Product classification
HS code for Pocket radio: 8527.12
Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, pocket-size radio cassette-players.
Classification of pocket radio under HS 8527.12
The classification of a pocket radio under HS code 8527.12 is based on its primary function as a radio-broadcast receiver and its physical dimensions. Heading 8527 covers apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. Subheading 8527.12 is specifically designated for pocket-size radio cassette-players. To qualify as "pocket-size" under the Harmonized System's legal notes, the apparatus must not exceed specific dimensions, typically 170 mm x 100 mm x 45 mm. This classification is intended for portable devices capable of operating without an external power source, relying instead on internal batteries. Even if the device includes additional features like a cassette player, the 8527.12 code takes precedence if it meets the size and power requirements. This ensures that small, consumer-grade portable electronics are grouped together for tariff purposes, distinguishing them from larger home audio systems or professional broadcasting equipment. The logic follows General Interpretative Rule 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
- Covers
- Portable AM/FM pocket radios
- Pocket-sized radio cassette players
- Walkman-style radio receivers
- Handheld battery-operated broadcast receivers
- Miniature radios with built-in speakers or headphone jacks
- Also under 8527.12
- Sony Walkman WM-F100
- Panasonic RQ-SX series
- Aiwa HS-PX series
- Sanyo M-G series
Codes often confused with 8527.12
Common mistake. Pocket radios are frequently misclassified under 8527.13, which covers other portable radio-broadcast receivers that include sound recording or reproducing apparatus but do not meet the "pocket-size" dimension criteria. Another common error is using 8519.81 for digital media players (like MP3 players). While many modern devices have radio functions, if the device is primarily a radio receiver with a cassette player and fits the size limits, 8527.12 is the correct code. Digital-only receivers without cassette functions may fall under 8527.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852712 (the code used for pocket radio), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852712 (the code used for pocket radio) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guatemala, with 21% 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 852712, not only pocket radio.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $3.3M 40% of world exports
- 2 Israel $1.1M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $1.0M 13% of world exports
World total: $8.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guatemala $2.9M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.2M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Slovakia $1.0M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 pocket radio
Brazil classifies pocket radio under NCM 8527.12.00: HS 8527.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pocket radio
What is the HS code for Pocket radio?
The HS code for Pocket radio is 852712 (Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players).
How do I classify Pocket radio for customs?
Pocket radio is classified under HS code 852712 — Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for pocket radios?
The HS code for pocket-size radio cassette-players is 8527.12.
Does this code cover digital MP3 players with FM tuners?
No, digital media players are generally classified under 8519.81, as their primary function is the reproduction of digital audio rather than radio reception.
Which countries are the top exporters of pocket radio (HS 852712)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852712 (the code used for pocket radio) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.3M, 40% of world exports), Israel ($1.1M) and China ($1.0M). World exports came to about $8.1M, 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 pocket radio (HS 852712)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852712 (the code used for pocket radio) in UN Comtrade data were Guatemala ($2.9M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.2M) and Slovakia ($1.0M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 Pocket radio the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852712 for Pocket radio 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 pocket radio in Brazil?
In Brazil, pocket radio (HS 852712) is classified under NCM 8527.12.00.