HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8518.50 – Amplifier sets; electric sound
HS code 8518.50 is the 6-digit subheading for amplifier sets, electric sound. It is used for public address (PA) systems, home theater in a box (HTIB) systems, karaoke systems, sound reinforcement systems and portable PA systems.
What HS 8518.50 covers
This category encompasses electric sound amplifier sets, which are complete systems designed for sound amplification, often including multiple components like an amplifier, speakers, and sometimes a mixer, all intended to function as a cohesive unit. These sets are widely traded for public address (PA) systems, home theater setups, karaoke machines, and sound reinforcement in various venues. The global market sees significant exports from manufacturing hubs in Asia, catering to a diverse range of importers across North America, Europe, and emerging markets. Key considerations in trade include the system's power output, portability, intended application (e.g., professional vs. consumer), and the inclusion of wireless or smart features, which influence market value and demand.
- Covers
- Public address (PA) systems
- Home theater in a box (HTIB) systems
- Karaoke systems
- Sound reinforcement systems
- Portable PA systems
- Soundbar systems with subwoofers
- Examples
- Bose L1 Pro8 Portable PA
- Yamaha YHT-4950U
- JBL EON ONE Compact
- Sony HT-S350 Soundbar System
- Behringer Europort PPA2000BT
Codes often confused with 8518.50
Common mistake. Often confused with 851840 (standalone amplifiers) if the 'set' aspect is not clearly defined, or 851821-851829 (loudspeakers) if the amplifier is considered secondary to the speaker components.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851850, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851850 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 $193M 16% of world exports
- 2 Italy $131M 11% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $111M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $117M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $87M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 France $57M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 code for 8518.50
Brazil does not split HS 8518.50: its NCM code is 8518.50.00.
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 8518.50
What is HS code 851850?
HS code 851850 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Amplifier sets; electric sound. This category encompasses electric sound amplifier sets, which are complete systems designed for sound amplification, often including multiple components like an amplifier, speakers, and sometimes a mixer, all intended to function as a cohesive unit. These sets are widely traded for public address (PA) systems, home theater setups, karaoke machines, and sound reinforcement in various venues. The global market sees significant exports from manufacturing hubs in Asia, catering to a diverse range of importers across North America, Europe, and emerging markets. Key considerations in trade include the system's power output, portability, intended application (e.g., professional vs. consumer), and the inclusion of wireless or smart features, which influence market value and demand.
What products fall under HS code 851850?
Public address (PA) systems, home theater in a box (HTIB) systems, karaoke systems, sound reinforcement systems, portable PA systems, soundbar systems with subwoofers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851850?
Often confused with 851840 (standalone amplifiers) if the 'set' aspect is not clearly defined, or 851821-851829 (loudspeakers) if the amplifier is considered secondary to the speaker components.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851850?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851850 in UN Comtrade data were China ($193M, 16% of world exports), Italy ($131M) and the Netherlands ($111M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 851850?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851850 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($117M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($87M) and France ($57M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 851850 structured?
HS code 851850 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851850?
In Brazil, HS code 851850 is NCM 8518.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.