Product classification

HS code for ID card blank: 8523.21

Magnetic media, cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.

Classification of ID card blank under HS 8523.21

The classification of blank ID cards is determined by the specific technology embedded within the card substrate. Under the Harmonized System, HS code 8523.21 is specifically reserved for magnetic media, including cards incorporating a magnetic stripe. Even if the card is unrecorded or "blank," the presence of the magnetic stripe defines its primary function as a medium for data storage and retrieval. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The General Rules for Interpretation (GRI) dictate that the technical characteristics of the product—in this case, the magnetic stripe—take precedence over the material composition of the card itself, which is typically polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Because the card is designed to interact with electronic reading devices to facilitate identification or access control, it is treated as a component of an electronic system rather than a simple plastic article.

Covers
  • Blank PVC cards with high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic stripes
  • Blank PVC cards with low-coercivity (LoCo) magnetic stripes
  • Unrecorded magnetic stripe cards for hotel keys
  • Blank loyalty cards with magnetic data tracks
  • Pre-cut plastic cards with magnetic stripes for thermal printing
Also under 8523.21
  • Visa credit card (blank)
  • Mastercard debit card (blank)
  • Hilton hotel key card
  • HID access card
  • Starbucks loyalty card

Codes often confused with 8523.21

Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these items under HS code 3926.90, which covers general articles of plastics. While the card body is plastic, the magnetic stripe necessitates classification in Chapter 85. Another common confusion occurs with HS code 8523.52, which is designated for "smart cards" containing an electronic integrated circuit (chip). If a card contains both a chip and a magnetic stripe, it is usually classified as a smart card under 8523.52 due to the higher level of technological complexity.

3926.90Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 398523.52Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37

Top exporters and importers of HS 852321 (the code used for ID card blank), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852321 (the code used for ID card blank) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 9.5% 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 852321, not only ID card blank.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $84M
  2. 2 China $34M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $27M

World total: $233M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $26M
  2. 2 Egypt $26M
  3. 3 Canada $24M

World total: $272M 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 ID card blank

Brazil splits HS 8523.21 into 2 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 ID card blank

What is the HS code for ID card blank?

The HS code for ID card blank is 852321 (Magnetic media; cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for a blank ID card with a magnetic stripe is 8523.21. If the card is a plain plastic card without any magnetic or electronic components, it is classified under 3926.90.

How do I classify ID card blank for customs?

ID card blank is classified under HS code 852321 — Magnetic media; cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to cards with pre-printed designs?

Yes, as long as the essential character of the product remains a magnetic media card, it stays under 8523.21, even if it features background graphics or branding.

Which countries are the top exporters of ID card blank (HS 852321)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852321 (the code used for ID card blank) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84M, 36% of world exports), China ($34M) and the United Kingdom ($27M). World exports came to about $233M, 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 ID card blank (HS 852321)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 852321 (the code used for ID card blank) in UN Comtrade data were France ($26M, 9.5% of world imports), Egypt ($26M) and Canada ($24M). World imports came to about $272M, 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 ID card blank the same in all countries?

The base HS code 852321 for ID card blank 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 ID card blank in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 852321 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ID card blank depends on the product's details: 8523.21.10 (Blank magnetic stripe cards), 8523.21.20 (Recorded magnetic stripe cards).