Product classification
HS code for Car radio: 8527.29
Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles, not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
Classification of car radio under HS 8527.29
The classification of a car radio under HS code 852729 is determined by its technical functionality and its intended environment. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8527 covers reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting. Subheading 852729 specifically identifies units that are designed for use in motor vehicles and require an external power source, such as the vehicle's battery system. The critical distinction for 852729 is that the device must not be combined with any sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This means the unit is strictly a receiver for AM/FM or digital radio signals. If the device lacks internal mechanisms for playing back media from CDs, cassettes, or digital storage (like MP3 files from a USB), it remains in this category. The classification also considers Section XVI, Note 1, which ensures that electrical machinery remains within Chapter 85 even when intended for use in vehicles, provided they are not integral parts of the vehicle's mechanical operation.
- Covers
- AM/FM analog car radio receivers
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) receivers for vehicles
- Satellite radio receivers without playback features
- In-dash radio tuners without integrated media players
- Also under 8527.29
- Blaupunkt Toronto 420 BT (if only radio/BT for streaming)
- some basic OEM Ford/GM radios
- Pyle PLR26MP
- Retrosound Model Two (radio only)
Codes often confused with 8527.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 852721. While both codes cover car radios, 852721 is reserved for units "combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus." Most modern car stereos that include a CD player or the ability to play MP3 files from a flash drive belong in 852721. Another common error is 852691, which covers GPS navigation systems; if a radio has integrated GPS, the primary function must be determined to choose between 8527 and 8526.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852729 (the code used for car radio), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852729 (the code used for car radio) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 852729, not only car radio.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $325M 32% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $251M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $85M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $285M 26% of world imports
- 2 India $214M 20% of world imports
- 3 Japan $76M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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
Brazil classifies car radio under NCM 8527.29.00: HS 8527.29 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
What is the HS code for Car radio?
The HS code for Car radio is 852729 (Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus). The HS code for a car radio that only receives radio broadcasts and does not have a built-in media player is 852729.
How do I classify Car radio for customs?
Car radio is classified under HS code 852729 — Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include Bluetooth functionality?
If the Bluetooth is used solely for hands-free calling or streaming audio from a phone (where the phone is the reproducing apparatus), it may still fall under 852729, though many customs authorities prefer 852721 if the unit can control and play back files.
Which countries are the top exporters of car radio (HS 852729)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852729 (the code used for car radio) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($325M, 32% of world exports), Thailand ($251M) and the United States ($85M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 car radio (HS 852729)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852729 (the code used for car radio) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($285M, 26% of world imports), India ($214M) and Japan ($76M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852729 for Car radio 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, car radio (HS 852729) is classified under NCM 8527.29.00.