Product classification
HS code for DECT phone: 8517.11
Line telephone sets with cordless handsets.
Classification of DECT phone under HS 8517.11
A DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) phone is classified under HS code 8517.11. This classification is determined by the primary function of the device as a telephone set. Heading 8517 covers telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks. Subheading 8517.11 is specifically reserved for line telephone sets with cordless handsets. A DECT system typically consists of a base station connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a physical wire (the "line") and one or more cordless handsets that communicate with the base via radio frequency. Because the primary connection to the network is a physical line, it is distinguished from purely cellular or satellite phones. The classification remains 8517.11 even if the system includes advanced features like digital answering machines, caller ID displays, or multi-handset capabilities, as the core identity is a line-based cordless telephone.
- Covers
- Standard DECT cordless phones
- Multi-handset DECT systems with base station
- VoIP-enabled DECT phones with RJ-11 or RJ-45 line connections
- Cordless handsets imported with their base station
- 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. DECT phones are often confused with 8517.13 (smartphones) or 8517.14 (other telephones for cellular networks). However, those codes are for devices that connect directly to a mobile network. Another common error is using 8517.18 for "other" telephone sets, but 8517.11 is more specific for cordless line units. If only an additional handset is imported without a base, it might be classified as a part under 8517.79, though usually, it remains under 8517.11 as an incomplete set.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851711 (the code used for DECT phone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851711 (the code used for DECT 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 DECT 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 DECT phone
Brazil classifies DECT 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 DECT phone
What is the HS code for DECT phone?
The HS code for DECT phone is 851711 (Line telephone sets with cordless handsets). The HS code for a DECT phone (line telephone with a cordless handset) is 8517.11.
How do I classify DECT phone for customs?
DECT phone is classified under HS code 851711 — Line telephone sets with cordless handsets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include office PBX cordless phones?
Yes, if the cordless phone system connects to a fixed line or PBX system via a base station, it is classified under 8517.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of DECT phone (HS 851711)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851711 (the code used for DECT 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 DECT phone (HS 851711)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851711 (the code used for DECT 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 DECT phone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851711 for DECT 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 DECT phone in Brazil?
In Brazil, DECT phone (HS 851711) is classified under NCM 8517.11.00.