HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8518.90 – Microphones, headphones, earphones, amplifier equipment; parts of the equipment of heading no. 8518
HS code 8518.90 is the 6-digit subheading for microphones, headphones, earphones, amplifier equipment, parts of the equipment of heading no. 8518. It is used for microphone capsules, headphone drivers, amplifier circuit boards, speaker cones and ear pads.
What HS 8518.90 covers
This HS code serves as a residual category for parts of the equipment falling under heading 8518, which includes microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, earphones, and amplifiers. It covers components and accessories essential for the repair, maintenance, and assembly of these audio devices. The international trade in these parts is a critical aspect of the global electronics supply chain, supporting manufacturing operations and aftermarket services worldwide. Importers range from large-scale electronics manufacturers to specialized repair shops and individual consumers. Exporters are typically countries with strong electronics component industries, particularly those in East Asia. Understanding the specific function and compatibility of these parts is crucial for accurate classification and efficient trade, as they are not complete functional units themselves.
- Covers
- Microphone capsules
- Headphone drivers
- Amplifier circuit boards
- Speaker cones
- Ear pads
- XLR connectors
- Volume potentiometers
- Speaker grilles
- Examples
- Shure SM58 replacement grille
- Sennheiser HD 600 ear pads
- Neutrik NC3FXX-B XLR connector
- Celestion G12M Greenback speaker cone
- AKG K240 replacement cable
Codes often confused with 8518.90
Common mistake. Can be confused with the finished products themselves (e.g., 851810 for microphones, 851830 for headphones) if not clearly identifiable as a part, or 852290 for parts of other sound recording/reproducing apparatus.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851890 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 21% 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 $2.0B 49% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $345M 8.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $216M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$813M 21% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Mexico $342M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 China $243M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 codes for 8518.90 2
Brazil splits HS 8518.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8518.90.10 Parts of loudspeakersDe alto-falantes (altifalantes)
- 8518.90.90 Other parts of microphones, headphones, amplifiersOutras
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 8518.90
What is HS code 851890?
HS code 851890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microphones, headphones, earphones, amplifier equipment; parts of the equipment of heading no. 8518. This HS code serves as a residual category for parts of the equipment falling under heading 8518, which includes microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, earphones, and amplifiers. It covers components and accessories essential for the repair, maintenance, and assembly of these audio devices. The international trade in these parts is a critical aspect of the global electronics supply chain, supporting manufacturing operations and aftermarket services worldwide. Importers range from large-scale electronics manufacturers to specialized repair shops and individual consumers. Exporters are typically countries with strong electronics component industries, particularly those in East Asia. Understanding the specific function and compatibility of these parts is crucial for accurate classification and efficient trade, as they are not complete functional units themselves.
What products fall under HS code 851890?
Microphone capsules, headphone drivers, amplifier circuit boards, speaker cones, ear pads, XLR connectors, volume potentiometers, speaker grilles
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851890?
Can be confused with the finished products themselves (e.g., 851810 for microphones, 851830 for headphones) if not clearly identifiable as a part, or 852290 for parts of other sound recording/reproducing apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 49% of world exports), Hong Kong ($345M) and the United States ($216M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 851890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851890 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $813M, 21% of world imports), Mexico ($342M) and China ($243M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 851890 structured?
HS code 851890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851890?
Brazil splits HS code 851890 into 2 NCM codes: 8518.90.10 (Parts of loudspeakers), 8518.90.90 (Other parts of microphones, headphones, amplifiers). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.