HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8523.80 – Media n.e.c. in heading 8523, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
HS code 8523.80 is the 6-digit subheading for media n.e.c. in heading 8523, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. It is used for magneto-optical discs (MOD), holographic storage media, phase-change memory (PCM) chips (as media), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) chips (as media) and specialized archival media.
What HS 8523.80 covers
This HS code acts as a catch-all for various recording media not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8523, whether blank or pre-recorded, and excluding photographic products. This category is designed to accommodate emerging or less common forms of data storage media that don't fit into magnetic, optical, or semiconductor classifications. It might include specialized holographic storage, certain types of magneto-optical discs, or other innovative recording technologies. Importers and exporters in this segment are typically involved in cutting-edge research and development, specialized industrial applications, or niche markets where conventional media are unsuitable. Key trade considerations involve the novelty of the technology, intellectual property protection, and the potential for these media to evolve into more specific categories in the future. This code reflects the dynamic nature of data storage innovation.
- Covers
- Magneto-optical discs (MOD)
- Holographic storage media
- Phase-change memory (PCM) chips (as media)
- Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) chips (as media)
- Specialized archival media
- Digital paper (certain types)
- Bio-storage media (experimental)
- Examples
- Sony MiniDisc (as a magneto-optical example)
- Plasmon UDO (Ultra Density Optical) media
- IBM holographic storage prototypes
- Fujitsu FRAM chips
- Panasonic Archival Disc
Codes often confused with 8523.80
Common mistake. This is a residual code, so careful consideration is needed to ensure the media truly doesn't fit into 85232x (Magnetic), 85234x (Optical), or 85235x (Semiconductor) categories.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 852380, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852380 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 Germany $237M 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $200M 12% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $163M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $282M 14% of world imports
- 2 India $186M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $166M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 8523.80
Brazil does not split HS 8523.80: its NCM code is 8523.80.00.
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 8523.80
What is HS code 852380?
HS code 852380 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Media n.e.c. in heading 8523, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This HS code acts as a catch-all for various recording media not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8523, whether blank or pre-recorded, and excluding photographic products. This category is designed to accommodate emerging or less common forms of data storage media that don't fit into magnetic, optical, or semiconductor classifications. It might include specialized holographic storage, certain types of magneto-optical discs, or other innovative recording technologies. Importers and exporters in this segment are typically involved in cutting-edge research and development, specialized industrial applications, or niche markets where conventional media are unsuitable. Key trade considerations involve the novelty of the technology, intellectual property protection, and the potential for these media to evolve into more specific categories in the future. This code reflects the dynamic nature of data storage innovation.
What products fall under HS code 852380?
Magneto-optical discs (MOD), Holographic storage media, Phase-change memory (PCM) chips (as media), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) chips (as media), Specialized archival media, Digital paper (certain types), Bio-storage media (experimental)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 852380?
This is a residual code, so careful consideration is needed to ensure the media truly doesn't fit into 85232x (Magnetic), 85234x (Optical), or 85235x (Semiconductor) categories.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852380?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852380 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($237M, 14% of world exports), the United States ($200M) and Czechia ($163M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 852380?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852380 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($282M, 14% of world imports), India ($186M) and the United Kingdom ($166M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 852380 structured?
HS code 852380 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 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852380?
In Brazil, HS code 852380 is NCM 8523.80.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.