Product classification
HS code for Chip card: 8523.52
Semiconductor media, smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of chip card under HS 8523.52
The classification of chip cards under HS code 8523.52 is governed by the technological components embedded within the card. These are officially referred to as "smart cards" in the Harmonized System. A chip card consists of one or more electronic integrated circuits (a microprocessor, random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM)) in the form of chips, which are embedded in a plastic or other material base. These cards may contain a contact strip, an antenna for contactless communication, or both. The classification is specific to semiconductor-based media. It is important to note that the classification remains 8523.52 regardless of whether the card is "blank" or has been pre-recorded with data, provided the primary function is the storage or processing of information via the integrated circuit. This heading excludes cards that only contain a magnetic stripe, as those are classified based on magnetic technology rather than semiconductor technology. The card must also be of a size and shape suitable for being carried in a pocket or wallet to meet the general description of a "card" in this context.
- Covers
- SIM cards for mobile telecommunications
- EMV credit and debit cards with embedded chips
- Electronic ID cards and driver licenses
- Stored-value cards (e.g., transit cards)
- Access control cards with integrated circuits
- Also under 8523.52
- Visa EMV chip card
- Vodafone SIM card
- German eID card
- Oyster card (London)
- Gemalto IDPrime smart card
Codes often confused with 8523.52
Common mistake. Chip cards are frequently misclassified under 8523.21, which is the code for cards incorporating a magnetic stripe. While many chip cards also have a magnetic stripe, the presence of the integrated circuit (the chip) takes precedence in classification under the semiconductor category. Another error is using 8523.51, which is for solid-state non-volatile storage devices like USB flash drives. While both use semiconductors, 8523.52 is specific to the "smart card" form factor and functionality.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852352 (the code used for chip card), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852352 (the code used for chip card) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 852352, not only chip card.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.9B 29% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $486M 7.4% of world exports
- 3 France $409M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $921M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $491M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $405M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $6.8B 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 codes for chip card
Brazil splits HS 8523.52 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.52.10Proximity-activated smart cards and tags
- 8523.52.90Other smart cards
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chip card
What is the HS code for Chip card?
The HS code for Chip card is 852352 (Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for chip cards, also known as smart cards, is 8523.52.
How do I classify Chip card for customs?
Chip card is classified under HS code 852352 — Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cards with only a magnetic stripe?
No, cards that only have a magnetic stripe and no electronic chip are classified under HS code 8523.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of chip card (HS 852352)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852352 (the code used for chip card) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 29% of world exports), Hong Kong ($486M) and France ($409M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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 chip card (HS 852352)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852352 (the code used for chip card) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($921M, 14% of world imports), China ($491M) and Germany ($405M). World imports came to about $6.8B, 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 Chip card the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852352 for Chip card 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 chip card in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852352 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chip card depends on the product's details: 8523.52.10 (Proximity-activated smart cards and tags), 8523.52.90 (Other smart cards).