Product classification
HS code for Car CD player: 8527.21
Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles, combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
Classification of car CD player under HS 8527.21
The classification of a car CD player falls under HS code 8527.21. This specific code is designated for radio-broadcast receivers that are incapable of operating without an external source of power, specifically those designed for use in motor vehicles, which are combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. In the context of modern automotive electronics, the "sound reproducing apparatus" refers to the CD player mechanism. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that when a device performs multiple functions—such as receiving radio signals and playing optical discs—it is classified based on the heading that provides the most specific description or the principal function. For automotive head units, heading 8527 is the primary classification because the radio receiver is considered a core component of the integrated dashboard unit. The sub-heading 8527.21 specifically captures units that include the playback mechanism. This classification remains applicable even if the device includes additional modern features like Bluetooth connectivity or USB ports, provided the radio and CD playback remain integral components of the assembly.
- Covers
- Integrated car stereos with CD slots
- Dashboard head units with AM/FM radio and CD playback
- Combination car radio and CD player assemblies
- In-dash multimedia units with physical CD/DVD drives
- Also under 8527.21
- Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX
- Kenwood DMX907S
- Sony XAV-AX5000
- JVC KW-M750BT
- Alpine iLX-W650
Codes often confused with 8527.21
Common mistake. Car CD players are frequently confused with HS code 8519.81, which covers sound reproducing apparatus that do not include a radio receiver. If the device only plays CDs and lacks a tuner, it belongs in 8519. Additionally, they are sometimes misclassified under 8527.91, which is reserved for portable or home radio-broadcast receivers that can operate on internal batteries or mains power, rather than being specifically designed for vehicle integration.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852721 (the code used for car CD player), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852721 (the code used for car CD player) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 54% 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 852721, not only car CD player.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $1.3B 32% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $795M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $553M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.6B 54% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $438M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $273M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 code for car CD player
Brazil classifies car CD player under NCM 8527.21.00: HS 8527.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car CD player
What is the HS code for Car CD player?
The HS code for Car CD player is 852721 (Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus). The HS code for a car CD player combined with a radio receiver is 8527.21.
How do I classify Car CD player for customs?
Car CD player is classified under HS code 852721 — Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the car speakers?
No, speakers are classified separately under HS code 8518.21 or 8518.22, even if they are sold as part of an audio kit.
Which countries are the top exporters of car CD player (HS 852721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852721 (the code used for car CD player) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.3B, 32% of world exports), Portugal ($795M) and the United States ($553M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 car CD player (HS 852721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852721 (the code used for car CD player) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.6B, 54% of world imports), Mexico ($438M) and Brazil ($273M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 Car CD player the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852721 for Car CD player 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 car CD player in Brazil?
In Brazil, car CD player (HS 852721) is classified under NCM 8527.21.00.