HS Code 8519Sound recording or reproducing apparatus

What HS code 8519 covers

Think of record players, payment-operated music machines, and devices that save or play audio on magnetic, optical or semiconductor media. If a machine's job is to capture or play back sound, this is the place to look first.

You may also see the same number written as HSN code 8519 or HTS code 8519. The first six digits are shared across these systems. Countries add their own extra digits after that for local duty and statistics.

Customs officers go by the written description, not by the product name on the box. That is why the exact wording of each subheading matters, and why a sound reproducing apparatus can land in different codes.

Sound recording apparatus tariff classification: how to choose the subheading

Work through the four subheadings in order. Stop at the first one that fits your product.

• 851920: Does the machine only run after someone pays, whether by coin, note, card or token? Use this code. A coin-operated sound apparatus is the usual example.
• 851930: Is it a turntable, also called a record-deck? Use this code.
• 851981: Does it record or play sound from magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, and does it miss the two cases above? Use this code. Many disc players and memory-based players end up here.
• 851989: Is it still a sound recording or reproducing apparatus, but nothing above fits? This is the catch-all code for the heading.

Headings often confused with 8519

Several nearby headings deal with audio and video. Check them before you settle on 8519.

• 8518 covers microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, earphones and sound amplifiers. These handle the sound signal. They do not record or play it back on their own.
• If the machine handles moving pictures, look here.
• 8522 is the home for parts and accessories. A loose part for a sound player does not go under 8519.
• These are the media, not the machine that plays them.
• 8527 covers radio reception apparatus. It can be built into one housing with a sound recorder.
• If you are still unsure, the HS code classifier can help you narrow it down.

Who imports sound recording apparatus under HS 8519?

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.

You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo. Open the import and export pages to look at 8519 records, or use the buyer and supplier pages to find companies.