Product classification
HS code for Audio recorder: 8519.89
Sound recording or reproducing apparatus, n.e.c. in heading no 8519.
Classification of audio recorder under HS 8519.89
An audio recorder is classified under HS code 851989, which falls under the broader heading 8519 for "Sound recording or reproducing apparatus." Specifically, 851989 is a residual category for "Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no 8519," meaning 'not elsewhere specified or included.' This classification applies to devices whose primary function is to record or reproduce sound, and which are not specifically covered by other more precise subheadings within 8519, such as coin-operated players, dictating machines, or telephone answering machines. This ensures that general-purpose audio recording devices, whether analog or digital, are appropriately categorized based on their core functionality.
- Covers
- Digital voice recorders
- Portable audio recorders
- Studio multi-track audio recorders (not for dictation)
- Cassette recorders (non-coin operated)
- Reel-to-reel audio recorders
- MiniDisc recorders
- Also under 8519.89
- Olympus DS-9500 (digital dictation, but if analog or very specific)
- vintage phonographs
- specialized sound art installations
- unique audio playback devices for museums
Codes often confused with 8519.89
Common mistake. Audio recorders are frequently misclassified due to the specific nature of certain recording or reproducing devices. For instance, devices that only reproduce sound, such as standalone cassette players or record players without recording capabilities, are classified under HS 851930. Telephone answering machines, despite recording audio, have their own specific classification under HS 851950. Similarly, coin- or token-operated record-players are classified under HS 851920. If a device records both audio and video, it would typically fall under Chapter 8521, which covers "Video recording or reproducing apparatus." The distinction is critical and depends on the device's specific primary function and any additional capabilities.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851989 (the code used for audio recorder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851989 (the code used for audio recorder) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 851989, not only audio recorder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $328M 27% of world exports
- 2 China $184M 15% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$162M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $202M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $141M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $97M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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.
Brazil NCM code for audio recorder
Brazil classifies audio recorder under NCM 8519.89.00: HS 8519.89 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about audio recorder
What is the HS code for Audio recorder?
The HS code for Audio recorder is 851989 (Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no 8519). The HS code for a general audio recorder, not specified elsewhere in heading 8519, is 851989.
How do I classify Audio recorder for customs?
Audio recorder is classified under HS code 851989 — Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no 8519. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 851989 include all sound recording devices?
No, 851989 is a residual category. Specific sound recording devices like telephone answering machines (851950) or dictating machines (851940) have their own dedicated HS codes within heading 8519.
Which countries are the top exporters of audio recorder (HS 851989)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851989 (the code used for audio recorder) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($328M, 27% of world exports), China ($184M) and Vietnam (about $162M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 audio recorder (HS 851989)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851989 (the code used for audio recorder) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($202M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($141M) and the United Kingdom ($97M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Audio recorder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851989 for Audio recorder is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for audio recorder in Brazil?
In Brazil, audio recorder (HS 851989) is classified under NCM 8519.89.00.