Solar products face some of the most layered US tariffs of any category — which makes correct HTS classification mission-critical. This guide covers the common HTS codes for solar cells, panels, and inverters.
Solar imports from China routinely stack Section 301 + anti-dumping / countervailing (AD/CVD) duties that can push total duty well above 50%. The HTS code decides which stacks apply.
Note — these are 6-digit HS codes, not the full US HTS. The numbers below are the international HS (identical in every country) and what most "HS code for solar panel" searches return. For an actual US entry, CBP requires the 10-digit HTS — and for solar the 10-digit is critical because AD/CVD case rates are set at that level. HSBot resolves the full 10-digit HTS and its layered duty (incl. AD/CVD) from a product description.
| Product | HS code (6-digit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaic cells (not assembled) | 8541.42 | Solar cells |
| Photovoltaic cells assembled in modules/panels | 8541.43 | Finished solar panels |
| Solar inverters | 8504.40 | DC→AC conversion |
| Lithium batteries (storage) | 8507.60 | If shipped with system |
Solar is the textbook case for layered duty: - MFN base — often 0% for cells/modules - Section 301 — China-origin solar sits on the 301 lists - AD/CVD — large anti-dumping / countervailing duties on Chinese solar (often 50%+ combined) — the biggest cost driver - Section 201 safeguard — expired for cells/modules in 2024, but verify current status - MPF / HMF — on FOB value
A China-origin panel quoted at "0% MFN" can owe 50%+ once 301 + AD/CVD stack.
Type a product name or HS code into HSBot and it pulls the full chain — AI classification, the layered US duty (MFN / 301 / AD-CVD / MPF / HMF), regulatory conditions, and declaration elements — synced to the latest tariff changes. For solar, it shows exactly which stacks hit your code.
Q: Are solar panels still under Section 201? The safeguard expired for cells/modules in 2024 — but 301 and AD/CVD remain. Verify the live rate. Q: Why is my solar duty quote so high? AD/CVD on Chinese solar is usually the driver, not MFN. HSBot breaks it down layer by layer. Q: Cells vs modules — different code? Yes: 8541.42 (cells) vs 8541.43 (modules). Q: Is the 6-digit HS code enough to declare in the US? No. For solar the 10-digit HTS is essential — AD/CVD duties are set at the 10-digit line. HSBot returns the full 10-digit HTS and its layered duty.
Data is for reference; final classification and duty are determined by CBP.