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HS-4 · Heading

8517Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular/wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), excluding items of 8443, 8525, 8527, or 8528

Chapter 85: Electrical machinery and equipment

Plain-language overview

Use HS-4 8517 when importing or exporting telephone sets, including smartphones and other devices for cellular networks. For example, if you're shipping a batch of smartphones from a manufacturer, this is the heading you would reference.

When deciding among the HS-6 lines, consider that 851711 covers line telephone sets with cordless handsets, while 851713 is specific to smartphones. If your product is a smartphone with cellular capabilities, you should classify it under 851713.

If your shipment includes communication apparatus not classified as telephone sets or base stations, you may look at 851762 for machines that handle voice and data transmission. For example, routers or switches would fall under this line, distinguishing them from standard telephones.

For parts related to communication apparatus, 851771 includes aerials and reflectors, while 851779 covers other parts. If your shipment consists of various components for communication devices, ensure you select the correct line based on the specific parts you're importing.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.

HS-4 8517 · telephone sets · smartphones · communication apparatus · base stations · data transmission machines · cordless handsets · aerials and reflectors · voice transmission · wired wireless networks · parts for communication devices · classification of telephones · importing smartphones · exporting communication equipment · HS-6 subheadings · telecommunication imports

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Smartphones for cellular networks
  • Cordless line telephone sets
  • Base stations for wireless communication
  • Routers for data transmission
  • Aerials and reflectors for communication devices
  • Switching apparatus for voice and image data
  • Other communication apparatus not classified elsewhere

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is included in HS-4 8517?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How do I classify smartphones for import?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What are the HS-6 lines under 8517?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Are base stations covered under HS-4 8517?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to determine the right HS code for telecommunication equipment?

Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.

What parts are classified under HS-4 8517?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Related topics

Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.

importing telephone sets HS-4 8517

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

classifying smartphones for customs

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

difference between HS-6 lines under 8517

Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.

communication apparatus for data transmission

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

parts for telecommunication devices classification

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

exporting base stations under HS-4 8517

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

understanding HS codes for telephones

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

how to choose the right HS-6 code for imports

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of products fall under HS-4 8517?
HS-4 8517 includes telephone sets, smartphones, base stations, and various communication apparatus for transmitting or receiving voice and data.
How do I classify a smartphone for import?
Classify smartphones under **HS-6 851713**, which specifically covers telephone sets for cellular or wireless networks.
What is the difference between HS-6 851711 and 851713?
HS-6 851711 covers line telephone sets with cordless handsets, while **851713** is for smartphones specifically designed for cellular networks.
Are parts for communication devices classified under HS-4 8517?
Yes, parts for communication apparatus are classified under **HS-6 851771** for aerials and reflectors, and **851779** for other parts.
What should I do if my product doesn't fit neatly into a specific HS-6 line?
If your product doesn't fit a specific line, consider using the 'not elsewhere classified' options like **851718** or **851769** for broader categories.
Can I use HS-4 8517 for importing routers?
Yes, routers used for data transmission would fall under **HS-6 851762**, which covers machines for reception and transmission of voice and data.

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HS-6 subheadings (9)

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