Product classification
HS code for Loudspeaker: 8518.21
Loudspeakers, single, mounted in their enclosures.
Classification of loudspeaker under HS 8518.21
The classification of loudspeakers under HS code 8518.21 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the product's objective characteristics at the time of customs clearance. Heading 8518 is a comprehensive category that encompasses microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, and audio-frequency electric amplifiers. Within this framework, the 8518.20 group is dedicated to loudspeakers, whether or not they are mounted in their enclosures. Subheading 8518.21 is specifically reserved for single loudspeakers that are already mounted in their respective enclosures. This classification is strictly based on the physical configuration: the unit must consist of exactly one loudspeaker driver housed within a cabinet or box. The enclosure is not merely a container but an integral acoustic component designed to manage sound waves and prevent interference. Whether the speaker is an active model with a built-in amplifier or a passive model requiring external power, it remains under 8518.21 as long as the single-driver-per-enclosure criteria is satisfied.
- Covers
- Single-unit bookshelf speakers with one driver
- Single studio monitors containing one transducer
- Individual public address (PA) speakers
- Single-driver subwoofers in a dedicated cabinet
- Portable Bluetooth speakers featuring only one internal driver
- Ceiling speakers pre-mounted in a back-can enclosure
- Also under 8518.21
- JBL Flip 6
- Sonos One
- KRK Rokit 5
- Bose SoundLink Revolve
- Amazon Echo Dot.
Codes often confused with 8518.21
Common mistake. Loudspeakers are frequently misclassified under HS code 8518.22, which is reserved for multiple loudspeakers mounted in the same enclosure, such as a cabinet containing both a woofer and a tweeter. They may also be confused with 8518.29, which covers loudspeakers that are not mounted in an enclosure (bare drivers). Another common error is using 8519 for sound recording or reproducing apparatus, or 8527 for radio-broadcasting reception apparatus, which may include speakers but have distinct primary functions according to Note 3 to Section XVI.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851821 (the code used for loudspeaker), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851821 (the code used for loudspeaker) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 851821, not only loudspeaker.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.6B 51% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$446M 8.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $319M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $865M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $351M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $232M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 loudspeaker
Brazil classifies loudspeaker under NCM 8518.21.00: HS 8518.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about loudspeaker
What is the HS code for Loudspeaker?
The HS code for Loudspeaker is 851821 (Loudspeakers; single, mounted in their enclosures).
How do I classify Loudspeaker for customs?
Loudspeaker is classified under HS code 851821 — Loudspeakers; single, mounted in their enclosures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a single mounted loudspeaker?
The correct HS code is 8518.21, which specifically covers single loudspeakers mounted in their enclosures.
How does 8518.21 differ from 8518.22?
The distinction lies in the number of drivers; 8518.21 is for enclosures containing only one loudspeaker driver, whereas 8518.22 is for enclosures containing two or more drivers.
Which countries are the top exporters of loudspeaker (HS 851821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851821 (the code used for loudspeaker) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.6B, 51% of world exports), Vietnam (about $446M) and the United States ($319M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 loudspeaker (HS 851821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851821 (the code used for loudspeaker) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($865M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($351M) and Mexico ($232M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Loudspeaker the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851821 for Loudspeaker 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 loudspeaker in Brazil?
In Brazil, loudspeaker (HS 851821) is classified under NCM 8518.21.00.