Electronics HS Codes — Classification Guide for Importers

The most common electronics HS codes

These are the codes you will meet most often sourcing consumer electronics.

• 8517.62 — Machines for reception, conversion, transmission of voice/image/data (wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, WiFi routers, IoT devices). Default for anything with 'wireless' + 'communication.'
• 8518.30 — Headphones, earphones, and microphones combined with a speaker. Wired headphones live here. Wireless ones usually move to 8517.62.
• 8504.40 — Static converters. USB power adapters, phone chargers, laptop chargers, USB-C PD bricks.
• 8544.42 — Insulated electric cables fitted with connectors. USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort cables.
• 8507.60 — Lithium-ion accumulators. Power banks, replacement batteries, battery packs (but not products containing a built-in battery — those classify by the product).
• 8528.72 — Color TV reception apparatus. Smart TVs, monitors with tuners.
• 8471.30 — Portable automatic data-processing machines. Laptops and tablets under 10kg.
• 8517.13 — Smartphones. Distinct heading since the 2022 HS revision.

The wireless-earbuds trap

Earbuds with Bluetooth classify under 8517.62 because the wireless radio is the principal function. Earbuds with a cable (even if the cable has a mic) go to 8518.30. The distinction matters: 8517.62 is typically 0% duty base rate, 8518.30 is 4.9%. Get it wrong on a container of 10,000 units and the duty delta alone is thousands of dollars.

When in doubt, the classifier reads your description and flags both possibilities with confidence scores. If confidence is below 80%, read the chapter notes or consult a broker before filing.

Compliance triggers

Any device with a radio (Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, cellular) needs an FCC ID and proper labeling before US entry. Any device with a lithium cell over 2g of lithium content or 20Wh energy needs UN 38.3 testing and the MP4 shipping mark for air freight. The calculator flags these as risk items when the extracted fields indicate them.

Frequently asked questions

How do I classify a product with multiple functions?

General Rule of Interpretation 3(b) says the essential character decides. For a smartwatch that tells time, tracks fitness, and takes calls — the cellular/Bluetooth communication function typically wins, pushing it toward 8517.62.

Do chargers always go under 8504?

Standalone chargers, yes. But if the charger is sold IN THE BOX with a product, it may be classified as part of that product under GRI 3(b) 'retail set' rules.