Product classification
HS code for Desk phone: 8517.18
Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1.
Classification of desk phone under HS 8517.18
The classification of a desk phone under HS code 8517.18 is determined by its primary function as a telephone set designed for connection to a fixed line or network, excluding those specifically designed for cellular or wireless networks. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8517 covers apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. Subheading 8517.18 acts as a residual category for telephone sets that do not fit into the more specific categories of line telephone sets with cordless handsets (8517.11) or smartphones (8517.13). These devices typically consist of a base unit and a handset connected by a cord, or a base unit that connects to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the phone uses traditional analog signals or modern Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, provided it is not a cellular device.
- Covers
- Analog corded desk phones
- IP (Internet Protocol) desk phones
- SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phones
- Digital proprietary office phones
- Video desk phones (integrated)
- Conference room speakerphones (line-connected)
- Also under 8517.18
- Polycom VVX 450
- Cisco IP Phone 8841
- Panasonic KX-TGD610
- Grandstream GXP2170
- Iridium 9575 Extreme (fixed kit)
Codes often confused with 8517.18
Common mistake. Desk phones are frequently misclassified under HS code 8517.11, which is reserved specifically for line telephone sets with cordless handsets. If the desk phone is entirely corded, it must stay in 8517.18. Another common error is using 8517.13 or 8517.14, which are strictly for smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8517.62 for VoIP phones, thinking they are data switching units, but the Harmonized System dictates that if a device functions primarily as a telephone set, it must be classified under 8517.1x.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851718 (the code used for desk phone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851718 (the code used for desk phone) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guatemala, with 24% 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 851718, not only desk phone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$518M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $459M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $239M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guatemala $931M 24% of world imports
- 2 France $568M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $534M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.9B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 desk phone
Brazil splits HS 8517.18 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.18.30Other telephones not combined with other apparatus
- 8517.18.90Other telephones combined with other apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about desk phone
What is the HS code for Desk phone?
The HS code for Desk phone is 851718 (Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1). The HS code for a standard desk phone, including both analog and IP-based models, is 8517.18.
How do I classify Desk phone for customs?
Desk phone is classified under HS code 851718 — Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 8517.11 and 8517.18?
HS code 8517.11 is specifically for telephone sets that include a cordless handset, whereas 8517.18 covers all other telephone sets, including standard corded desk phones and VoIP units.
Which countries are the top exporters of desk phone (HS 851718)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851718 (the code used for desk phone) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $518M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($459M) and China ($239M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 desk phone (HS 851718)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851718 (the code used for desk phone) in UN Comtrade data were Guatemala ($931M, 24% of world imports), France ($568M) and the United States ($534M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 Desk phone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851718 for Desk 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 desk phone in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851718 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for desk phone depends on the product's details: 8517.18.30 (Other telephones not combined with other apparatus), 8517.18.90 (Other telephones combined with other apparatus).