Product classification
HS code for Portable cassette player: 8527.12
Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, pocket-size radio cassette-players.
Classification of portable cassette player under HS 8527.12
Portable cassette players that include a radio broadcast receiver are classified under HS code 8527.12. This classification is governed by the technical specifications of the device and its primary functions. Under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment, heading 8527 specifically addresses reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting. Subheading 8527.12 is reserved for "pocket-size" radio cassette players. To qualify as pocket-size according to the HS Explanatory Notes, the device's dimensions must not exceed 170 mm x 100 mm x 45 mm. Furthermore, the device must be capable of operating without an external source of power, meaning it must have an internal battery compartment. This classification reflects the integrated nature of the device, combining both sound reproduction (cassette) and radio reception capabilities in a mobile format.
- Covers
- Pocket-size Walkman-style radio cassette players
- Portable mini-cassette players with FM/AM tuners
- Handheld radio-cassette recorders (within size limits)
- Battery-operated portable cassette players with integrated radio
- 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. These devices are often confused with HS code 8519.81, which covers sound reproducing apparatus that do not include a radio receiver. If the portable player only plays cassettes and cannot receive radio signals, it belongs in 8519. Another common error is using 8527.13, which is for other radio-broadcast receivers combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus that exceed the "pocket-size" dimensions. Accurate measurement of the device is critical for distinguishing between 8527.12 and 8527.13.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852712 (the code used for portable cassette player), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852712 (the code used for portable cassette player) 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 portable cassette player.
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 portable cassette player
Brazil classifies portable cassette player 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 portable cassette player
What is the HS code for Portable cassette player?
The HS code for Portable cassette player is 852712 (Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players).
How do I classify Portable cassette player for customs?
Portable cassette player 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 a portable cassette player with radio?
If it is pocket-sized (under 170x100x45mm), the HS code is 8527.12. If it is larger, it is 8527.13.
Does this code apply to digital MP3 players?
No, digital media players are generally classified under heading 8519 or 8521 depending on their specific recording and playback capabilities.
Which countries are the top exporters of portable cassette player (HS 852712)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852712 (the code used for portable cassette player) 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 portable cassette player (HS 852712)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852712 (the code used for portable cassette player) 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 Portable cassette player the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852712 for Portable cassette player 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 portable cassette player in Brazil?
In Brazil, portable cassette player (HS 852712) is classified under NCM 8527.12.00.