Product classification
HS code for Broadcast transmitter: 8525.50
Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, not incorporating reception apparatus.
Classification of broadcast transmitter under HS 8525.50
Broadcast transmitters are classified under HS code 8525.50 because they are dedicated transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television that do not incorporate any reception apparatus. The primary function of these devices is the propagation of electromagnetic waves carrying audio or video information to a wide audience. The classification logic follows the principle that the absence of a receiver is a defining characteristic for this specific subheading. This code is used for high-power station equipment as well as smaller relay transmitters used in the distribution of media content. Under the Harmonized System, the distinction between transmission with and without reception is a fundamental dividing line for Chapter 85 products. These transmitters are often subject to strict national telecommunications authority regulations and require specific documentation proving they operate within assigned frequency bands. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the transmission is analog or digital, provided the device is designed for the broadcast of signals to be received by the general public or for relaying such signals between stations.
- Covers
- AM and FM radio transmitters
- Terrestrial television transmitters (DVB-T, ATSC)
- Satellite uplink transmitters for broadcasting
- Radio broadcast relay transmitters
- Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) transmitters
- Also under 8525.50
- Rohde & Schwarz TV transmitters
- GatesAir FM radio transmitters
- Nautel AM/FM transmitters
- Harris Broadcast transmitters
- Elettronika TV transmitters
Codes often confused with 8525.50
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8525.60, which is reserved for transceivers. If a transmitter includes a built-in receiver for any purpose other than simple internal monitoring, it may be reclassified under 8525.60. Additionally, many importers mistakenly use HS code 8517.62 for broadcast transmitters. While 8517.62 covers data transmission apparatus, it is specifically for telecommunication networks (like Wi-Fi or cellular data). Broadcast transmitters intended for radio or TV stations must stay within 8525.50. Furthermore, remote control devices for toys or garage doors, which also transmit signals, are classified elsewhere, such as 8526.92.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852550 (the code used for broadcast transmitter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852550 (the code used for broadcast transmitter) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% 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 852550, not only broadcast transmitter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$858M 42% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $351M 17% of world exports
- 3 Canada $93M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 53% of world imports
- 2 Canada $197M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Italy $95M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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. 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 transmitter
Brazil splits HS 8525.50 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8525.50.11Solid-state AM radio transmitters, over 10 kW
- 8525.50.19Other radio broadcast transmitters
- 8525.50.21TV transmitters over 7 GHz
- 8525.50.22UHF TV transmitters, 2.0–2.7 GHz, 10–100 W
- 8525.50.23UHF TV transmitters over 10 kW
- 8525.50.24VHF TV transmitters, 20 kW or more
- 8525.50.29Other television transmitters
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about broadcast transmitter
What is the HS code for Broadcast transmitter?
The HS code for Broadcast transmitter is 852550 (Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, not incorporating reception apparatus). The HS code for a broadcast transmitter is 8525.50, specifically for apparatus not incorporating reception capabilities.
How do I classify Broadcast transmitter for customs?
Broadcast transmitter is classified under HS code 852550 — Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, not incorporating reception apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are radio station antennas classified here?
No, antennas and antenna reflectors of all kinds are classified under HS code 8517.71, as they are considered parts of the transmission apparatus rather than the apparatus itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of broadcast transmitter (HS 852550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852550 (the code used for broadcast transmitter) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $858M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($351M) and Canada ($93M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 transmitter (HS 852550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852550 (the code used for broadcast transmitter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 53% of world imports), Canada ($197M) and Italy ($95M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 Broadcast transmitter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852550 for Broadcast transmitter 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 transmitter in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852550 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for broadcast transmitter depends on the product's details: 8525.50.11 (Solid-state AM radio transmitters, over 10 kW), 8525.50.19 (Other radio broadcast transmitters), 8525.50.21 (TV transmitters over 7 GHz), 8525.50.22 (UHF TV transmitters, 2.0–2.7 GHz, 10–100 W), 8525.50.23 (UHF TV transmitters over 10 kW), 8525.50.24 (VHF TV transmitters, 20 kW or more), and more.