Product classification
HS code for Car stereo: 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 stereo under HS 8527.21
A car stereo is classified under HS code 852721 when it functions as a radio-broadcast receiver combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This classification is part of Heading 8527, which covers reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting. The "combined with" provision is the defining factor for 852721. In the context of modern automotive electronics, "sound reproducing apparatus" includes CD players, cassette players, or digital media players capable of reading files from internal memory, USB flash drives, or SD cards. If the device can play music from a physical or digital medium in addition to receiving radio signals, it must be classified here rather than under the "radio only" code. This follows GRI 1 and 6, ensuring the most specific description is used. The unit must also be of a kind used in motor vehicles, typically characterized by its DIN size, 12V/24V power requirement, and mounting brackets.
- Covers
- Car stereos with integrated CD/DVD players
- Head units with USB/SD card MP3 playback
- Infotainment systems with radio and internal digital storage
- Car cassette-radio combinations
- 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. The most common misclassification is HS code 852729, which is for car radios *without* sound reproducing capabilities. With the decline of standalone radios, 852721 is now the more common code. Another misclassification is 852859 for units with large touchscreens; if the primary purpose is radio/audio, it stays in 8527, but if it is primarily a video display, it may move to 8528.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852721 (the code used for car stereo), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852721 (the code used for car stereo) 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 stereo.
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 stereo
Brazil classifies car stereo 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 stereo
What is the HS code for Car stereo?
The HS code for Car stereo 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 stereo with a built-in media player (CD, USB, etc.) is 852721.
How do I classify Car stereo for customs?
Car stereo 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 include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay units?
Yes, these units are typically classified under 852721 because they include radio reception and the ability to reproduce sound from digital sources, even if the source is a connected smartphone.
Which countries are the top exporters of car stereo (HS 852721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852721 (the code used for car stereo) 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 stereo (HS 852721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852721 (the code used for car stereo) 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 stereo the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852721 for Car stereo 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 stereo in Brazil?
In Brazil, car stereo (HS 852721) is classified under NCM 8527.21.00.