HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8518.10 – Microphones and stands therefor
HS code 8518.10 is the 6-digit subheading for microphones and stands therefor. It is used for condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, USB microphones, lavalier microphones and shotgun microphones.
What HS 8518.10 covers
This HS code covers microphones, devices that convert sound waves into electrical signals, along with their dedicated stands. These are essential for a vast range of applications, from professional audio recording and broadcasting to teleconferencing, consumer electronics, and even medical devices. Importers include audio equipment distributors, electronics manufacturers, and professional studios, all seeking components or finished products for their respective markets. Exporters are typically countries with strong manufacturing capabilities in electronics and precision engineering, often home to renowned audio brands. The market is driven by the growth of content creation, remote work, gaming, and the increasing integration of voice control into smart devices, leading to a diverse range of microphone types and price points in global trade.
- Covers
- Condenser microphones
- Dynamic microphones
- USB microphones
- Lavalier microphones
- Shotgun microphones
- Studio microphone stands
- Desktop microphone stands.
- Examples
- Shure SM7B
- Blue Yeti
- Rode NT1
- Sennheiser MKE 400
- Audio-Technica AT2020.
Codes often confused with 8518.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with 851830 (headphones with microphones) if the microphone is integrated into a headset, or 851890 (parts) if traded as components rather than complete units.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $424M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $414M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $521M 13% of world imports
- 2 China $429M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $316M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8518.10 3
Brazil splits HS 8518.10 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8518.10.10 Piezoelectric microphones for telephonesPiezelétricos próprios para aparelhos telefônicos
- 8518.10.20 Other microphones without standOutros microfones, sem suporte
- 8518.10.90 Microphone stands and microphones with standOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8518.10
What is HS code 851810?
HS code 851810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microphones and stands therefor. This HS code covers microphones, devices that convert sound waves into electrical signals, along with their dedicated stands. These are essential for a vast range of applications, from professional audio recording and broadcasting to teleconferencing, consumer electronics, and even medical devices. Importers include audio equipment distributors, electronics manufacturers, and professional studios, all seeking components or finished products for their respective markets. Exporters are typically countries with strong manufacturing capabilities in electronics and precision engineering, often home to renowned audio brands. The market is driven by the growth of content creation, remote work, gaming, and the increasing integration of voice control into smart devices, leading to a diverse range of microphone types and price points in global trade.
What products fall under HS code 851810?
Condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, USB microphones, lavalier microphones, shotgun microphones, studio microphone stands, desktop microphone stands.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851810?
Can be confused with 851830 (headphones with microphones) if the microphone is integrated into a headset, or 851890 (parts) if traded as components rather than complete units.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($424M) and Malaysia ($414M). World exports came to about $4.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 851810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851810 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($521M, 13% of world imports), China ($429M) and Germany ($316M). World imports came to about $4.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 851810 structured?
HS code 851810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851810?
Brazil splits HS code 851810 into 3 NCM codes: 8518.10.10 (Piezoelectric microphones for telephones), 8518.10.20 (Other microphones without stand), 8518.10.90 (Microphone stands and microphones with stand). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.