Product classification
HS code for Hard drive: 8471.70
Units of automatic data processing machines, storage units.
Classification of hard drive under HS 8471.70
Hard drives are classified under HS code 8471.70 as storage units for automatic data processing (ADP) machines. Chapter 84 includes mechanical appliances and machinery, and heading 8471 specifically covers computers and their constituent units. A storage unit must be able to connect to the central processing unit of an ADP machine and be capable of storing data in a format that the system can retrieve. This code covers various technologies, including traditional magnetic hard disk drives (HDD) and modern solid-state drives (SSD), provided they are presented as units of a computer system. The classification remains 8471.70 whether the drive is internal (designed to be mounted inside a computer case) or external (housed in an enclosure with a USB or Thunderbolt interface). The essential character of the device is its ability to provide mass storage for a computer. It is important to note that the drive must be formatted or capable of being used with an ADP machine to fall under this heading. If the device is integrated into another machine (like a digital camera or a car), the classification may change to the heading of that specific machine.
- Covers
- Internal SATA Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
- External USB Solid State Drives (SSD)
- NVMe M.2 storage modules
- Enterprise-grade SAS drives
- Optical disk drive units for computers
- Also under 8471.70
- Samsung 990 Pro SSD
- Western Digital My Passport external HDD
- Seagate IronWolf NAS drive
- Crucial MX500 SSD
Codes often confused with 8471.70
Common mistake. Hard drives, particularly SSDs, are often misclassified under 8523.51, which covers semiconductor-based, non-volatile storage devices. While technically accurate, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and specific Chapter 84 notes usually direct computer storage units to 8471.70. Another error is using 8471.80, which is for "other" units of ADP machines; however, 8471.70 is the specific subheading for storage. Additionally, network-attached storage (NAS) devices are sometimes confused with servers (8471.41), but if their primary function is storage, 8471.70 is more appropriate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847170 (the code used for hard drive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847170 (the code used for hard drive) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 847170, not only hard drive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $15.7B 21% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $11.7B 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.0B 9.5% of world exports
World total: $73.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $21.0B 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $14.0B 16% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $8.8B 10% of world imports
World total: $86.3B 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 codes for hard drive
Brazil splits HS 8471.70 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8471.70.10Magnetic disk storage units
- 8471.70.20Optical disk drives
- 8471.70.30Magnetic tape storage units
- 8471.70.40Solid-state drives (SSD)
- 8471.70.90Other computer storage units
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hard drive
What is the HS code for Hard drive?
The HS code for Hard drive is 847170 (Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units). The standard HS code for hard drives, including HDDs and SSDs used with computers, is 8471.70.
How do I classify Hard drive for customs?
Hard drive is classified under HS code 847170 — Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are external hard drives classified differently than internal ones?
No, both internal and external hard drives are classified under 8471.70 as they both function as storage units for automatic data processing machines.
Which countries are the top exporters of hard drive (HS 847170)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847170 (the code used for hard drive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($15.7B, 21% of world exports), Thailand ($11.7B) and the United States ($7.0B). World exports came to about $73.6B, 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 hard drive (HS 847170)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847170 (the code used for hard drive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($21.0B, 24% of world imports), the United States ($14.0B) and Mexico ($8.8B). World imports came to about $86.3B, 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 Hard drive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847170 for Hard drive 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 hard drive in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847170 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for hard drive depends on the product's details: 8471.70.10 (Magnetic disk storage units), 8471.70.20 (Optical disk drives), 8471.70.30 (Magnetic tape storage units), 8471.70.40 (Solid-state drives (SSD)), 8471.70.90 (Other computer storage units).