HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 85.28 – 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
What HS 85.28 covers
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.
- Covers
- 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).
- 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.
Subheadings under 85.28 9
Codes often confused with 85.28
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8528, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8528 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 China $32.6B 36% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $11.6B 13% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$8.4B 9.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $90.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $19.4B 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.8B 6.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.9B 4.7% of world imports
World total: $83.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 85.28
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 are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8528?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8528 in UN Comtrade data were China ($32.6B, 36% of world exports), Mexico ($11.6B) and Vietnam (about $8.4B). World exports came to about $90.2B, 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 8528?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8528 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($19.4B, 23% of world imports), Germany ($5.8B) and the United Kingdom ($3.9B). World imports came to about $83.0B, 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 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.