HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8518.30 – Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers

HS code 8518.30 is the 6-digit subheading for headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers. It is used for wireless earbuds, noise-cancelling headphones, gaming headsets, professional studio headphones and in-ear monitors.

What HS 8518.30 covers

This code encompasses a wide range of personal audio devices, including headphones, earphones (in-ear, on-ear, over-ear), and headsets that may or may not integrate a microphone. It also covers complete sets comprising a microphone and one or more loudspeakers, such as gaming headsets or professional communication systems. Importers are primarily consumer electronics retailers, distributors, and IT companies, catering to a massive global market. Exporters are typically countries with advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities and strong consumer brands, driving innovation in audio quality, wireless technology, and smart features. The market is driven by mobile device proliferation, remote work, gaming, and the demand for personalized audio experiences, making it one of the most dynamic and high-volume segments in consumer electronics trade.

Covers
  • Wireless earbuds
  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • Gaming headsets
  • Professional studio headphones
  • In-ear monitors
  • Bluetooth headphones
  • USB headsets
  • Sports earphones.
Examples
  • Apple AirPods Pro
  • Sony WH-1000XM5
  • HyperX Cloud II
  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
  • Sennheiser HD 660 S.

Codes often confused with 8518.30

Common mistake. Can be confused with 851810 (microphones) if the microphone is the primary focus, or 851769 (other communication apparatus) if it's a highly specialized communication headset for specific industrial use.

8518.10Microphones and stands therefor8517.69Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6

Top exporters and importers of HS code 851830, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851830 in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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. 1 Vietnam* ~$8.1B
  2. 2 China $2.3B
  3. 3 Germany $1.5B

World total: $21.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $6.5B
  2. 2 Germany $2.1B
  3. 3 United Kingdom $1.2B

World total: $25.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for 8518.30

Brazil does not split HS 8518.30: its NCM code is 8518.30.00.

  1. 8518.30.00 Headphones, earphones and microphone setsFones de ouvido (Auscultadores e auriculares*), mesmo combinados com um microfone, e conjuntos ou sortidos constituídos por um microfone e um ou mais alto-falantes (altifalantes)

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 8518.30

What is HS code 851830?

HS code 851830 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers. This code encompasses a wide range of personal audio devices, including headphones, earphones (in-ear, on-ear, over-ear), and headsets that may or may not integrate a microphone. It also covers complete sets comprising a microphone and one or more loudspeakers, such as gaming headsets or professional communication systems. Importers are primarily consumer electronics retailers, distributors, and IT companies, catering to a massive global market. Exporters are typically countries with advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities and strong consumer brands, driving innovation in audio quality, wireless technology, and smart features. The market is driven by mobile device proliferation, remote work, gaming, and the demand for personalized audio experiences, making it one of the most dynamic and high-volume segments in consumer electronics trade.

What products fall under HS code 851830?

Wireless earbuds, noise-cancelling headphones, gaming headsets, professional studio headphones, in-ear monitors, Bluetooth headphones, USB headsets, sports earphones.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 851830?

Can be confused with 851810 (microphones) if the microphone is the primary focus, or 851769 (other communication apparatus) if it's a highly specialized communication headset for specific industrial use.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851830?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851830 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $8.1B, 37% of world exports), China ($2.3B) and Germany ($1.5B). World exports came to about $21.8B, 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 851830?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851830 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.5B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($2.1B) and the United Kingdom ($1.2B). World imports came to about $25.8B, 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 851830 structured?

HS code 851830 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851830?

In Brazil, HS code 851830 is NCM 8518.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.