Product classification

HS code for Magnetic stripe card: 8523.21

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

Classification of magnetic stripe card under HS 8523.21

Magnetic stripe cards are classified under HS code 8523.21. This code is found in Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment, sound recorders, and reproducers. Heading 85.23 covers prepared unrecorded media for sound recording or similar recording of other phenomena, as well as recorded media. Subheading 8523.21 specifically addresses cards incorporating a magnetic stripe. These cards are characterized by a band of magnetic material that can store data through the modification of the magnetism of tiny iron-based particles. The classification applies whether the cards are unrecorded (blank) or recorded with specific data, such as account numbers or access codes. The Harmonized System groups these items based on the technology used for data storage. Magnetic stripe technology is distinct from optical or semiconductor-based storage. This code includes a wide variety of cards used in financial, security, and hospitality industries. It is essential to note that the card must "incorporate" the stripe; a simple plastic card without the magnetic element would be classified as a plastic article in Chapter 39. The presence of the magnetic stripe is the defining characteristic that brings the product into Chapter 85.

Covers
  • Magnetic stripe credit and debit cards
  • Hotel key cards with magnetic stripes
  • Loyalty and gift cards with magnetic stripes
  • Magnetic stripe identification badges
  • Blank plastic cards with integrated magnetic stripes
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. Magnetic stripe cards are often confused with "smart cards" (cards with an embedded chip), which are classified under 8523.52. If a card has both a chip and a stripe, it is typically classified as a smart card under 8523.52. They are also sometimes misclassified as simple plastic articles under 3926.90 if the magnetic element is overlooked.

8523.52Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 373926.90Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852321 (the code used for magnetic stripe card) 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 magnetic stripe card.

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 magnetic stripe card

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 magnetic stripe card

What is the HS code for Magnetic stripe card?

The HS code for Magnetic stripe card is 852321 (Magnetic media; cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether recorded or not, is 8523.21.

How do I classify Magnetic stripe card for customs?

Magnetic stripe card 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 include cards with electronic chips?

No, cards with electronic integrated circuits (chips) are classified as "smart cards" under HS code 8523.52, even if they also possess a magnetic stripe.

Which countries are the top exporters of magnetic stripe card (HS 852321)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852321 (the code used for magnetic stripe card) 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 magnetic stripe card (HS 852321)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 852321 (the code used for magnetic stripe card) 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 Magnetic stripe card the same in all countries?

The base HS code 852321 for Magnetic stripe card 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 magnetic stripe card in Brazil?

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