Product classification
HS code for Portable radio: 8527.19
Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1.
Classification of portable radio under HS 8527.19
The classification of a portable radio under HS code 8527.19 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8527 covers reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting. Within this heading, the primary division is based on whether the apparatus is capable of operating without an external power source. This typically refers to devices that contain an internal battery compartment or a built-in rechargeable battery system. The subheading 8527.19 is a "residual" or "other" category for portable radio receivers that do not include a sound recording or reproducing apparatus, such as a cassette player or a CD player. If the radio were combined with such apparatus, it would move to 8527.12 or 8527.13. The technical distinction relies on the device's ability to function independently of a wall outlet, which is a key factor for customs authorities when determining the applicable tariff rate. Furthermore, the device must be designed primarily for the reception of radio-broadcast signals, distinguishing it from two-way radio communication devices or telecommunication apparatus found in other parts of Chapter 85. The portability aspect is defined by the physical characteristics and the power source, ensuring that only handheld or easily transportable units are captured here.
- Covers
- Handheld AM/FM transistor radios
- Portable digital radio receivers (DAB/DAB+)
- Battery-operated emergency weather radios
- Portable shortwave radio receivers
- Pocket-sized radio receivers without recording functions
- Also under 8527.19
- Sangean PR-D18
- Eton FRX5BT
- C. Crane CC Skywave
- Sony ICF-P26
- Panasonic RF-2400D
Codes often confused with 8527.19
Common mistake. Portable radios are frequently misclassified under HS code 8527.12 or 8527.13. Code 8527.12 is specifically for pocket-size radio cassette players, while 8527.13 covers other apparatus combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. If the radio includes a USB port for MP3 playback or a built-in CD player, it cannot stay in 8527.19. Additionally, non-portable radios (those requiring a permanent AC connection) fall under 8527.91 or 8527.92.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852719 (the code used for portable radio), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852719 (the code used for portable radio) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 852719, not only portable radio.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $204M 37% of world exports
- 2 United States $76M 14% of world exports
- 3 Philippines $53M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $553M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $111M 19% of world imports
- 2 Poland $71M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $54M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $586M 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 radio
Brazil classifies portable radio under NCM 8527.19.00: HS 8527.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about portable radio
What is the HS code for Portable radio?
The HS code for Portable radio is 852719 (Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1). The HS code for a portable radio receiver that does not include sound recording or reproducing equipment is 8527.19.
How do I classify Portable radio for customs?
Portable radio is classified under HS code 852719 — Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does a radio with a built-in clock fall under this code?
Yes, if the primary function is radio reception and it is portable, it remains in 8527.19, though some clock-radios that are not battery-operated may move to 8527.92.
Which countries are the top exporters of portable radio (HS 852719)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852719 (the code used for portable radio) in UN Comtrade data were China ($204M, 37% of world exports), the United States ($76M) and the Philippines ($53M). World exports came to about $553M, 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 radio (HS 852719)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852719 (the code used for portable radio) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($111M, 19% of world imports), Poland ($71M) and Germany ($54M). World imports came to about $586M, 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 radio the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852719 for Portable 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 portable radio in Brazil?
In Brazil, portable radio (HS 852719) is classified under NCM 8527.19.00.