Product classification

HS code for Digital signage: 8531.20

Signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530.

Classification of digital signage under HS 8531.20

Digital signage is classified under HS code 8531.20, which pertains to electric sound or visual signalling apparatus. Specifically, this subheading covers indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED). The classification is determined by the device's primary function as a signalling or indicator apparatus rather than a general-purpose video monitor. Digital signage is typically used in commercial, industrial, or public environments to display specific information, such as advertisements, schedules, or directions. These units are often distinguished from consumer monitors by their lack of a television tuner, their ruggedized construction for 24/7 operation, and their specialized control software. Under the Harmonized System, if a display's function is to serve as an indicator panel—providing visual signals for information purposes—it is correctly placed in 8531.20. This includes everything from simple LED scrolling message boards to large-scale LCD video walls used for public information. However, if the display is a high-resolution monitor capable of accepting a wide range of video signals for general use, it may be subject to classification under heading 8528.

Covers
  • LED information display panels
  • LCD digital signage boards
  • Electronic bulletin boards
  • Digital menu boards
  • Public information displays
Also under 8531.20
  • Samsung The Wall
  • LG commercial displays
  • Daktronics scoreboards
  • Barco LED displays
  • various industrial HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panels
  • E Ink electronic shelf labels
  • Planar LED displays

Codes often confused with 8531.20

Common mistake. Digital signage is frequently misclassified under 8528.52 or 8528.59, which cover monitors. The distinction is often based on the presence of a video controller and the intended use. If the device is marketed as a monitor for a computer, it goes to 8528. If it is marketed as an indicator panel for signalling information to the public, it belongs in 8531.20. Customs may also look at the brightness levels and the absence of certain consumer inputs to justify 8531.20.

8528.52Monitors; other than cathode-ray tube; capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 84.718528.59Monitors other than cathode-ray tube; n.e.c. in subheading 8528.52, whether or not colour85.28Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus

Top exporters and importers of HS 853120 (the code used for digital signage), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853120 (the code used for digital signage) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 853120, not only digital signage.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.4B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$744M
  3. 3 United States $588M

World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.0B
  2. 2 Germany $448M
  3. 3 Thailand $374M

World total: $5.6B 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 code for digital signage

Brazil classifies digital signage under NCM 8531.20.00: HS 8531.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about digital signage

What is the HS code for Digital signage?

The HS code for Digital signage is 853120 (Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530). Digital signage is primarily classified under HS code 8531.20 as an electric visual signalling apparatus.

How do I classify Digital signage for customs?

Digital signage is classified under HS code 853120 — Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this include outdoor LED billboards?

Yes, large outdoor LED billboards used for advertising or public information are generally classified under 8531.20 as LED indicator panels.

Which countries are the top exporters of digital signage (HS 853120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853120 (the code used for digital signage) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 24% of world exports), Vietnam (about $744M) and the United States ($588M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of digital signage (HS 853120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853120 (the code used for digital signage) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($448M) and Thailand ($374M). World imports came to about $5.6B, 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.

Is the HS code for Digital signage the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853120 for Digital signage 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 signage in Brazil?

In Brazil, digital signage (HS 853120) is classified under NCM 8531.20.00.