Product classification

HS code for Digital audio player: 8519.81

Sound recording or reproducing apparatus, using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50.

Classification of digital audio player under HS 8519.81

Digital audio players are classified under HS code 8519.81. This code falls under Heading 8519, which encompasses sound recording or reproducing apparatus. The subheading 8519.81 is specifically for apparatus using magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media. Most modern digital audio players (such as MP3 players or high-resolution DAP units) utilize semiconductor media, commonly known as flash memory, to store and play back audio files. The classification is determined by the device's primary function: the reproduction of sound from a digital format. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1 and 6, the device is classified here because it does not include a video display for playing movies (which would move it to 8521) and it is not a telephone (8517). The technical requirement for 8519.81 is that the device must be able to process digital signals stored on the aforementioned media types to produce an audio output.

Covers
  • MP3 and AAC portable players
  • High-resolution digital audio players (DAPs)
  • Digital voice recorders with playback function
  • Portable solid-state music players
  • Digital audio players with Bluetooth output
Also under 8519.81
  • Sony Walkman (digital models)
  • Tascam DR-40X
  • FiiO M11 Plus LTD
  • Marantz CD6007
  • Zoom H4n Pro
  • Astell&Kern A&ultima SP2000T

Codes often confused with 8519.81

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8517.13 or 8517.14, which are for smartphones. While smartphones play music, their primary function is telecommunication. Another error is using HS code 8521.90, which is for video recording or reproducing apparatus; if the player has a screen primarily for navigating music rather than watching films, it remains in 8519.81. Finally, 8519.89 is sometimes used incorrectly for digital players, but that code is reserved for "other" apparatus like analog turntables.

8517.13Telephone sets; smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks8517.14Telephone sets; other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks8521.90Video recording or reproducing apparatus; other than magnetic tape-type8519.89Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no 8519

Top exporters and importers of HS 851981 (the code used for digital audio player), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851981 (the code used for digital audio player) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 851981, not only digital audio player.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $905M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$469M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $202M

World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $756M
  2. 2 Germany $262M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $176M

World total: $2.5B 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 digital audio player

Brazil splits HS 8519.81 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about digital audio player

What is the HS code for Digital audio player?

The HS code for Digital audio player is 851981 (Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50). The standard HS code for a digital audio player using semiconductor media is 8519.81.

How do I classify Digital audio player for customs?

Digital audio player is classified under HS code 851981 — Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, n.e.c. in item no 8519.20, 8519.30 or 8519.50. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are iPods classified under this code?

Yes, portable digital music players like the iPod (non-touch versions without cellular) are typically classified under 8519.81.

Which countries are the top exporters of digital audio player (HS 851981)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851981 (the code used for digital audio player) in UN Comtrade data were China ($905M, 42% of world exports), Vietnam (about $469M) and Hong Kong ($202M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 digital audio player (HS 851981)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851981 (the code used for digital audio player) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($756M, 31% of world imports), Germany ($262M) and Hong Kong ($176M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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.

Is the HS code for Digital audio player the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851981 for Digital audio player 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 digital audio player in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851981 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for digital audio player depends on the product's details: 8519.81.10 (CD players (laser optical reading)), 8519.81.20 (Aircraft cockpit sound recorders), 8519.81.90 (Other audio recorders/players using storage media).