Product classification
HS code for Barcode reader: 8471.90
Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included.
Classification of barcode reader under HS 8471.90
A barcode reader is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 847190. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers "Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof." Specifically, heading 8471 is dedicated to "Automatic data processing machines and units thereof; magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included." Barcode readers function as optical readers designed to input data into automatic data processing (ADP) systems by scanning coded information. Subheading 847190 specifically encompasses "Other" units of ADP machines, including magnetic or optical readers. This classification accurately reflects the barcode reader's role as an essential peripheral unit for data input in computing systems.
- Covers
- Handheld barcode scanners
- Fixed-mount barcode readers
- 2D barcode readers
- QR code scanners
- Point-of-sale (POS) barcode scanners
- Industrial barcode readers
- Wireless barcode scanners
- Also under 8471.90
- Honeywell Xenon 1950g barcode scanner
- Zebra DS2208 QR code reader
- Verifone VX 520 card reader
- Fujitsu fi-7160 document scanner with OCR
Codes often confused with 8471.90
Common mistake. Barcode readers are sometimes confused with other HS codes. For instance, HS 847160 covers "Input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing." While barcode readers are indeed input units, 847190 is more specific for "optical readers" within the broader category of ADP units. Another common misclassification might be with HS 854370, which covers "Other electrical machines and apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this Chapter." However, barcode readers are specifically identified as units of ADP machines under 8471, making 854370 inappropriate. Similarly, HS 903180, for "Other measuring or checking instruments," is incorrect as barcode readers primarily input data, not measure physical parameters.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847190 (the code used for barcode reader), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847190 (the code used for barcode reader) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 847190, not only barcode reader.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $921M 12% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $677M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $7.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $839M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $679M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Spain $376M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $6.8B 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 codes for barcode reader
Brazil splits HS 8471.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8471.90.11Magnetic card readers and writers
- 8471.90.12Bar code readers
- 8471.90.13Magnetic ink character (MICR) readers
- 8471.90.14Image scanners
- 8471.90.19Other data readers and writers
- 8471.90.90Other data transcribing and processing machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about barcode reader
What is the HS code for Barcode reader?
The HS code for Barcode reader is 847190 (Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included). The HS code for a Barcode reader is 847190.
How do I classify Barcode reader for customs?
Barcode reader is classified under HS code 847190 — Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are barcode readers considered parts of computers?
Barcode readers are considered "units" of automatic data processing (ADP) machines under HS 8471. While they are not the core computer, they are essential peripheral devices that enable data input into computer systems, thus falling under the broader classification of ADP equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of barcode reader (HS 847190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847190 (the code used for barcode reader) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 15% of world exports), the United States ($921M) and Ireland ($677M). World exports came to about $7.8B, 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 barcode reader (HS 847190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847190 (the code used for barcode reader) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($839M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($679M) and Spain ($376M). World imports came to about $6.8B, 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 Barcode reader the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847190 for Barcode reader 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 barcode reader in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847190 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for barcode reader depends on the product's details: 8471.90.11 (Magnetic card readers and writers), 8471.90.12 (Bar code readers), 8471.90.13 (Magnetic ink character (MICR) readers), 8471.90.14 (Image scanners), 8471.90.19 (Other data readers and writers), 8471.90.90 (Other data transcribing and processing machines).