Product classification

HS code for Basic mobile phone: 8517.14

Telephone sets, other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks.

Classification of basic mobile phone under HS 8517.14

The classification of basic mobile phones under HS code 8517.14 is determined by their primary function as voice communication devices over wireless networks, specifically excluding those that qualify as smartphones. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their technical characteristics and intended use. Basic mobile phones, often referred to as feature phones, typically lack the advanced operating systems, high-speed data processing capabilities, and extensive third-party application support found in smartphones. They are designed for standard telephony and SMS services. Under the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, a clear distinction was made between smartphones (8517.13) and other mobile phones (8517.14) to better reflect technological advancements in the telecommunications sector. This code covers devices that may have limited internet access or basic cameras but do not possess the integrated, multi-functional capabilities of a modern smartphone. The classification process involves examining the device's hardware specifications, the nature of its operating system, and its ability to perform complex tasks beyond basic communication. Importers must ensure that the technical documentation clearly states the absence of a high-level operating system to justify the use of 8517.14. Furthermore, the Explanatory Notes to Heading 8517 clarify that this subheading includes mobile telephones for cellular networks other than smartphones, emphasizing the hardware's primary role in telecommunication rather than general-purpose computing.

Covers
  • Feature phones with physical alphanumeric keypads
  • Basic flip phones for cellular networks
  • Ruggedized mobile phones without advanced operating systems
  • Entry-level mobile handsets designed primarily for voice calls
  • GSM or CDMA mobile phones lacking smartphone architecture
Also under 8517.14
  • Nokia 105
  • Samsung E1200
  • Doro 8050
  • Sonim XP8
  • Kyocera DuraXV Extreme

Codes often confused with 8517.14

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8517.13, which is reserved for smartphones. A smartphone is defined by its ability to run a sophisticated operating system that allows for the installation of various third-party applications and high-level data processing. If a phone has a touchscreen and a modern OS like Android or iOS, it must be classified under 8517.13. Additionally, some importers confuse these with walkie-talkies or two-way radios, which fall under 8517.62 or 8517.12 depending on the technology, but 8517.14 is strictly for cellular network devices.

8517.13Telephone sets; smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks8517.62Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus

Top exporters and importers of HS 851714 (the code used for basic mobile phone), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851714 (the code used for basic mobile phone) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 27% 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 851714, not only basic mobile phone.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $3.2B
  2. 2 China $2.0B
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $1.8B

World total: $9.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$2.5B
  2. 2 Spain $1.2B
  3. 3 Singapore $760M

World total: $9.1B 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 codes for basic mobile phone

Brazil splits HS 8517.14 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about basic mobile phone

What is the HS code for Basic mobile phone?

The HS code for Basic mobile phone is 851714 (Telephone sets; other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks). The HS code for a basic mobile phone (feature phone) is 8517.14.

How do I classify Basic mobile phone for customs?

Basic mobile phone is classified under HS code 851714 — Telephone sets; other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

One more relevant question

Does a basic phone with a camera still fall under 8517.14? Yes, as long as it does not meet the technical criteria of a smartphone, the presence of a camera does not change its classification from 8517.14.

Which countries are the top exporters of basic mobile phone (HS 851714)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851714 (the code used for basic mobile phone) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.2B, 34% of world exports), China ($2.0B) and Saudi Arabia ($1.8B). World exports came to about $9.5B, 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 basic mobile phone (HS 851714)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851714 (the code used for basic mobile phone) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $2.5B, 27% of world imports), Spain ($1.2B) and Singapore ($760M). World imports came to about $9.1B, 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 Basic mobile phone the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851714 for Basic mobile phone 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 basic mobile phone in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851714 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for basic mobile phone depends on the product's details: 8517.14.10 (Analogue radiotelephones), 8517.14.31 (Portable mobile phones, other than smartphones), 8517.14.32 (Fixed cellular phones without own power source), 8517.14.39 (Other cellular network phones), 8517.14.41 (Digital satellite phones, C/Ku/L/S band), 8517.14.49 (Other satellite phones), and more.