an integrated circuit, to ensure accurate classification.
Q: If a semiconductor device has both photosensitive and other functions, how should it be classified?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, if a device has photosensitive characteristics, it should first be classified under 854120. If photosensitivity is the main function, classify under 854120; if photosensitivity is only an auxiliary function, classification should be based on the main function. It is recommended to provide detailed technical documentation and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 854150?
A: The export tax rebate rate changes with national policy adjustments, and the specific rate must be checked in the latest export tax rebate documents. It is recommended to check the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the State Taxation Administration, or consult a professional customs broker. This answer does not provide a specific tax rate value.
Q: How can I check the MFN rate for 854150?
A: The MFN rate can be checked through the "Import and Export Tariff" on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, or by using the customs classification advance ruling service. The rate may vary depending on trade agreements, origin, and other factors; it is recommended to rely on the tariff in effect at the time of actual declaration.
⚠️ 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.