HS Code Heading

Reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock.

85.27 Heading
Section XVI — Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

About HS Code 8527

Heading 8527 specifically covers "Reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock." This classification is dedicated to devices whose primary function is to receive radio broadcasts. It distinctly focuses on the 'reception' aspect, differentiating it from two-way communication devices or transmission apparatus. The 'whether or not combined' clause is crucial, allowing for the inclusion of common consumer electronics that integrate a radio receiver with other functionalities like a cassette player, CD player, or a clock, all within a single housing. This includes traditional AM/FM radios, portable boomboxes, clock radios, and car radios (without video display functionality). The scope is limited to apparatus designed for broadcast reception, not for receiving data or other forms of wireless communication. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the primary function is paramount to avoid misclassification with more complex communication devices (8517) or standalone sound recording/reproducing equipment (8519, 8521). Historically, this heading reflects the evolution of consumer audio electronics, from simple transistor radios to integrated entertainment systems. As part of Chapter 85 and Section XVI, it highlights the segment of electrical machinery dedicated to audio entertainment and information reception.

Products Under This Code

AM/FM radio receivers, shortwave radio receivers, portable radio receivers, clock radios, car radios (without video screen), boomboxes with radio and CD/cassette player, internet radio receivers (primarily for broadcast streams), emergency weather radios, tabletop radios, transistor radios, digital radio receivers (DAB/DAB+ receivers), shower radios, retro-style radio receivers, kitchen radios, personal stereo systems with integrated radio, public address (PA) system receivers (if for broadcast radio reception), multi-band radio receivers, pocket radios, radio tuners (standalone, without amplifier), walkman-style radio receivers, vintage radio reproductions.

Real World Examples

A Chinese manufacturer exports thousands of portable AM/FM radios to distributors across developing markets in Africa and Southeast Asia, where traditional radio remains a primary source of information and entertainment, typically via ocean freight. Simultaneously, a Japanese company ships OEM car radio units to automotive assembly plants in Mexico and Thailand for installation in new vehicles, often under specific supply chain agreements. In Europe, a brand imports retro-styled clock radios from Vietnam for retail sale, leveraging preferential tariffs from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement for consumer electronics.

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification is confusing radio reception apparatus (8527) with two-way radio communication devices (8517), such as walkie-talkies or transceivers. 8527 is strictly for reception. Another error is classifying smart speakers or streaming devices that connect to the internet but do not primarily receive traditional radio broadcasts; these often fall under 8517 (telecommunication apparatus) or 8518 (loudspeakers). Also, standalone sound recording or reproducing apparatus (e.g., a CD player without a radio) should be classified under 8519 or 8521, not 8527. The key is the presence and primacy of the radio broadcast reception function within the same housing.

Subheadings 8

8527.12 Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players 8527.13 Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; apparatus (other than pocket-size radio cassette-players), combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus 8527.19 Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1 8527.21 Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus 8527.29 Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus 8527.91 Radio-broadcast receivers n.e.c. in heading no. 8527; combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus 8527.92 Radio-broadcast receivers n.e.c. in heading no. 8527; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus but combined with a clock 8527.99 Radio-broadcast receivers n.e.c. in heading no. 8527; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus and not combined with a clock

Related Codes

85.01 Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets) 85.02 Electric generating sets and rotary converters 85.03 Electric motors and generators; parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading no. 8501 or 8502 85.04 Electric transformers, static converters (e.g. rectifiers) and inductors 85.05 Electro-magnets; permanent magnets, intended permanent magnets; electro-magnetic, permanent magnet chucks, clamps, similar; electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes; electro-magnetic lifting heads 85.06 Cells and batteries; primary 85.07 Electric accumulators, including separators therefor; whether or not rectangular (including square) 85.08 Vacuum cleaners 85.09 Electro-mechanical domestic appliances; with self-contained electric motor, other than vacuum cleaners of heading 85.08. 85.10 Shavers, hair clippers and hair removing appliances, with self-contained electric motor

Industry

This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.

Trade Overview

Major manufacturers and exporters of radio reception apparatus are predominantly in China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, benefiting from established electronics manufacturing ecosystems. Significant importing markets are global, though demand for standalone radio receivers has diversified. Developing countries often maintain high demand for basic portable radios, while developed markets seek more integrated or specialized devices. Tariffs on these consumer electronics generally tend to be low, but specific duties can vary by country and type of device. Free trade agreements can offer preferential tariffs, making origin a key factor in trade strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 8527?

HS code 8527 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock.. Heading 8527 specifically covers "Reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock." This classification is dedicated to devices whose primary function is to receive radio broadcasts. It distinctly focuses on the 'reception' aspect, differentiating it from two-way communication devices or transmission apparatus. The 'whether or not combined' clause is crucial, allowing for the inclusion of common consumer electronics that integrate a radio receiver with other functionalities like a cassette player, CD player, or a clock, all within a single housing. This includes traditional AM/FM radios, portable boomboxes, clock radios, and car radios (without video display functionality). The scope is limited to apparatus designed for broadcast reception, not for receiving data or other forms of wireless communication. For trade compliance, correctly identifying the primary function is paramount to avoid misclassification with more complex communication devices (8517) or standalone sound recording/reproducing equipment (8519, 8521). Historically, this heading reflects the evolution of consumer audio electronics, from simple transistor radios to integrated entertainment systems. As part of Chapter 85 and Section XVI, it highlights the segment of electrical machinery dedicated to audio entertainment and information reception.

What products fall under HS code 8527?

AM/FM radio receivers, shortwave radio receivers, portable radio receivers, clock radios, car radios (without video screen), boomboxes with radio and CD/cassette player, internet radio receivers (primarily for broadcast streams), emergency weather radios, tabletop radios, transistor radios, digital radio receivers (DAB/DAB+ receivers), shower radios, retro-style radio receivers, kitchen radios, personal stereo systems with integrated radio, public address (PA) system receivers (if for broadcast radio reception), multi-band radio receivers, pocket radios, radio tuners (standalone, without amplifier), walkman-style radio receivers, vintage radio reproductions.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 8527?

A common misclassification is confusing radio reception apparatus (8527) with two-way radio communication devices (8517), such as walkie-talkies or transceivers. 8527 is strictly for reception. Another error is classifying smart speakers or streaming devices that connect to the internet but do not primarily receive traditional radio broadcasts; these often fall under 8517 (telecommunication apparatus) or 8518 (loudspeakers). Also, standalone sound recording or reproducing apparatus (e.g., a CD player without a radio) should be classified under 8519 or 8521, not 8527. The key is the presence and primacy of the radio broadcast reception function within the same housing.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 8527?

Major manufacturers and exporters of radio reception apparatus are predominantly in China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, benefiting from established electronics manufacturing ecosystems. Significant importing markets are global, though demand for standalone radio receivers has diversified. Developing countries often maintain high demand for basic portable radios, while developed markets seek more integrated or specialized devices. Tariffs on these consumer electronics generally tend to be low, but specific duties can vary by country and type of device. Free trade agreements can offer preferential tariffs, making origin a key factor in trade strategy.

How is HS code 8527 structured?

HS code 8527 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (27) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.