Product classification
HS code for Memory card: 8523.51
Semiconductor media, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of memory card under HS 8523.51
Memory cards are classified under HS code 8523.51, which covers semiconductor media, specifically solid-state non-volatile storage devices. These devices are characterized by their ability to retain data without a power supply and their lack of moving parts, distinguishing them from optical or magnetic media. The classification is based on the technology used to store information: flash memory or other semiconductor-based architectures. Under the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, 8523.51 remains the primary code for these items, whether they are presented blank or with pre-recorded data (excluding products of Chapter 37 like photographic film). The classification applies to the physical card itself, which typically consists of one or more flash memory integrated circuits and a controller, mounted on a printed circuit board and encased in plastic. This code is used globally for various form factors, provided the underlying technology is solid-state and non-volatile. The absence of a magnetic strip or an internal power source (like a battery) is also a key factor in maintaining this classification.
- Covers
- Secure Digital (SD) and microSD cards
- CompactFlash (CF) cards
- USB flash drives (thumb drives)
- Memory sticks for cameras and consoles
- Solid-state storage modules for embedded systems
- Also under 8523.51
- Samsung 970 EVO SSD
- SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0
- Kingston microSDXC card
- Crucial P5 Plus NVMe
- Western Digital My Passport SSD
Codes often confused with 8523.51
Common mistake. Memory cards are often confused with HS code 8523.52, which is for \"smart cards.\" While both contain integrated circuits, smart cards (like SIM cards or credit cards) typically contain a microprocessor and are used for authentication or processing, whereas 8523.51 is strictly for storage. Another misclassification is 8471.70, which covers storage units for automatic data processing machines. While a memory card is a storage unit, the specific heading for media (8523) takes precedence over the general heading for computer parts (8471) per the Section XVI notes. Finally, cards with recorded software are sometimes incorrectly placed in 8523.29 (magnetic media), but the solid-state nature dictates 8523.51.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852351 (the code used for memory card), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852351 (the code used for memory card) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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 852351, not only memory card.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $11.5B 18% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$9.1B 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $9.1B 14% of world exports
World total: $63.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $18.2B 33% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $8.0B 14% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $4.8B 8.6% of world imports
World total: $55.5B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 memory card
Brazil splits HS 8523.51 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.51.10Solid-state memory cards
- 8523.51.90Other solid-state non-volatile storage devices
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about memory card
What is the HS code for Memory card?
The HS code for Memory card is 852351 (Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for solid-state non-volatile memory cards is 8523.51.
How do I classify Memory card for customs?
Memory card is classified under HS code 852351 — Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are USB flash drives classified under the same code?
Yes, USB flash drives are generally classified under 8523.51 because they function as solid-state non-volatile storage devices.
Which countries are the top exporters of memory card (HS 852351)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852351 (the code used for memory card) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($11.5B, 18% of world exports), Taiwan (about $9.1B) and the United States ($9.1B). World exports came to about $63.5B, 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 memory card (HS 852351)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852351 (the code used for memory card) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18.2B, 33% of world imports), Hong Kong ($8.0B) and Mexico ($4.8B). World imports came to about $55.5B, 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 Memory card the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852351 for Memory 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 memory card in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852351 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for memory card depends on the product's details: 8523.51.10 (Solid-state memory cards), 8523.51.90 (Other solid-state non-volatile storage devices).