Product classification

HS code for Optical disc drive: 8471.90

Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included.

Classification of optical disc drive under HS 8471.90

Optical disc drives (ODDs) are classified under HS code 8471.90. This classification is based on the drive's function as a unit of an automatic data processing (ADP) machine. Chapter 84 covers mechanical appliances and computer hardware. Heading 8471 specifically includes automatic data processing machines and units thereof, as well as magnetic or optical readers. Subheading 8471.90 is a residual category for machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified. Since an optical disc drive reads data from or writes data to discs (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays) for use by a computer, it is considered an optical reader and a data processing unit. Even if the drive is external and connects via USB, it remains classified here because its primary purpose is to serve as a peripheral for an ADP system. The classification follows Note 5(C) to Chapter 84, which defines the criteria for units of an ADP system.

Covers: Internal CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives
External USB Blu-ray writers
Internal DVD-RW multi-drives
Optical disc readers for servers
Combo drives (CD-RW/DVD-ROM)
Slimline optical drives for laptops
Also under 8471.90: Honeywell Xenon 1950g barcode scanner
Zebra DS2208 QR code reader
Verifone VX 520 card reader
Fujitsu fi-7160 document scanner with OCR

Codes often confused with 8471.90

Common mistake. Optical disc drives are often misclassified under HS code 8521.90, which covers video recording or reproducing apparatus. The distinction is that 8521 is for standalone consumer electronics (like a home DVD player), while 8471.90 is for computer peripherals. Another common error is using HS code 8471.70, which is for storage units. While an ODD provides access to storage, many customs authorities prefer 8471.90 as it specifically mentions "optical readers," which is the core technology of the drive. Finally, parts of these drives should be classified under 8473.30.

8521.90Video recording or reproducing apparatus; other than magnetic tape-type 85.21Video recording or reproducing apparatus 8471.70Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units 8473.30Machinery; parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) of the machines of heading no. 8471

Top exporters and importers of HS 847190 (the code used for optical disc drive), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847190 (the code used for optical disc drive) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 847190, not only optical disc drive.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

1 Germany $1.1B 15% of world exports
2 United States $921M 12% of world exports
3 Ireland $677M 8.7% of world exports

World total: $7.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 Germany $839M 12% of world imports
2 United States $679M 9.9% of world imports
3 Spain $376M 5.5% of world imports

World total: $6.8B 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 optical disc drive

Brazil splits HS 8471.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

8471.90.11Magnetic card readers and writers
8471.90.12Bar code readers
8471.90.13Magnetic ink character (MICR) readers
8471.90.14Image scanners
8471.90.19Other data readers and writers
8471.90.90Other data transcribing and processing machines

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

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Questions about optical disc drive

What is the HS code for Optical disc drive?

The HS code for Optical disc drive is 847190 (Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included). The HS code for an optical disc drive used with computers is 8471.90, which covers optical readers and data processing machines.

How do I classify Optical disc drive for customs?

Optical disc drive is classified under HS code 847190 — Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a standalone DVD player classified under this code?

No, a standalone DVD player intended for connection to a television is classified under HS code 8521.90. HS code 8471.90 is strictly for computer-related optical drives.

Which countries are the top exporters of optical disc drive (HS 847190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847190 (the code used for optical disc drive) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 15% of world exports), the United States ($921M) and Ireland ($677M). World exports came to about $7.8B, 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 optical disc drive (HS 847190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 847190 (the code used for optical disc drive) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($839M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($679M) and Spain ($376M). World imports came to about $6.8B, 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.

Is the HS code for Optical disc drive the same in all countries?

The base HS code 847190 for Optical disc drive 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 optical disc drive in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 847190 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for optical disc drive depends on the product's details: 8471.90.11 (Magnetic card readers and writers), 8471.90.12 (Bar code readers), 8471.90.13 (Magnetic ink character (MICR) readers), 8471.90.14 (Image scanners), 8471.90.19 (Other data readers and writers), 8471.90.90 (Other data transcribing and processing machines).