Product classification
HS code for Car radio cassette 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 radio cassette player under HS 8527.21
HS code 8527.21 is applied to radio-broadcast receivers that are designed for use in motor vehicles and are combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This classification is based on the functional integration of the device. Under Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment, heading 8527 covers reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting. The specific subheading 8527.21 is used when the unit is intended for automotive installation—meaning it lacks an internal power source and relies on the vehicle's battery—and includes a mechanism for playing back recorded media, such as a cassette deck. This classification remains relevant for the importation of vintage automotive parts and legacy electronic systems, following the specific provisions for combined apparatus in the HS Explanatory Notes.
- Covers
- In-dash AM/FM radio receivers with integrated cassette decks
- Combination units featuring radio, cassette, and internal amplifiers
- Legacy automotive head units designed for 12V or 24V systems
- Car stereo systems with analog cassette recording capabilities
- 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. This product is frequently misclassified under 8527.29, which is the code for car radios that do not include sound recording or reproducing apparatus. If the unit only has a radio and no cassette or CD slot, 8527.29 is correct. Another common error is using 8519, which covers stand-alone sound reproducing apparatus (like a portable cassette player) that does not include a radio receiver. Additionally, modern units with GPS navigation might be classified under 8526 or 8528 depending on the primary function and screen size, though 8527 remains common for audio-centric units. Proper identification of the "combined" nature of the device is essential.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852721 (the code used for car radio cassette player), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852721 (the code used for car radio cassette 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 radio cassette 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 radio cassette player
Brazil classifies car radio cassette 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 radio cassette player
What is the HS code for Car radio cassette player?
The HS code for Car radio cassette 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 specific HS code for a car radio combined with a cassette player (sound reproducing apparatus) is 8527.21.
How do I classify Car radio cassette player for customs?
Car radio cassette 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.
How are modern car stereos with Bluetooth and USB classified?
Modern units that lack a cassette or CD player but feature USB, Bluetooth, or MP3 playback are usually classified under 8527.21 if they are considered to have sound reproducing apparatus (digital media players), or 8527.29 if they are viewed strictly as receivers.
Which countries are the top exporters of car radio cassette player (HS 852721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852721 (the code used for car radio cassette 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 radio cassette player (HS 852721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852721 (the code used for car radio cassette 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 radio cassette player the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852721 for Car radio cassette 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 radio cassette player in Brazil?
In Brazil, car radio cassette player (HS 852721) is classified under NCM 8527.21.00.