HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 85.26 – Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus
What HS 85.26 covers
Heading 8526 covers highly specialized electronic apparatus: "Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus." This classification is critical for advanced technological goods, playing a pivotal role in diverse sectors such as aviation, maritime, defense, automotive, and industrial automation. Radar apparatus functions by transmitting radio waves and detecting their reflection to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects, encompassing everything from weather radar and air traffic control systems to automotive collision avoidance radar. Radio navigational aid apparatus includes devices that utilize radio signals for positioning, guidance, or direction-finding, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) modules, and marine navigation systems. Radio remote control apparatus covers devices that control other machines or systems wirelessly via radio frequencies, ranging from industrial crane controls and drone remote controls to garage door openers. The scope emphasizes the primary function of these devices, distinguishing them from general radio communication equipment. This heading's importance in trade compliance is heightened by the dual-use potential of some technologies, leading to strict export controls and licensing requirements in many countries. As part of Chapter 85 and Section XVI, it highlights the sophisticated electrical machinery driving modern infrastructure and safety systems.
- Covers
Marine radar systems, air traffic control radar systems, weather radar equipment, automotive radar sensors (for ADAS), ground penetration radar, speed detection radar guns, standalone GPS receivers, GNSS modules for surveying, marine chartplotters with integrated GPS, aircraft navigation receivers (e.g., VOR/DME), radio altimeters, industrial crane remote controls, radio-controlled drone systems (remote control units), garage door radio remote controls, security system radio remote controls, model aircraft radio remote controls, remote control for industrial robots, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers (if for specific navigation/control purposes), automatic vehicle guidance systems (radio-controlled), remote keyless entry systems for vehicles.
- Examples
A US-based aerospace company exports advanced air traffic control radar systems to an international airport in the United Arab Emirates, requiring stringent export control compliance and often involving government-to-government agreements. Meanwhile, a German automotive supplier imports thousands of compact automotive radar sensors from a factory in China for integration into their next-generation vehicle safety systems, with shipments typically via ocean freight to European ports. In another instance, a Japanese manufacturer ships high-precision GNSS receivers to an agricultural machinery producer in Australia for use in autonomous farming equipment, leveraging existing trade agreements between the two countries to facilitate customs clearance.
Subheadings under 85.26 3
Codes often confused with 85.26
Common mistake. Traders often misclassify general radio communication equipment (8517) as 8526. The key distinction is the specific function: 8526 is for radar, radio navigation, or remote control, not general two-way communication. For example, a walkie-talkie is 8517, whereas a radio remote control for a crane is 8526. Another common error is confusing simple electrical switches or controllers that are not radio-frequency based with radio remote control apparatus. Furthermore, parts of radar, navigation, or remote control systems are classified under 8529, not 8526, which applies to the complete apparatus. Incorrectly classifying these high-tech goods can lead to significant penalties, especially given the export control implications for some products.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8526, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8526 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 Germany $3.0B 11% of world exports
- 2 China $2.9B 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.3B 8.8% of world exports
World total: $25.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.4B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 9.3% of world imports
- 3 China $2.3B 9.0% of world imports
World total: $25.4B 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.
Questions about HS 85.26
What is HS code 8526?
HS code 8526 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus. Heading 8526 covers highly specialized electronic apparatus: "Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus." This classification is critical for advanced technological goods, playing a pivotal role in diverse sectors such as aviation, maritime, defense, automotive, and industrial automation. Radar apparatus functions by transmitting radio waves and detecting their reflection to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects, encompassing everything from weather radar and air traffic control systems to automotive collision avoidance radar. Radio navigational aid apparatus includes devices that utilize radio signals for positioning, guidance, or direction-finding, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) modules, and marine navigation systems. Radio remote control apparatus covers devices that control other machines or systems wirelessly via radio frequencies, ranging from industrial crane controls and drone remote controls to garage door openers. The scope emphasizes the primary function of these devices, distinguishing them from general radio communication equipment. This heading's importance in trade compliance is heightened by the dual-use potential of some technologies, leading to strict export controls and licensing requirements in many countries. As part of Chapter 85 and Section XVI, it highlights the sophisticated electrical machinery driving modern infrastructure and safety systems.
What products fall under HS code 8526?
Marine radar systems, air traffic control radar systems, weather radar equipment, automotive radar sensors (for ADAS), ground penetration radar, speed detection radar guns, standalone GPS receivers, GNSS modules for surveying, marine chartplotters with integrated GPS, aircraft navigation receivers (e.g., VOR/DME), radio altimeters, industrial crane remote controls, radio-controlled drone systems (remote control units), garage door radio remote controls, security system radio remote controls, model aircraft radio remote controls, remote control for industrial robots, radio frequency identification (RFID) readers (if for specific navigation/control purposes), automatic vehicle guidance systems (radio-controlled), remote keyless entry systems for vehicles.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8526?
Traders often misclassify general radio communication equipment (8517) as 8526. The key distinction is the specific function: 8526 is for radar, radio navigation, or remote control, not general two-way communication. For example, a walkie-talkie is 8517, whereas a radio remote control for a crane is 8526. Another common error is confusing simple electrical switches or controllers that are not radio-frequency based with radio remote control apparatus. Furthermore, parts of radar, navigation, or remote control systems are classified under 8529, not 8526, which applies to the complete apparatus. Incorrectly classifying these high-tech goods can lead to significant penalties, especially given the export control implications for some products.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8526?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8526 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.0B, 11% of world exports), China ($2.9B) and the United States ($2.3B). World exports came to about $25.9B, 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 8526?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8526 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.4B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and China ($2.3B). World imports came to about $25.4B, 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 8526 structured?
HS code 8526 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (26) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.