Product classification
HS code for Broadcast transceiver: 8525.60
Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, incorporating reception apparatus.
Classification of broadcast transceiver under HS 8525.60
The classification of broadcast transceivers under HS code 8525.60 is determined by their dual functionality: the ability to both transmit and receive radio or television signals within a single integrated unit. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 85, this code specifically addresses apparatus designed for broadcasting, which distinguishes it from general telecommunications equipment. The Harmonized System organizes Chapter 85 to separate transmission-only devices from those that incorporate reception capabilities. For a device to fall under 8525.60, the reception component must be an integral part of the transmission apparatus, typically sharing circuitry, power supplies, or housing. This classification is essential for regulatory compliance, as broadcast equipment often faces different tariff rates, licensing requirements, and import restrictions compared to standard consumer electronics or pure telecommunication infrastructure. The technical complexity of these units, often involving high-frequency modulation and demodulation for professional media distribution, necessitates a specific sub-heading to ensure uniform global trade statistics and proper duty assessment.
- Covers
- Professional FM radio transceivers
- Digital television (DTV) transceivers
- Microwave link transceivers for broadcast relay
- Satellite broadcast transceivers
- Portable outside broadcast (OB) transceiver units
- Also under 8525.60
Comtech EF Data satellite transceivers, Ericsson broadcast contribution systems, Aviat Networks microwave radios, Motorola Solutions two-way radios (professional broadcast grade), Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio (if it has integrated transmission/reception for broadcast)
Codes often confused with 8525.60
Common mistake. Broadcast transceivers are frequently confused with HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data, such as switching and routing apparatus. The distinction lies in the intended use; 8517 is for point-to-point telecommunication or networking, while 8525 is for broadcasting to the public or between broadcast stations. Another common error is using HS code 8525.50, which is strictly for transmission apparatus that does not incorporate any reception components. If a device has any receiving capability used for monitoring or signal feedback, it must be moved from 8525.50 to 8525.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852560 (the code used for broadcast transceiver), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852560 (the code used for broadcast transceiver) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 852560, not only broadcast transceiver.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $881M 35% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $228M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 Canada $199M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $696M 25% of world imports
- 2 Australia $198M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $185M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 broadcast transceiver
Brazil splits HS 8525.60 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8525.60.10Radio broadcast transmitters with receiver
- 8525.60.20TV transmitters with receiver, over 7 GHz
- 8525.60.90Other transmitters with receiver
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about broadcast transceiver
What is the HS code for Broadcast transceiver?
The HS code for Broadcast transceiver is 852560 (Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, incorporating reception apparatus). The primary HS code for a broadcast transceiver is 8525.60, which covers transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television.
How do I classify Broadcast transceiver for customs?
Broadcast transceiver is classified under HS code 852560 — Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, incorporating reception apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cellular base stations?
No, cellular base stations and similar telecommunications infrastructure are typically classified under HS code 8517.61, as they are part of a public telecommunication network rather than a broadcast system.
Which countries are the top exporters of broadcast transceiver (HS 852560)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852560 (the code used for broadcast transceiver) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($881M, 35% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($228M) and Canada ($199M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 broadcast transceiver (HS 852560)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852560 (the code used for broadcast transceiver) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($696M, 25% of world imports), Australia ($198M) and the United Kingdom ($185M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Broadcast transceiver the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852560 for Broadcast transceiver 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 broadcast transceiver in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852560 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for broadcast transceiver depends on the product's details: 8525.60.10 (Radio broadcast transmitters with receiver), 8525.60.20 (TV transmitters with receiver, over 7 GHz), 8525.60.90 (Other transmitters with receiver).