Product classification
HS code for Landline phone: 8517.18
Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1.
Classification of landline phone under HS 8517.18
Landline telephones are classified under HS code 8517.18, which is a specific subheading for telephone sets not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.). This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8517 is dedicated to telephone sets and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or data. Subheading 8517.18 is used for traditional corded telephones that connect to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a private branch exchange (PBX). To be classified here, the device must be a complete telephone set, typically consisting of a base unit, a handset, and a keypad. This code distinguishes these units from cordless telephones (8517.11) and smartphones (8517.13). The classification remains consistent whether the phone uses analog signals or digital Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, provided it is a stationary desk or wall-mounted unit. Under the Harmonized System, the classification of telecommunications equipment has evolved to keep pace with technology. Heading 8517 was significantly restructured to include all apparatus for the transmission of voice and data. Subheading 8517.18 acts as a "basket" category for telephone sets that do not fit into the more specific categories of cordless phones or smartphones. This includes traditional analog phones used in residential settings, as well as sophisticated digital and IP phones used in corporate environments. The key requirement is that the device must be a "telephone set," meaning it is designed to be the terminal point for a voice conversation. This distinguishes it from networking equipment like switches or routers, which facilitate the movement of data but do not themselves function as a telephone.
- Covers
- Corded analog telephones
- IP (Internet Protocol) desk phones
- Digital office telephones
- Wall-mounted landline units
- Standard corded handsets for PSTN networks
- Also under 8517.18
- Polycom VVX 450
- Cisco IP Phone 8841
- Panasonic KX-TGD610
- Grandstream GXP2170
- Iridium 9575 Extreme (fixed kit)
Codes often confused with 8517.18
Common mistake. Landline phones are frequently misclassified under 8517.11, which is reserved for cordless telephones that use radio frequencies between the base and handset. They are also confused with 8517.62, which covers switching and routing apparatus like VOIP gateways that do not include a physical telephone handset.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851718 (the code used for landline phone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851718 (the code used for landline phone) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guatemala, 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 851718, not only landline phone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$518M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $459M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $239M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guatemala $931M 24% of world imports
- 2 France $568M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $534M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.9B 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 codes for landline phone
Brazil splits HS 8517.18 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.18.30Other telephones not combined with other apparatus
- 8517.18.90Other telephones combined with other apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about landline phone
What is the HS code for Landline phone?
The HS code for Landline phone is 851718 (Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1). The HS code for standard corded landline telephones is 8517.18.
How do I classify Landline phone for customs?
Landline phone is classified under HS code 851718 — Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include VOIP phones?
Yes, if the VOIP device is a complete telephone set with a handset and keypad, it is classified under 8517.18.
Which countries are the top exporters of landline phone (HS 851718)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851718 (the code used for landline phone) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $518M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($459M) and China ($239M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 landline phone (HS 851718)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851718 (the code used for landline phone) in UN Comtrade data were Guatemala ($931M, 24% of world imports), France ($568M) and the United States ($534M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 Landline phone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851718 for Landline phone 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 landline phone in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851718 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for landline phone depends on the product's details: 8517.18.30 (Other telephones not combined with other apparatus), 8517.18.90 (Other telephones combined with other apparatus).