Product classification

HS code for POS terminal: 8470.50

Cash registers.

Classification of POS terminal under HS 8470.50

Point of Sale (POS) terminals are classified under HS code 8470.50, which specifically covers cash registers. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8470 includes calculating machines and cash-registering devices. Although modern POS terminals are sophisticated electronic devices with central processing units, memory, and operating systems similar to automatic data processing (ADP) machines, their primary and essential function is the recording of sales transactions and financial management. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System clarify that cash registers remain in 8470 even if they are equipped with data communication ports or are linked to a central computer. This classification applies to both standalone units and integrated systems that incorporate a display, a keyboard or touch interface, and a transaction processing unit.

Covers
  • Electronic cash registers
  • Mobile POS (mPOS) hardware
  • Integrated touchscreen POS terminals
  • Self-service checkout kiosks with payment modules
  • Cloud-based POS hardware units
Also under 8470.50
  • Casio SE-S400
  • Sharp XE-A207
  • Sam4s ER-940
  • Royal 500DX
  • TEC MA-1530

Codes often confused with 8470.50

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8471, which covers automatic data processing machines. Because POS terminals share many hardware components with personal computers, importers often mistakenly use 8471.30 or 8471.41. However, Note 5(E) to Chapter 84 states that machines performing a specific function other than data processing are classified in the heading appropriate to their function. Since the specific function is transaction recording, 8470.50 takes precedence. Another error involves 8517.62 for machines for the reception and transmission of data, which is incorrect as the communication aspect is secondary to the transaction function.

84.71Automatic data processing machines and units thereof, magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included8471.30Automatic data processing machines; portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display8471.41Automatic data processing machines; comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.308517.62Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus

Top exporters and importers of HS 847050 (the code used for POS terminal), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847050 (the code used for POS terminal) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% 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 847050, not only POS terminal.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.4B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$559M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$362M

World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $929M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $301M
  3. 3 Hong Kong $240M

World total: $4.9B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 POS terminal

Brazil splits HS 8470.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about POS terminal

What is the HS code for POS terminal?

The HS code for POS terminal is 847050 (Cash registers). The primary HS code for a POS terminal is 8470.50, which covers cash registers incorporating a calculating device.

How do I classify POS terminal for customs?

POS terminal is classified under HS code 847050 — Cash registers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can a POS terminal be classified as a computer under 8471?

Generally, no. If the device is purpose-built for retail transactions and includes cash-registering software or hardware interfaces, it must be classified under 8470.50 rather than 8471.

Which countries are the top exporters of POS terminal (HS 847050)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847050 (the code used for POS terminal) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 45% of world exports), Vietnam (about $559M) and Taiwan (about $362M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 POS terminal (HS 847050)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 847050 (the code used for POS terminal) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($929M, 19% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($301M) and Hong Kong ($240M). World imports came to about $4.9B, 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 POS terminal the same in all countries?

The base HS code 847050 for POS terminal 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 POS terminal in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 847050 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for POS terminal depends on the product's details: 8470.50.10 (Electronic cash registers), 8470.50.90 (Other cash registers).