HS Code for Solar Panel: Guide for PV Generator

Solar panels have been claimed to be one of the best solutions to reduce the overreliance on fossil energy. The invention of solar panels is a game changer to exploit the abundance of solar energy, which is classified as free and environmentally friendly. As a promising energy source, the demand for solar panels in the international market is mounting. One of the main provisions in trading solar panels across borders is the HS code. So, what is the HS code for a solar panel? In this article, we will uncover the HS code for solar panels, major solar panel trade partners, and how to classify an accurate HS code for solar panels. 

What are solar panels, and what types of solar panels? 

Before digging deeper into the HS code for solar panels, we need to understand what solar panels actually mean. Solar panels are devices that are able to transform sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) technology. This technology comprises solar or PV cells made from silicon, assembled into a module or panel, and is shielded by protective materials, including EVA protection and glass, to ensure long terms usages. 

Contemporary solar panels are made from various materials, and their materials are selected for specific functions, longevity, and efficiency. Here are the types of solar panels you may need to know. 

• Monocrystalline solar panels: These types of solar modules are made from a single pure crystal of silicon, or monocrystalline, and have superb performance for generating electricity. In spite of the performance, monocrystalline solar panels are deemed the most expensive solar panels due to the complexity of making each solar cell. 
• Polycrystalline solar panels: Unlike monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels are a cheaper option because they are made from melted silicon fragments. Although it is cheaper, this solar panel is less efficient in terms of generating electricity than monocrystalline. 
• Thin-film solar panels: Different from monocrystalline and polycrystalline, thin-film solar panels are known as lightweight solar panels with materials from cadmium telluride (CdTe). These solar panels are suitable for people who need a flexible or portable option, but they are less efficient than crystalline solar panels. 

List of HS codes for solar panels and related products

When we comprehend the types of solar panels, we will explain the HS code for solar panels. As we mentioned earlier, HS or Harmonized System (HS) code is an essential code for streamlining the export and import process, and they are applied to all traded products, including solar panels. This numerical identification code from the World Customs Organization (WCO) comprises 6 digits code, including 2 digits of chapter, 2 digits of heading, and 2 digits of subheading. 

The HS code for solar panels is grouped under Chapter 85, which contains electrical machinery and equipment. However, there are solar panel-related products, such as PV generators, that are categorized under other chapters. The table below is the list of HS codes for solar panels and related products. 

HS code	Description
8541.42	Photovoltaic (PV) solar cell not assembled into a solar module or panel
8541.43	Photovoltaic (PV) solar cell assembled into solar modules or panels.
8541.90	Parts for assembled solar panels or modules
8501.71	Photovoltaic (PV) DC generators with an output of less than 50 kWh
8501.72	Photovoltaic (PV) DC generators with an output of more than 50 kWh

The list of HS codes for solar panels or related products is only the initial code from the WCO, and you must understand the extension code or national-level HS code. All countries have published their own HS code to further classify traded products in their own country. Therefore, exporters must be aware of the national code administered by the destination country before exporting products across national borders. 

Top solar panel trade partners

After understanding the list of HS codes for solar panels and related products, we may need to check the list of major trading partners of solar panels. We have collected the top 5 largest exporters and importers of solar panels in 2025 according to the International Trade Centre. 

We have found the list of the largest exporters and importers of solar module on previous article about the HS code for solar modules. Now, we can check the biggest exporters of solar cells. The table below shows the biggest solar cell (HS:8541.42) exporting countries in 2025. 

Country	Total Value (USD)
China	4.5 billion
Indonesia	1.7 billion
Singapore	656 million
South Korea	475 million
Malaysia	446 million

Source: International Trade Centre, accessed July 10, 2026

The data show that all solar cell exporters are from Asia. The biggest solar cell exporter is China, with more than 4.5 billion USD, followed by Indonesia as the second largest solar cell exporter with a value of 1.7 billion USD. They are followed by Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia in the third to fifth positions. Now, we can check the biggest buyers of solar cells in 2025 in the table below. 

Country	Total Value (USD)
India	2.7 billion
United States of America	2.5 billion
Singapore	627 million
Thailand	486 million
Turkiye	444 million

Source: International Trade Centre, accessed July 10, 2026

As displayed above, we can see that India has become the largest importer of solar cells in 2025 with a value of 2.7 billion USD, exceeding the United States in the second position with an amount of 2.5 billion USD. The remaining largest importers of solar cells are Singapore, Thailand, and Turkiye.  

How to classify the HS code for solar panels 

We have explained the list of HS codes for solar panels and the largest exporting and importing countries. At this point, we will give instructions on how to identify HS codes for solar panels effortlessly. Instead of using the manual method based on the General Rules for Interpretation of HS Codes, we may take a look at a simple and quick option. 

To classify HS codes for all products automatically, we can use the HSCodeMatch app. This app is simple and easy to use, similar to a search engine, and powered by AI to classify HS codes for solar panels faster and without a complicated process. Check the instructions to classify the HS code for solar panels using HSCodeMatch below. 

Step 1: Open and register for the HSCodeMatch app

The first thing you need to do is open your HSCodeMatch account or sign up if you don’t have an account through this link: app.hscodematch.com. Then, open HS Code Search, and for this example, we can use the trade route between the largest solar cell exporter and importer, China and India. So, just set the product name to photovoltaic (PV) solar cell, origin country to China, and destination country to India on the menu bar. 

Step 2: Verify the HS codes for solar cells (8541.42)

After submitting the requirements, you can find the list of HS codes for solar cells, then choose the most appropriate HS code in India, which is under code 8541.42.00. 

Step 3: Find the complete tariff and regulations on HS Code Details

Click Full Details to find the complete tariff and applicable regulations on the HS code 8541.42.00 in India. You can find that exporting solar cells from China to India risks antidumping duty, but there is a warning of an investigation into antidumping of these products in India. 

Step 4: Request the AI Chatbot Assistant to detect relevant regulations and tariffs

Sometimes, we are confused about checking the regulations and tariffs on solar cells in India one by one. Don’t worry, we have provided an AI Chatbot Assistant on the right side of the HS Code Details. You can request any related questions to help you gain insight or detect relevant regulations for these products. 

To make it clear about the AI Chatbot Assistant on HSCodeMatch, we can give three examples of questions and summary answers about exporting solar cells from China to India below. 

What is the applicable tariff rate for exporting solar cells under HS code 85414200 from China to India? 

For exporting solar cells from China to India, there is a tariff rate of 12% under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) regime. This tariff is based on the Indian Tariff Classification (ITC) code for semiconductor devices, including solar cells, and this product does not apply to the preferential tariff rate under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). The table below is the explanation of the applicable tariff rate for photovoltaic solar cells from China into India. 

Product	HS code	MFN Tariff Rate	Preferential Tariff APTA
Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are not assembled into solar modules or panels	85414200	20%	Not Available

What are the specific anti-dumping duty rates currently applied to Chinese solar cells in India?

Recently, India has imposed antidumping duties on solar cells from China due to unfair practices that are harmful to the domestic solar cell industry. Not only solar cells, but antidumping duties also apply to solar panels or modules under the HS code 854140 and 854143. The duty rate is 30% based on the determination of the dumping margin ranging from 105-115%. These antidumping duties have been enforced for more than a decade and apply to all solar cell products. However, DGTR has temporarily suspended antidumping duties on 29 Dec 2025 due to the high demand for solar cells in India. The following table explains the antidumping duties for solar cells from China to India. 

Regulation	Requirement	Deadline/Threshold	Authority
Solar cell, whether assembled on modules or not	Antidumping duties apply to HS codes 54143, 854140, 854142 from China	30%	DGTR
Antidumping investigation in India	DGTR investigates the unfair pricing of solar cell products from China	Ongoing after more than 1 decade	DGTR
Ministry of Commerce and Industry	Review antidumping duties that have been enforced for more than 10 years,	N/A	Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Are there any mandatory registrations for exporting solar cells from China to India?

Yes, exporting solar cells from China to India is subject to mandatory registration to ensure quality standards and certification under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In addition, the solar cells and modules must be approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) before being marketed in India. Exporters and importers must be aware of Basic Custom Duty (BCD) in India and potential antidumping duties for solar cells and solar panels originating from China. Here is the requirement table for exporting solar cells from China to India. 

Regulation	Requirement	Deadline
Solar Photovoltaic System and Components Goods Order (2017)	Must be registered on BIS for solar panels or cells.	Ongoing
Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order (2024)	Must include BIS Standard Mark and certification for solar cell products	October 18, 2024
Approved based on the List of Models and Manufacturers for Solar Modules	Must comply with the MNRE list of solar cell or panel models	Ongoing
Promoting the local solar panel industry	Applicable Basic Customs Duty (BCD) for solar panels	01/04/2022
Antidumping investigations	There is potential antidumping on solar cells from China	Under investigation

Conclusion 

Classifying the HS code for solar panels is simpler than the HS code for other products because it falls under a specific heading. According to the WCO standard, an assembled solar panel falls under the HS code 8541.43. Meanwhile, the HS code for solar cells or unassembled solar modules, or panel covers under the code 8541.42. In addition, related products for solar panels, such as solar panel components is under the code 8541.90. However, the 6-digit code is only the initial process, and you need to identify and classify the national variation of the HS code issued by the recipient country. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): HS Code for Solar Panel 

1. What is the applicable national-level HS code for solar cells in India? 

The national standard HS code, also known as the Indian Tariff Classification (ITC) code for solar cells, is based on the initial code from the WCO code. The applicable code in India, known as the Indian Tariff Classification (ITC) code, is 85414200. 

2. What is the national-level HS code for solar panels or modules in India? 

The national variation of the HS code for solar panels or modules in India is quite similar to the HS code for solar cells. The applicable HS code for solar modules in India is 85414300. 

3. What is the main consideration for classifying HS codes for solar system and related products? 

The main consideration for classifying HS codes for solar system and related products is whether the products are assembled or not assembled into panels or modules and parts of solar panels. Additionally, you must be aware of the generator of solar panels or the HS code for solar panel inverter, which are classified under different chapters. 

4. Are there any antidumping investigations for China’s solar system products in India? 

Yes, India has opened an antidumping investigation on Chinese solar system products since September 30, 2024, and finalized it in 2025. However, India suspended the antidumping duties for Chinese solar cells in late 2025. 

5. What is the tariff classification code or HS code for a solar panel inverter? 

The applicable HS code for a solar panel inverter is different from the code for solar cells and panels. They are under the electrical machinery Chapter 85, and the complete HS code for a solar inverter is also similar to that of a static inverter, which is 8504.40.