HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8527.12 – Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players
HS code 8527.12 is the 6-digit subheading for radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, pocket-size radio cassette-players. It is used for walkman-style radio cassette players, portable AM/FM cassette recorders, pocket-sized stereo cassette players with radio, personal cassette players with integrated radio tuner and mini radio-cassette players.
What HS 8527.12 covers
This specific HS code targets pocket-size radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, primarily referring to portable radio cassette-players. While a niche market today, it represents a significant historical segment of personal audio devices. Importers and exporters would have included major consumer electronics giants and distributors, catering to a global market seeking portable music and radio access before the widespread adoption of digital formats. Key aspects of trade focused on miniaturization, battery efficiency, and the combination of radio reception with cassette playback and recording, offering on-the-go entertainment and personal audio experiences.
- Covers
- Walkman-style radio cassette players
- Portable AM/FM cassette recorders
- Pocket-sized stereo cassette players with radio
- Personal cassette players with integrated radio tuner
- Mini radio-cassette players
- Examples
- Sony Walkman WM-F100
- Panasonic RQ-SX series
- Aiwa HS-PX series
- Sanyo M-G series
Codes often confused with 8527.12
Common mistake. Distinct from non-pocket-size versions (8527.13) and digital audio players (8519.81) which do not use cassettes, making the 'pocket-size' and 'cassette' features crucial for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 852712, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852712 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guatemala, with 21% 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 Indonesia $3.3M 40% of world exports
- 2 Israel $1.1M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $1.0M 13% of world exports
World total: $8.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guatemala $2.9M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.2M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Slovakia $1.0M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 8527.12
Brazil does not split HS 8527.12: its NCM code is 8527.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.27 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8527.12
What is HS code 852712?
HS code 852712 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players. This specific HS code targets pocket-size radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, primarily referring to portable radio cassette-players. While a niche market today, it represents a significant historical segment of personal audio devices. Importers and exporters would have included major consumer electronics giants and distributors, catering to a global market seeking portable music and radio access before the widespread adoption of digital formats. Key aspects of trade focused on miniaturization, battery efficiency, and the combination of radio reception with cassette playback and recording, offering on-the-go entertainment and personal audio experiences.
What products fall under HS code 852712?
Walkman-style radio cassette players, portable AM/FM cassette recorders, pocket-sized stereo cassette players with radio, personal cassette players with integrated radio tuner, mini radio-cassette players
What are common misclassifications for HS code 852712?
Distinct from non-pocket-size versions (8527.13) and digital audio players (8519.81) which do not use cassettes, making the 'pocket-size' and 'cassette' features crucial for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852712?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852712 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.3M, 40% of world exports), Israel ($1.1M) and China ($1.0M). World exports came to about $8.1M, 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 852712?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852712 in UN Comtrade data were Guatemala ($2.9M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.2M) and Slovakia ($1.0M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 852712 structured?
HS code 852712 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (27) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852712?
In Brazil, HS code 852712 is NCM 8527.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.