Product classification
HS code for Headphones: 8518.30
Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers.
Classification of headphones under HS 8518.30
Headphones and earphones are classified under HS code 8518.30. This code is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. The classification is determined by the function of the device as an electro-acoustic apparatus. Heading 8518 specifically covers microphones, loudspeakers, and headphones. Sub-heading 8518.30 is comprehensive, covering headphones and earphones whether or not they are combined with a microphone. This includes modern wireless iterations, such as Bluetooth earbuds, as the primary function remains the conversion of electrical signals into sound waves for individual listening. The classification remains consistent regardless of the connection method (wired or wireless) or the presence of additional features like active noise cancellation, provided the device does not incorporate a radio receiver or a stand-alone music player, which might shift the classification to other headings in Chapter 85.
- Covers
- Wired over-ear and on-ear headphones
- Wireless Bluetooth earbuds and headphones
- Gaming headsets with integrated microphones
- In-ear monitors (IEMs)
- Telephone headsets for call centers
- Also under 8518.30
- Apple AirPods Pro
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- HyperX Cloud II
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Sennheiser HD 660 S.
Codes often confused with 8518.30
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice or images. While Bluetooth headsets communicate wirelessly, they are specifically named in 8518.30. Another common error involves HS code 8518.10, which is for microphones only. If a device is a headset (microphone plus earphone), 8518.30 takes precedence over 8518.10 or 8518.20 (loudspeakers) due to the specific wording of the sub-heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851830 (the code used for headphones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851830 (the code used for headphones) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 851830, not only headphones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$8.1B 37% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $2.3B 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.5B 6.8% of world exports
World total: $21.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.5B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.1B 8.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.2B 4.6% of world imports
World total: $25.8B 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 headphones
Brazil classifies headphones under NCM 8518.30.00: HS 8518.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about headphones
What is the HS code for Headphones?
The HS code for Headphones is 851830 (Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers). The standard HS code for headphones and earphones, including those with microphones, is 8518.30.
How do I classify Headphones for customs?
Headphones is classified under HS code 851830 — Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are Bluetooth earbuds classified differently than wired headphones?
No, both Bluetooth earbuds and wired headphones are classified under 8518.30 as they serve the same primary electro-acoustic function.
Which countries are the top exporters of headphones (HS 851830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851830 (the code used for headphones) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $8.1B, 37% of world exports), China ($2.3B) and Germany ($1.5B). World exports came to about $21.8B, 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 headphones (HS 851830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851830 (the code used for headphones) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.5B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($2.1B) and the United Kingdom ($1.2B). World imports came to about $25.8B, 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 Headphones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851830 for Headphones 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 headphones in Brazil?
In Brazil, headphones (HS 851830) is classified under NCM 8518.30.00.