HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8521.10 – Video recording or reproducing apparatus; magnetic tape-type
HS code 8521.10 is the 6-digit subheading for video recording or reproducing apparatus, magnetic tape-type. It is used for VHS recorders, betamax players, professional broadcast VTRs, analog camcorders and S-VHS decks.
What HS 8521.10 covers
This HS code covers video recording or reproducing apparatus that specifically use magnetic tape. Historically, this category was dominated by consumer devices like VCRs (VHS, Betamax) and analog camcorders, as well as professional broadcast video tape recorders (VTRs). While the consumer market for these devices has largely transitioned to digital, there remains a significant international trade for professional archiving, legacy system maintenance, and specialized industrial applications. Importers often include broadcasting companies, archives, and institutions needing to access or preserve tape-based content. Exporters are typically countries that historically manufactured these devices or now specialize in their refurbishment and parts. Key trade considerations include tape format compatibility, recording quality, and the availability of spare parts.
- Covers
- VHS recorders
- Betamax players
- Professional broadcast VTRs
- Analog camcorders
- S-VHS decks
- U-matic recorders
- MiniDV camcorders
- Examples
- Panasonic AG-DVX100B (MiniDV camcorder)
- Sony Betacam SP VTR
- JVC HR-S9911U S-VHS VCR
- Canon XL2 (MiniDV camcorder)
- Sony SLV-N700 VHS VCR
Codes often confused with 8521.10
Common mistake. Clearly distinguished from 852190 (other video apparatus) by the 'magnetic tape-type' criterion. Could be confused with 852290 if only parts are being traded.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 852110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852110 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% 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 United States $19M 49% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $5.9M 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $2.3M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $6.4M 17% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $5.2M 14% of world imports
- 3 India $3.3M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $37M 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 codes for 8521.10 4
Brazil splits HS 8521.10 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8521.10.10 Video tape recorder-players without tunerGravador-reprodutor, sem sintonizador
- 8521.10.8 Other, for tapes of a width of less than 19.05 mm (3/4'')Outros, para fitas de largura inferior a 19,05 mm (3/4'') Group
- 8521.10.81 Video cassette apparatus, 12.65 mm (1/2 in) tapeEm cassete, de largura de fita igual a 12,65 mm (1/2'')
- 8521.10.89 Other video tape apparatus, tape under 19.05 mmOutros
- 8521.10.90 Video tape apparatus, tape 19.05 mm or widerOutros, para fitas de largura igual ou superior a 19,05 mm (3/4'')
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.21 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8521.10
What is HS code 852110?
HS code 852110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Video recording or reproducing apparatus; magnetic tape-type. This HS code covers video recording or reproducing apparatus that specifically use magnetic tape. Historically, this category was dominated by consumer devices like VCRs (VHS, Betamax) and analog camcorders, as well as professional broadcast video tape recorders (VTRs). While the consumer market for these devices has largely transitioned to digital, there remains a significant international trade for professional archiving, legacy system maintenance, and specialized industrial applications. Importers often include broadcasting companies, archives, and institutions needing to access or preserve tape-based content. Exporters are typically countries that historically manufactured these devices or now specialize in their refurbishment and parts. Key trade considerations include tape format compatibility, recording quality, and the availability of spare parts.
What products fall under HS code 852110?
VHS recorders, Betamax players, professional broadcast VTRs, analog camcorders, S-VHS decks, U-matic recorders, MiniDV camcorders
What are common misclassifications for HS code 852110?
Clearly distinguished from 852190 (other video apparatus) by the 'magnetic tape-type' criterion. Could be confused with 852290 if only parts are being traded.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($19M, 49% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.9M) and the United Kingdom ($2.3M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 852110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852110 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($6.4M, 17% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($5.2M) and India ($3.3M). World imports came to about $37M, 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 852110 structured?
HS code 852110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852110?
Brazil splits HS code 852110 into 4 NCM codes: 8521.10.10 (Video tape recorder-players without tuner), 8521.10.81 (Video cassette apparatus, 12.65 mm (1/2 in) tape), 8521.10.89 (Other video tape apparatus, tape under 19.05 mm), 8521.10.90 (Video tape apparatus, tape 19.05 mm or wider). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.