HS Code Heading

Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus

85.28 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 8528

Heading 8528 is a comprehensive classification for visual display devices, encompassing "Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus." This heading is bifurcated into two main categories. The first covers monitors (like computer monitors, gaming displays, professional studio monitors) and projectors (for data or video), critically defined by the absence of a television tuner. These are primarily used for displaying signals from external sources such as computers or media players. The second part covers all forms of television reception apparatus – essentially, televisions themselves. This includes traditional TVs, smart TVs, and digital television receivers (set-top boxes with TV tuner functionality), regardless of whether they integrate other features like radio reception, sound recording, or video recording/reproducing capabilities. The 'whether or not incorporating' clause highlights the converged nature of modern televisions. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to the immense global trade volume in display technologies and televisions, affecting duties, taxes, and regulatory standards. It distinguishes finished display products from display modules (8524) and other communication devices. As part of Chapter 85 and Section XVI, it underscores the importance of electrical machinery in visual information and entertainment, reflecting the rapid technological advancements in screen resolution, size, and smart functionalities.

Products Under This Code

LCD computer monitors, LED gaming monitors, OLED professional display monitors, video projectors, home theater projectors, digital light processing (DLP) projectors, liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, Smart TVs, LED TVs, OLED TVs, plasma televisions, digital television receivers (set-top boxes with tuners), car infotainment displays (if primarily for monitor/TV function), public display monitors (without TV tuner), medical imaging monitors, graphic design monitors, interactive flat panel displays (without TV tuner), security camera monitors (CCTV monitors), professional studio monitors, portable projectors, ultra-short throw projectors, 4K UHD TVs, digital signage displays (without tuner).

Real World Examples

A South Korean electronics conglomerate exports millions of Smart OLED TVs to major retail chains across the United States, Europe, and India, utilizing global logistics networks and navigating varying tariff structures based on screen size and origin. Concurrently, a Chinese factory ships high-resolution LCD computer monitors to a large IT distributor in Germany for office and consumer markets, often via ocean freight to major European ports. In another scenario, a Japanese company imports specialized 4K video projectors from Taiwan for use in professional audio-visual installations and events, with shipments requiring careful handling and customs declarations for high-value equipment.

Common Misclassification

A frequent mistake is confusing finished monitors or televisions (8528) with flat panel display *modules* (8524). 8528 applies to complete apparatus with casings, power supplies, and input connectors, whereas 8524 is for the bare display unit intended for integration. Another error is classifying parts of monitors or TVs under 8528; these belong to 8529. Additionally, devices like laptops (8471) or smartphones/tablets (8517) incorporate displays but are classified by their primary function, not as monitors under 8528. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties and compliance penalties, especially given the high value and volume of trade in these products.

Subheadings 9

8528.42 Monitors; cathode-ray tube, capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 84.71 8528.49 Monitors; cathode-ray tube, n.e.c. in subheading 8528.42, whether or not colour 8528.52 Monitors; other than cathode-ray tube; capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 84.71 8528.59 Monitors other than cathode-ray tube; n.e.c. in subheading 8528.52, whether or not colour 8528.62 Projectors; capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 84.71 8528.69 Projectors; n.e.c. in subheading 8528.62, whether or not colour 8528.71 Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; not designed to incorporate a video display or screen 8528.72 Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; incorporating a colour video display or screen 8528.73 Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; incorporating a monochrome video display or screen

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 global manufacturers and exporters of monitors, projectors, and televisions are concentrated in China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico (for assembly operations serving North America). The United States, European Union countries, and emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are the primary importing regions. Tariffs often vary significantly by product type (e.g., monitors vs. TVs), screen size, resolution, and smart functionalities. Free trade agreements, such as the USMCA and various agreements with the EU, play a crucial role in determining preferential tariff rates, influencing sourcing and trade routes for these high-volume consumer and professional electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 8528?

HS code 8528 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus. Heading 8528 is a comprehensive classification for visual display devices, encompassing "Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus." This heading is bifurcated into two main categories. The first covers monitors (like computer monitors, gaming displays, professional studio monitors) and projectors (for data or video), critically defined by the absence of a television tuner. These are primarily used for displaying signals from external sources such as computers or media players. The second part covers all forms of television reception apparatus – essentially, televisions themselves. This includes traditional TVs, smart TVs, and digital television receivers (set-top boxes with TV tuner functionality), regardless of whether they integrate other features like radio reception, sound recording, or video recording/reproducing capabilities. The 'whether or not incorporating' clause highlights the converged nature of modern televisions. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to the immense global trade volume in display technologies and televisions, affecting duties, taxes, and regulatory standards. It distinguishes finished display products from display modules (8524) and other communication devices. As part of Chapter 85 and Section XVI, it underscores the importance of electrical machinery in visual information and entertainment, reflecting the rapid technological advancements in screen resolution, size, and smart functionalities.

What products fall under HS code 8528?

LCD computer monitors, LED gaming monitors, OLED professional display monitors, video projectors, home theater projectors, digital light processing (DLP) projectors, liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, Smart TVs, LED TVs, OLED TVs, plasma televisions, digital television receivers (set-top boxes with tuners), car infotainment displays (if primarily for monitor/TV function), public display monitors (without TV tuner), medical imaging monitors, graphic design monitors, interactive flat panel displays (without TV tuner), security camera monitors (CCTV monitors), professional studio monitors, portable projectors, ultra-short throw projectors, 4K UHD TVs, digital signage displays (without tuner).

What are common misclassifications for HS code 8528?

A frequent mistake is confusing finished monitors or televisions (8528) with flat panel display *modules* (8524). 8528 applies to complete apparatus with casings, power supplies, and input connectors, whereas 8524 is for the bare display unit intended for integration. Another error is classifying parts of monitors or TVs under 8528; these belong to 8529. Additionally, devices like laptops (8471) or smartphones/tablets (8517) incorporate displays but are classified by their primary function, not as monitors under 8528. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duties and compliance penalties, especially given the high value and volume of trade in these products.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 8528?

Major global manufacturers and exporters of monitors, projectors, and televisions are concentrated in China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Mexico (for assembly operations serving North America). The United States, European Union countries, and emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are the primary importing regions. Tariffs often vary significantly by product type (e.g., monitors vs. TVs), screen size, resolution, and smart functionalities. Free trade agreements, such as the USMCA and various agreements with the EU, play a crucial role in determining preferential tariff rates, influencing sourcing and trade routes for these high-volume consumer and professional electronics.

How is HS code 8528 structured?

HS code 8528 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (28) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.