HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 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

HS code 8527.21 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for car stereos with CD player and radio, automotive head units with USB/Bluetooth and radio, in-dash navigation systems with radio and media playback, car audio receivers with cassette and radio and OEM car radios with integrated media.

What HS 8527.21 covers

This HS code specifically covers radio-broadcast receivers designed for motor vehicles that require an external power source (typically the vehicle's battery) and are combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This includes modern car stereos with CD players, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, or even integrated navigation systems, all featuring a radio tuner. These are integral components of vehicle infotainment systems. Major players in this trade include automotive electronics suppliers and car manufacturers. The market is driven by consumer demand for in-car entertainment, connectivity, and seamless integration with vehicle systems, making them a high-volume product in the automotive supply chain.

Covers: Car stereos with CD player and radio
Automotive head units with USB/Bluetooth and radio
In-dash navigation systems with radio and media playback
Car audio receivers with cassette and radio
OEM car radios with integrated media
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay head units
Examples: Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
Kenwood DMX907S
Sony XAV-AX5000
JVC KW-M750BT
Alpine iLX-W650

Codes often confused with 8527.21

Common mistake. Distinct from car radios without sound recording/reproducing functions (8527.29) and portable radios (8527.1x), with the 'combined with sound recording/reproducing' being the key differentiator.

8527.29Radio-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 85.27Reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 852721, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 852721 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% 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 Mexico $1.3B 32% of world exports
2 Portugal $795M 19% of world exports
3 United States $553M 13% of world exports

World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 United States $2.6B 54% of world imports
2 Mexico $438M 9.3% of world imports
3 Brazil $273M 5.8% of world imports

World total: $4.7B 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 8527.21

Brazil does not split HS 8527.21: its NCM code is 8527.21.00.

8527.21.00 Car radios with sound recording or playbackCombinados com um aparelho de gravação ou de reprodução de som

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.

Access via API

GET /api/hs-code/852721/

{
  "code": "852721",
  "description": "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",
  "section": "XVI",
  "parent": "8527"
}

API docs →

Questions about HS 8527.21

What is HS code 852721?

HS code 852721 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: 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. This HS code specifically covers radio-broadcast receivers designed for motor vehicles that require an external power source (typically the vehicle's battery) and are combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This includes modern car stereos with CD players, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, or even integrated navigation systems, all featuring a radio tuner. These are integral components of vehicle infotainment systems. Major players in this trade include automotive electronics suppliers and car manufacturers. The market is driven by consumer demand for in-car entertainment, connectivity, and seamless integration with vehicle systems, making them a high-volume product in the automotive supply chain.

What products fall under HS code 852721?

Car stereos with CD player and radio, automotive head units with USB/Bluetooth and radio, in-dash navigation systems with radio and media playback, car audio receivers with cassette and radio, OEM car radios with integrated media, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay head units

What are common misclassifications for HS code 852721?

Distinct from car radios without sound recording/reproducing functions (8527.29) and portable radios (8527.1x), with the 'combined with sound recording/reproducing' being the key differentiator.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 852721?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 852721 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.3B, 32% of world exports), Portugal ($795M) and the United States ($553M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 852721?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 852721 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.6B, 54% of world imports), Mexico ($438M) and Brazil ($273M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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.

How is HS code 852721 structured?

HS code 852721 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 852721?

In Brazil, HS code 852721 is NCM 8527.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.