What is HS code 8518 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
8518 — Microphones and their stands; loudspeakers, mounted or not in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, combined or not with a microphone, and sets of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency and electric sound amplifiers and sets
Chapter 85: Electrical machinery and equipment
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 8518 when importing products like microphones, loudspeakers, or headphones. For example, if you're bringing in a set of wired headphones combined with a microphone, this heading applies. It covers a variety of audio equipment, including standalone microphones and complete amplifier systems.
When deciding between HS-6 lines, note that 851810 is specifically for microphones and their stands, while 851821 and 851822 differentiate between single and multiple loudspeakers mounted in enclosures. If your product is a single loudspeaker in a cabinet, choose 851821; for multiple loudspeakers in one enclosure, go with 851822.
If your shipment includes loudspeakers not mounted in enclosures, you would classify it under 851829. For headphones or earphones, regardless of whether they come with a microphone, use 851830. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff classification and compliance.
For audio amplifiers, 851840 is for standalone audio-frequency electric amplifiers, while 851850 covers complete amplifier sets. If you have parts or accessories related to any of these items, refer to 851890 for proper classification.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
microphones · loudspeakers · headphones · audio amplifiers · sound equipment · HS-4 8518 · import classification · tariff codes · audio accessories · sound reproduction
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Wired microphone with stand
- Single loudspeaker in an enclosure
- Multiple loudspeakers in one cabinet
- Headphones combined with a microphone
- Standalone audio-frequency amplifier
- Complete electric sound amplifier set
- Parts for microphones and amplifiers
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify microphones for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Difference between HS-6 851821 and 851822?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Are headphones classified under HS-4 8518?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the parts included in HS-4 8518?
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 loudspeakers?
Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify audio equipment for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
best practices for using HS code 8518
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
understanding loudspeaker classifications in HS-4
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
importing microphones and their stands
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
choosing the right HS-6 code for headphones
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
what to include in HS-4 8518 for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
differences between mounted and unmounted loudspeakers
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
guidelines for audio amplifier tariff classification
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What products fall under HS-4 8518?
- HS-4 8518 includes microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, earphones, and audio amplifiers, both standalone and in sets.
- How do I classify a microphone with a stand?
- Use HS-6 **851810** for microphones and stands, as this line specifically covers those items.
- What is the difference between HS-6 851821 and 851822?
- HS-6 **851821** is for single loudspeakers in enclosures, while **851822** is for multiple loudspeakers mounted together in the same enclosure.
- Can I use HS-4 8518 for imported headphones?
- Yes, headphones and earphones, whether combined with a microphone or not, are classified under HS-6 **851830**.
- What should I use for audio amplifier parts?
- For parts related to microphones, headphones, or amplifiers, refer to HS-6 **851890**.
- How do I determine the right HS code for my loudspeakers?
- Identify if your loudspeakers are mounted in enclosures or not, and choose between HS-6 **851821**, **851822**, or **851829** accordingly.
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HS-6 subheadings (8)
- 851810Microphones and stands therefor
- 851821Loudspeakers; single, mounted in their enclosures
- 851822Loudspeakers; multiple, mounted in the same enclosure
- 851829Loudspeakers; not mounted in their enclosures
- 851830Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers
- 851840Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric
- 851850Amplifier sets; electric sound
- 851890Microphones, headphones, earphones, amplifier equipment; parts of the equipment of heading no. 8518