Product classification

HS code for Digital video recorder: 8521.90

Video recording or reproducing apparatus, other than magnetic tape-type.

Classification of digital video recorder under HS 8521.90

Digital video recorders (DVRs) are classified under HS code 8521.90. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8521 is specifically designated for video recording or reproducing apparatus, whether or not incorporating a video tuner. The subheading 8521.90 is the "other" category, which in modern trade refers to apparatus that does not use magnetic tape. Since contemporary DVRs record video data onto digital storage media such as internal hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), or flash memory cards, they are excluded from 8521.10 (which is reserved for magnetic tape-type devices). The classification is based on the primary function of the device: the ability to capture, store, and play back video signals in a digital format. This applies to standalone consumer DVRs, security system recorders (NVRs/DVRs), and specialized digital video capture hardware.

Covers
  • Hard disk drive (HDD) video recorders
  • Network Video Recorders (NVR) for IP cameras
  • Digital Video Recorders (DVR) for CCTV systems
  • Solid-state video recording devices
  • Portable digital video recorders without built-in screens
Also under 8521.90
  • Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray Player
  • Apple TV 4K
  • Roku Ultra
  • TiVo Edge
  • Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio Mini
  • NVIDIA Shield TV Pro

Codes often confused with 8521.90

Common mistake. Digital video recorders are often misclassified under 8525.80, which covers television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders. The distinction lies in whether the device has an integrated camera lens; if it only records signals from external sources, it belongs in 8521.90. Another common error is using 8471.70 for external storage, but if the device contains the specific circuitry for video signal processing and reproduction, 8521.90 takes precedence. Furthermore, 8521.10 is strictly for obsolete magnetic tape technology and should not be used for digital disk-based systems.

8471.70Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units8521.10Video recording or reproducing apparatus; magnetic tape-type

Top exporters and importers of HS 852190 (the code used for digital video recorder), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852190 (the code used for digital video recorder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 852190, not only digital video recorder.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.0B
  2. 2 United States $184M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$172M

World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $439M
  2. 2 Japan $262M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $183M

World total: $2.8B 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 video recorder

Brazil classifies digital video recorder under NCM 8521.90.00: HS 8521.90 with 00 added.

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

Questions about digital video recorder

What is the HS code for Digital video recorder?

The HS code for Digital video recorder is 852190 (Video recording or reproducing apparatus; other than magnetic tape-type). The standard HS code for a digital video recorder that does not use magnetic tape is 8521.90.

How do I classify Digital video recorder for customs?

Digital video recorder is classified under HS code 852190 — Video recording or reproducing apparatus; other than magnetic tape-type. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a security NVR classified differently than a consumer DVR?

Generally, no. Both are classified under 8521.90 as they serve the primary function of video recording and reproduction using non-magnetic media.

Which countries are the top exporters of digital video recorder (HS 852190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852190 (the code used for digital video recorder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 56% of world exports), the United States ($184M) and Vietnam (about $172M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 digital video recorder (HS 852190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 852190 (the code used for digital video recorder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($439M, 16% of world imports), Japan ($262M) and the United Kingdom ($183M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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.

Is the HS code for Digital video recorder the same in all countries?

The base HS code 852190 for Digital video recorder 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 video recorder in Brazil?

In Brazil, digital video recorder (HS 852190) is classified under NCM 8521.90.00.