HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8518.40 – Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric
HS code 8518.40 is the 6-digit subheading for amplifiers, audio-frequency electric. It is used for integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, headphone amplifiers and guitar amplifiers.
What HS 8518.40 covers
This HS code covers standalone audio-frequency electric amplifiers, which are crucial components in various sound systems, from home stereo setups to professional sound reinforcement. These devices are designed to boost the power of an audio signal, making it strong enough to drive loudspeakers or headphones. International trade in these amplifiers is robust, driven by both consumer demand for high-fidelity audio and professional needs in live events, studios, and commercial installations. Key importers include developed economies in North America and Europe, where there's a strong market for consumer electronics and professional audio gear. Exporters are typically countries with advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities, particularly in Asia. Understanding the power output, impedance matching, and specific application (e.g., instrument amplifiers vs. hi-fi amplifiers) is vital for correct classification and trade.
- Covers
- Integrated amplifiers
- Power amplifiers
- Preamplifiers
- Headphone amplifiers
- Guitar amplifiers
- Bass amplifiers
- Car audio amplifiers
- Examples
- Marantz PM8006
- Yamaha A-S801
- Fender '65 Twin Reverb
- Sonos Amp
- JL Audio XD600/6v2
Codes often confused with 8518.40
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 851850 (amplifier sets) if the amplifier is bundled with other components like speakers, or 851890 (parts) if it's an incomplete module rather than a functional standalone unit.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851840, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851840 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% 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 China $1.3B 28% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $658M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $572M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $479M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $372M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $4.5B 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 code for 8518.40
Brazil does not split HS 8518.40: its NCM code is 8518.40.00.
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 8518.40
What is HS code 851840?
HS code 851840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric. This HS code covers standalone audio-frequency electric amplifiers, which are crucial components in various sound systems, from home stereo setups to professional sound reinforcement. These devices are designed to boost the power of an audio signal, making it strong enough to drive loudspeakers or headphones. International trade in these amplifiers is robust, driven by both consumer demand for high-fidelity audio and professional needs in live events, studios, and commercial installations. Key importers include developed economies in North America and Europe, where there's a strong market for consumer electronics and professional audio gear. Exporters are typically countries with advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities, particularly in Asia. Understanding the power output, impedance matching, and specific application (e.g., instrument amplifiers vs. hi-fi amplifiers) is vital for correct classification and trade.
What products fall under HS code 851840?
Integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, headphone amplifiers, guitar amplifiers, bass amplifiers, car audio amplifiers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851840?
This code can be confused with 851850 (amplifier sets) if the amplifier is bundled with other components like speakers, or 851890 (parts) if it's an incomplete module rather than a functional standalone unit.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851840?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851840 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 28% of world exports), Mexico ($658M) and the United States ($572M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 851840?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851840 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($479M) and Japan ($372M). World imports came to about $4.5B, 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 851840 structured?
HS code 851840 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851840?
In Brazil, HS code 851840 is NCM 8518.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.