HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8523.52 – Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
HS code 8523.52 is the 6-digit subheading for semiconductor media, smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. It is used for EMV credit cards, EMV debit cards, SIM cards, national ID cards (chip-enabled) and electronic passports (chip-enabled).
What HS 8523.52 covers
This HS code specifically covers smart cards, which are embedded with an integrated circuit (microchip) for enhanced security and functionality, whether blank or pre-recorded. These cards are indispensable in modern financial transactions, telecommunications, secure identification, and access control systems. They include EMV payment cards, SIM cards for mobile phones, national ID cards, and secure access badges. Major importers are financial institutions, mobile network operators, government agencies, and large corporations globally, particularly in regions with advanced digital economies. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of secure microcontrollers and card bodies, often concentrated in Europe and East Asia. Key trade considerations involve stringent security standards (e.g., EMVCo), cryptographic capabilities, interoperability, and the constant evolution of anti-fraud technologies. The trade in smart cards is driven by the global demand for secure, verifiable digital identities and transactions.
- Covers
- EMV credit cards
- EMV debit cards
- SIM cards
- National ID cards (chip-enabled)
- Electronic passports (chip-enabled)
- Public transport cards (chip-enabled)
- Access control smart cards
- Examples
- Visa EMV chip card
- Vodafone SIM card
- German eID card
- Oyster card (London)
- Gemalto IDPrime smart card
Codes often confused with 8523.52
Common mistake. This code is for smart cards with an integrated circuit, differentiating it from 852321 (Magnetic stripe cards) which lack a chip, and 852351 (Solid-state non-volatile storage devices) which are general storage devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 852352, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852352 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $1.9B 29% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $486M 7.4% of world exports
- 3 France $409M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $921M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $491M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $405M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $6.8B 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 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 8523.52 2
Brazil splits HS 8523.52 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8523.52.10 Proximity-activated smart cards and tagsCartões e etiquetas de acionamento por aproximação
- 8523.52.90 Other smart cardsOutros
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 8523.52
What is HS code 852352?
HS code 852352 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This HS code specifically covers smart cards, which are embedded with an integrated circuit (microchip) for enhanced security and functionality, whether blank or pre-recorded. These cards are indispensable in modern financial transactions, telecommunications, secure identification, and access control systems. They include EMV payment cards, SIM cards for mobile phones, national ID cards, and secure access badges. Major importers are financial institutions, mobile network operators, government agencies, and large corporations globally, particularly in regions with advanced digital economies. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of secure microcontrollers and card bodies, often concentrated in Europe and East Asia. Key trade considerations involve stringent security standards (e.g., EMVCo), cryptographic capabilities, interoperability, and the constant evolution of anti-fraud technologies. The trade in smart cards is driven by the global demand for secure, verifiable digital identities and transactions.
What products fall under HS code 852352?
EMV credit cards, EMV debit cards, SIM cards, National ID cards (chip-enabled), Electronic passports (chip-enabled), Public transport cards (chip-enabled), Access control smart cards
What are common misclassifications for HS code 852352?
This code is for smart cards with an integrated circuit, differentiating it from 852321 (Magnetic stripe cards) which lack a chip, and 852351 (Solid-state non-volatile storage devices) which are general storage devices.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852352?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852352 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 29% of world exports), Hong Kong ($486M) and France ($409M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 852352?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852352 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($921M, 14% of world imports), China ($491M) and Germany ($405M). World imports came to about $6.8B, 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 852352 structured?
HS code 852352 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 (52) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852352?
Brazil splits HS code 852352 into 2 NCM codes: 8523.52.10 (Proximity-activated smart cards and tags), 8523.52.90 (Other smart cards). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.