Product classification
HS code for Blank CD: 8523.41
Optical media, unrecorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of blank CD under HS 8523.41
Blank CDs are classified under HS code 8523.41. Heading 8523 encompasses disks, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards," and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded. The classification is further refined by the technology used (magnetic, optical, or semiconductor) and whether the media contains data. Subheading 8523.41 is specifically for unrecorded optical media. Since a blank CD uses optical technology (lasers) for reading and writing and does not yet contain permanent data or software, it fits precisely into this category. The Harmonized System distinguishes between media that is "unrecorded" and media that is "recorded." For optical media, 8523.41 covers the blank discs, while 8523.49 covers discs that have been recorded with music, software, or video. This distinction is critical because recorded media may be subject to different duty rates or intellectual property regulations. Even though the use of physical CDs has declined with the rise of cloud storage, the HS code remains the standard for international trade of these optical storage units. The classification applies to all variations of blank optical discs, including CD-R and CD-RW, provided they are in an unrecorded state at the time of importation.
- Covers
- Blank CD-R (Recordable)
- Blank CD-RW (Rewritable)
- Blank DVD-R and DVD-RW
- Blank Blu-ray discs
- Unrecorded optical discs for data backup
- Also under 8523.41
- Verbatim CD-R
- Taiyo Yuden DVD-R
- Sony BD-R
- Maxell CD-RW
- TDK DVD+RW
Codes often confused with 8523.41
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs when blank CDs are placed under 8523.49, which is the code for recorded optical media. This usually happens when the importer fails to specify that the media is unrecorded. Another error is using 8523.21, which is for magnetic media like cards with a magnetic stripe. Because CDs use optical laser technology, they must stay within the 8523.4x subheadings. Finally, some mistakenly look to Chapter 37 (Photographic goods), but 8523 specifically excludes those products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852341 (the code used for blank CD), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852341 (the code used for blank CD) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 79% 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 852341, not only blank CD.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$100M 27% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 South Korea $64M 18% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$28M 7.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $363M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $1.1B 79% of world imports
- 2 Japan $50M 3.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $32M 2.3% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 blank CD
Brazil splits HS 8523.41 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.41.10Blank write-once optical discs
- 8523.41.90Other blank optical media
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blank CD
What is the HS code for Blank CD?
The HS code for Blank CD is 852341 (Optical media; unrecorded, excluding products of Chapter 37).
How do I classify Blank CD for customs?
Blank CD is classified under HS code 852341 — Optical media; unrecorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for blank CDs?
The HS code for blank CDs and other unrecorded optical media is 8523.41.
Does this code include blank DVDs?
Yes, blank DVDs are also classified under 8523.41 because they are unrecorded optical media, similar to CDs.
Which countries are the top exporters of blank CD (HS 852341)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852341 (the code used for blank CD) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $100M, 27% of world exports), South Korea ($64M) and Vietnam (about $28M). World exports came to about $363M, 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 blank CD (HS 852341)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852341 (the code used for blank CD) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($1.1B, 79% of world imports), Japan ($50M) and the United States ($32M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Blank CD the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852341 for Blank CD 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 blank CD in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852341 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for blank CD depends on the product's details: 8523.41.10 (Blank write-once optical discs), 8523.41.90 (Other blank optical media).