Product classification
HS code for Cordless phone: 8517.11
Line telephone sets with cordless handsets.
Classification of cordless phone under HS 8517.11
The classification of cordless telephone sets under HS code 8517.11 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 8517 encompasses telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks. Specifically, subheading 8517.11 is reserved for line telephone sets with cordless handsets. These devices consist of a base station connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) via a physical line and one or more portable handsets that communicate with the base station via radio frequency. Because the primary connection to the network is via a physical line, they are distinguished from cellular devices. The classification remains 8517.11 even if the base station includes additional features like an answering machine or a speakerphone, provided the cordless handset functionality is the primary characteristic. This code is essential for customs as it distinguishes traditional landline-based technology from mobile cellular technology. The handsets typically operate on DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) or similar standards. It is important to note that the base station and the handset are usually imported together as a set. If a handset is imported separately as a replacement part, it may still fall under this heading or under 8517.70 depending on the specific customs territory's interpretation of parts versus incomplete units.
- Covers
- DECT cordless telephones
- Analog cordless home phones
- Base stations with cordless handsets
- Additional cordless handsets for existing base units
- Cordless phones with integrated digital answering machines
- Also under 8517.11
- Panasonic KX-TGD533W
- VTech CS6719-2
- AT&T CL82207
- Gigaset C570A
- Uniden D1788-3
Codes often confused with 8517.11
Common mistake. Cordless phones are frequently misclassified under HS code 8517.12, which is designated for telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks (like smartphones). The key distinction is that 8517.11 requires a physical line connection for the base station. They may also be confused with 8517.18, which covers other line telephone sets that do not feature cordless handsets, such as standard corded desk phones.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851711 (the code used for cordless phone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851711 (the code used for cordless phone) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 8.5% 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 851711, not only cordless phone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $213M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $189M 19% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $138M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $67M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $58M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $53M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $786M 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 cordless phone
Brazil classifies cordless phone under NCM 8517.11.00: HS 8517.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cordless phone
What is the HS code for Cordless phone?
The HS code for Cordless phone is 851711 (Line telephone sets with cordless handsets). The HS code for a cordless phone set consisting of a base station and a cordless handset is 8517.11.
How do I classify Cordless phone for customs?
Cordless phone is classified under HS code 851711 — Line telephone sets with cordless handsets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS code 8517.11 and 8517.12?
HS code 8517.11 is for line-connected telephones with cordless handsets, whereas 8517.12 is for mobile or cellular phones that connect directly to a wireless carrier network without a physical line.
Which countries are the top exporters of cordless phone (HS 851711)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851711 (the code used for cordless phone) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($213M, 21% of world exports), China ($189M) and Malaysia ($138M). 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 cordless phone (HS 851711)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851711 (the code used for cordless phone) in UN Comtrade data were France ($67M, 8.5% of world imports), the Netherlands ($58M) and Germany ($53M). World imports came to about $786M, 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 Cordless phone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851711 for Cordless phone 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 cordless phone in Brazil?
In Brazil, cordless phone (HS 851711) is classified under NCM 8517.11.00.