HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8522.10 – Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; parts and accessories thereof, pick-up cartridges

HS code 8522.10 is the 6-digit subheading for sound recording or reproducing apparatus, parts and accessories thereof, pick-up cartridges. It is used for phono cartridges, styli (needles), turntable belts, headshells and record player dust covers.

What HS 8522.10 covers

This specific HS code is dedicated to parts and accessories of sound recording or reproducing apparatus, with a particular emphasis on pick-up cartridges. Pick-up cartridges are crucial components for turntables, responsible for converting the physical grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical audio signal. The international trade in these items supports both the manufacturing of new audio equipment and the aftermarket for repairs, upgrades, and audiophile customization. Importers include audio equipment manufacturers, specialized electronics retailers, and consumers seeking to enhance their sound systems. Exporters are often countries known for precision engineering and audio component manufacturing. The quality, type (e.g., moving magnet, moving coil), and compatibility of phono cartridges are key factors influencing their trade and value in the global market.

Covers
  • Phono cartridges
  • Styli (needles)
  • Turntable belts
  • Headshells
  • Record player dust covers
  • Tonearm weights
  • Audio cables (specific to apparatus)
  • Record clamps
Examples
  • Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
  • Shure M44-7 stylus
  • Rega Planar 3 belt
  • Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge
  • Technics SL-1200 dust cover

Codes often confused with 8522.10

Common mistake. Clearly defined by 'parts and accessories' and the specific mention of 'pick-up cartridges.' Can be confused with 851930 if a complete turntable is mistakenly classified here, or 851890 for parts of amplifiers/microphones.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 852210, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852210 in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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. 1 Denmark $19M
  2. 2 Japan $11M
  3. 3 China $4.5M

World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $8.2M
  2. 2 United States $5.9M
  3. 3 China $4.4M

World total: $50M 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 8522.10

Brazil does not split HS 8522.10: its NCM code is 8522.10.00.

  1. 8522.10.00 Pick-up cartridgesFonocaptores

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.22 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8522.10

What is HS code 852210?

HS code 852210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; parts and accessories thereof, pick-up cartridges. This specific HS code is dedicated to parts and accessories of sound recording or reproducing apparatus, with a particular emphasis on pick-up cartridges. Pick-up cartridges are crucial components for turntables, responsible for converting the physical grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical audio signal. The international trade in these items supports both the manufacturing of new audio equipment and the aftermarket for repairs, upgrades, and audiophile customization. Importers include audio equipment manufacturers, specialized electronics retailers, and consumers seeking to enhance their sound systems. Exporters are often countries known for precision engineering and audio component manufacturing. The quality, type (e.g., moving magnet, moving coil), and compatibility of phono cartridges are key factors influencing their trade and value in the global market.

What products fall under HS code 852210?

Phono cartridges, styli (needles), turntable belts, headshells, record player dust covers, tonearm weights, audio cables (specific to apparatus), record clamps

What are common misclassifications for HS code 852210?

Clearly defined by 'parts and accessories' and the specific mention of 'pick-up cartridges.' Can be confused with 851930 if a complete turntable is mistakenly classified here, or 851890 for parts of amplifiers/microphones.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852210?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852210 in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($19M, 34% of world exports), Japan ($11M) and China ($4.5M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 852210?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852210 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($8.2M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($5.9M) and China ($4.4M). World imports came to about $50M, 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 852210 structured?

HS code 852210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (22) 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 852210?

In Brazil, HS code 852210 is NCM 8522.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.