HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8519.81 – Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50
HS code 8519.81 is the 6-digit subheading for sound recording or reproducing apparatus, using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50. It is used for CD players, portable digital audio recorders, MP3 players, miniDisc players and DAT recorders.
What HS 8519.81 covers
This HS code covers sound recording or reproducing apparatus that utilize magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media, and are not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 8519 (i.e., not coin-operated or turntables). This broad category includes devices like CD players, portable digital audio recorders, and dedicated MP3 players. International trade reflects the evolution of audio technology, from physical optical media to solid-state digital storage. While some traditional devices like CD players still have a market, the trade is increasingly focused on high-resolution digital audio players and specialized recorders. Major exporters are typically countries with advanced electronics manufacturing, while importers are global consumer markets. Key trade considerations include storage capacity, audio fidelity, connectivity options, and portability.
- Covers
- CD players
- Portable digital audio recorders
- MP3 players
- MiniDisc players
- DAT recorders
- Digital voice recorders
- Network audio players
- Examples
- Sony Walkman (digital models)
- Tascam DR-40X
- FiiO M11 Plus LTD
- Marantz CD6007
- Zoom H4n Pro
- Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T
Codes often confused with 8519.81
Common mistake. Can be confused with 851989 (other sound apparatus) if the media type isn't clearly magnetic, optical, or semiconductor, or with 8521 (video recording apparatus) if it has video capabilities.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851981, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851981 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 $905M 42% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$469M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Hong Kong $202M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $756M 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $262M 11% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $176M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 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 8519.81 3
Brazil splits HS 8519.81 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8519.81.10 CD players (laser optical reading)Com sistema de leitura óptica por laser (leitores de discos compactos)
- 8519.81.20 Aircraft cockpit sound recordersGravadores de som de cabinas de aeronaves
- 8519.81.90 Other audio recorders/players using storage mediaOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.19 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8519.81
What is HS code 851981?
HS code 851981 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50. This HS code covers sound recording or reproducing apparatus that utilize magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media, and are not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 8519 (i.e., not coin-operated or turntables). This broad category includes devices like CD players, portable digital audio recorders, and dedicated MP3 players. International trade reflects the evolution of audio technology, from physical optical media to solid-state digital storage. While some traditional devices like CD players still have a market, the trade is increasingly focused on high-resolution digital audio players and specialized recorders. Major exporters are typically countries with advanced electronics manufacturing, while importers are global consumer markets. Key trade considerations include storage capacity, audio fidelity, connectivity options, and portability.
What products fall under HS code 851981?
CD players, portable digital audio recorders, MP3 players, MiniDisc players, DAT recorders, digital voice recorders, network audio players
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851981?
Can be confused with 851989 (other sound apparatus) if the media type isn't clearly magnetic, optical, or semiconductor, or with 8521 (video recording apparatus) if it has video capabilities.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851981?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851981 in UN Comtrade data were China ($905M, 42% of world exports), Vietnam (about $469M) and Hong Kong ($202M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 851981?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851981 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($756M, 31% of world imports), Germany ($262M) and Hong Kong ($176M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 851981 structured?
HS code 851981 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (19) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851981?
Brazil splits HS code 851981 into 3 NCM codes: 8519.81.10 (CD players (laser optical reading)), 8519.81.20 (Aircraft cockpit sound recorders), 8519.81.90 (Other audio recorders/players using storage media). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.