Product classification
HS code for Phono cartridge: 8522.10
Sound recording or reproducing apparatus, parts and accessories thereof, pick-up cartridges.
Classification of phono cartridge under HS 8522.10
Phono cartridges are classified under HS code 8522.10. This classification is designated for pick-up cartridges used in sound recording or reproducing apparatus, such as turntables and record players. The cartridge is a transducer that converts the mechanical energy from the record groove into an electrical signal. According to the Harmonized System's Section XVI, which covers machinery and electrical equipment, parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 8519 to 8521 are classified under heading 8522. Since the phono cartridge is a specialized component for record players (8519), it falls directly into the specific subheading 8522.10. This classification applies to various technologies used in the cartridge, including moving magnet (MM), moving coil (MC), and ceramic types. The cartridge typically includes the housing, the internal coils or magnets, and often the stylus assembly. Because it is a distinct part with a specific function in the audio reproduction chain, it is separated from general electronic components or general parts of sound equipment.
- Covers
- Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges
- Moving Coil (MC) cartridges
- Ceramic and crystal pick-up cartridges
- Mono and stereo phono cartridges
- Cartridges with integrated stylus assemblies
- High-fidelity (Hi-Fi) and DJ-grade cartridges
- Also under 8522.10
- Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
- Shure M44-7 stylus
- Rega Planar 3 belt
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge
- Technics SL-1200 dust cover
Codes often confused with 8522.10
Common mistake. Phono cartridges are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8522.90, which is the general category for other parts and accessories of sound equipment. However, 8522.10 is a specific provision for pick-up cartridges and must be used. They are also occasionally confused with 8518.10 (microphones) due to their transducer nature, but their specific application for record players dictates the use of 8522.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852210 (the code used for phono cartridge), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852210 (the code used for phono cartridge) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% 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 852210, not only phono cartridge.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $19M 34% of world exports
- 2 Japan $11M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $4.5M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $57M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $8.2M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $5.9M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $4.4M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $50M 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 code for phono cartridge
Brazil classifies phono cartridge under NCM 8522.10.00: HS 8522.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phono cartridge
What is the HS code for Phono cartridge?
The HS code for Phono cartridge is 852210 (Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; parts and accessories thereof, pick-up cartridges). The specific HS code for phono cartridges (pick-up cartridges) is 8522.10.
How do I classify Phono cartridge for customs?
Phono cartridge is classified under HS code 852210 — Sound recording or reproducing apparatus; parts and accessories thereof, pick-up cartridges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the replacement needle or stylus?
If the stylus is imported as part of the cartridge, it is under 8522.10. If imported separately, a stylus may fall under 8522.90 depending on the specific regional tariff schedule.
Which countries are the top exporters of phono cartridge (HS 852210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852210 (the code used for phono cartridge) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($19M, 34% of world exports), Japan ($11M) and China ($4.5M). World exports came to about $57M, 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 phono cartridge (HS 852210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852210 (the code used for phono cartridge) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($8.2M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($5.9M) and China ($4.4M). World imports came to about $50M, 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 Phono cartridge the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852210 for Phono cartridge 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 phono cartridge in Brazil?
In Brazil, phono cartridge (HS 852210) is classified under NCM 8522.10.00.