Product classification
HS code for Magnetic tape: 8523.29
Magnetic media, other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of magnetic tape under HS 8523.29
Magnetic tape is classified under HS code 8523.29. This falls under Chapter 85 and heading 85.23, which covers various types of media for recording sound or other phenomena. While 8523.21 is reserved for magnetic stripe cards, 8523.29 is the "other" category for magnetic media, which primarily includes magnetic tapes. These tapes consist of a thin, magnetizable coating on a long, narrow strip of plastic film. This classification covers a broad spectrum of products, ranging from consumer-level audio and video cassettes (like VHS or Betamax) to professional-grade reel-to-reel tapes and high-capacity digital data backup tapes such as LTO (Linear Tape-Open) cartridges. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the tape is unrecorded or contains pre-recorded content, such as music, movies, or software. The logic of the Harmonized System groups these items together because they share the same underlying storage technology: magnetic particles on a flexible substrate. Even as optical and solid-state storage have become more prevalent, magnetic tape remains a critical medium for long-term data archiving due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. The classification is determined by the physical format (tape) and the magnetic recording method, distinguishing it from discs or solid-state non-volatile storage devices.
- Covers
- LTO (Linear Tape-Open) data cartridges
- Audio cassette tapes (recorded or blank)
- VHS and Betamax video tapes
- Reel-to-reel magnetic recording tapes
- DLT (Digital Linear Tape) cartridges
- Also under 8523.29
- LTO-8 Ultrium tape
- Sony DVCAM tape
- Maxell UR audio cassette
- Verbatim 3.5" floppy disk
- Fujifilm LTO data cartridge
Codes often confused with 8523.29
Common mistake. Magnetic tape is sometimes confused with magnetic stripe cards (8523.21) or optical media like DVDs and CDs (8523.41/8523.49). It is also occasionally misclassified under 3920.99 as simple plastic film if the magnetic coating is not recognized as the primary functional component for data storage.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852329 (the code used for magnetic tape), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852329 (the code used for magnetic tape) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 45% 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 852329, not only magnetic tape.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $2.0B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $873M 18% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $592M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $1.6B 45% of world imports
- 2 China $538M 15% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $489M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 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 tape
Brazil splits HS 8523.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.29.11Magnetic discs for hard disk drives
- 8523.29.19Other magnetic discs
- 8523.29.90Magnetic tapes and other magnetic media
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about magnetic tape
What is the HS code for Magnetic tape?
The HS code for Magnetic tape is 852329 (Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for magnetic tape, including both audio/video cassettes and data backup tapes, is 8523.29.
How do I classify Magnetic tape for customs?
Magnetic tape is classified under HS code 852329 — Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are recorded music tapes classified differently than blank tapes?
No, under the current Harmonized System structure, both recorded and unrecorded magnetic tapes are classified under the same subheading, 8523.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of magnetic tape (HS 852329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852329 (the code used for magnetic tape) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($2.0B, 42% of world exports), China ($873M) and Malaysia ($592M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 magnetic tape (HS 852329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852329 (the code used for magnetic tape) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($1.6B, 45% of world imports), China ($538M) and the Philippines ($489M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 Magnetic tape the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852329 for Magnetic tape 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 tape in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852329 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for magnetic tape depends on the product's details: 8523.29.11 (Magnetic discs for hard disk drives), 8523.29.19 (Other magnetic discs), 8523.29.90 (Magnetic tapes and other magnetic media).