HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8523.29 – Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
HS code 8523.29 is the 6-digit subheading for magnetic media, other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. It is used for LTO Ultrium data cartridges, DLTtape data cartridges, audio cassette tapes (blank), VHS video tapes (blank) and floppy disks (3.5 inch).
What HS 8523.29 covers
This category encompasses a broad range of magnetic media used for data storage, excluding magnetic stripe cards, and is vital for industries requiring robust and often archival data solutions. It includes items like magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and other forms of magnetic recording media, whether blank or pre-recorded. Importers are typically data centers, broadcasting companies, archival services, and specialized industrial users who rely on these media for backup, long-term storage, or specific legacy systems. Exporters are often manufacturers in countries with strong electronics and materials science industries. Key considerations in this trade include the declining demand for some legacy formats, the niche markets for high-capacity data tapes, and the ongoing need for secure, durable storage solutions in specific professional applications. The trade reflects a balance between evolving digital storage technologies and the enduring requirements for certain magnetic formats.
- Covers
- LTO Ultrium data cartridges
- DLTtape data cartridges
- Audio cassette tapes (blank)
- VHS video tapes (blank)
- Floppy disks (3.5 inch)
- Reel-to-reel audio tapes
- Data storage tape reels
- Examples
- LTO-8 Ultrium tape
- Sony DVCAM tape
- Maxell UR audio cassette
- Verbatim 3.5" floppy disk
- Fujifilm LTO data cartridge
Codes often confused with 8523.29
Common mistake. This code should not be confused with 852321 (Magnetic stripe cards) or 852351 (Solid-state non-volatile storage devices) which are semiconductor-based.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 852329, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852329 in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 45% 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 Singapore $2.0B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $873M 18% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $592M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $1.6B 45% of world imports
- 2 China $538M 15% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $489M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 8523.29 3
Brazil splits HS 8523.29 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8523.29.1 Magnetic discsDiscos magnéticos Group
- 8523.29.11 Magnetic discs for hard disk drivesDo tipo utilizado em unidades de discos rígidos
- 8523.29.19 Other magnetic discsOutros
- 8523.29.90 Magnetic tapes and other magnetic mediaOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.23 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8523.29
What is HS code 852329?
HS code 852329 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This category encompasses a broad range of magnetic media used for data storage, excluding magnetic stripe cards, and is vital for industries requiring robust and often archival data solutions. It includes items like magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and other forms of magnetic recording media, whether blank or pre-recorded. Importers are typically data centers, broadcasting companies, archival services, and specialized industrial users who rely on these media for backup, long-term storage, or specific legacy systems. Exporters are often manufacturers in countries with strong electronics and materials science industries. Key considerations in this trade include the declining demand for some legacy formats, the niche markets for high-capacity data tapes, and the ongoing need for secure, durable storage solutions in specific professional applications. The trade reflects a balance between evolving digital storage technologies and the enduring requirements for certain magnetic formats.
What products fall under HS code 852329?
LTO Ultrium data cartridges, DLTtape data cartridges, Audio cassette tapes (blank), VHS video tapes (blank), Floppy disks (3.5 inch), Reel-to-reel audio tapes, Data storage tape reels
What are common misclassifications for HS code 852329?
This code should not be confused with 852321 (Magnetic stripe cards) or 852351 (Solid-state non-volatile storage devices) which are semiconductor-based.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852329?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852329 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($2.0B, 42% of world exports), China ($873M) and Malaysia ($592M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 852329?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852329 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($1.6B, 45% of world imports), China ($538M) and the Philippines ($489M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 852329 structured?
HS code 852329 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852329?
Brazil splits HS code 852329 into 3 NCM codes: 8523.29.11 (Magnetic discs for hard disk drives), 8523.29.19 (Other magnetic discs), 8523.29.90 (Magnetic tapes and other magnetic media). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.