Product classification
HS code for Power amplifier: 8518.40
Amplifiers, audio-frequency electric.
Classification of power amplifier under HS 8518.40
Power amplifiers are classified under HS code 851840, which specifically covers audio-frequency electric amplifiers. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8518 includes microphones, loudspeakers, and headphones, as well as the amplifiers required to drive them. The sub-heading 8518.40 is applied because the primary function of a power amplifier is to increase the amplitude of electrical signals within the human audible frequency range, typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. These devices are essential for converting low-power electronic signals into a level sufficient to drive loudspeakers. The classification remains consistent whether the amplifier is used for professional sound reinforcement, home theater systems, or public address installations, provided the device does not include a built-in radio tuner or sound recording mechanism.
- Covers
- Stereo power amplifiers
- Mono-block audio amplifiers
- Public address (PA) system amplifiers
- Home theater power amplifiers
- Multi-channel audio amplifiers
- Rack-mounted professional power amps
- Also under 8518.40
- Marantz PM8006
- Yamaha A-S801
- Fender '65 Twin Reverb
- Sonos Amp
- JL Audio XD600/6v2
Codes often confused with 8518.40
Common mistake. Power amplifiers are often confused with HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice or data, particularly in networking contexts. Another common misclassification is HS code 8527.91, which is used for radio-broadcast receivers combined with sound reproducing apparatus; if the amplifier includes a tuner, it must move to 8527. Additionally, RF (Radio Frequency) amplifiers used in telecommunications are classified under 8543.70 rather than 8518.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851840 (the code used for power amplifier), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851840 (the code used for power amplifier) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 851840, not only power amplifier.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.3B 28% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $658M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $572M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $479M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $372M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $4.5B 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 power amplifier
Brazil classifies power amplifier under NCM 8518.40.00: HS 8518.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about power amplifier
What is the HS code for Power amplifier?
The HS code for Power amplifier is 851840 (Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric).
How do I classify Power amplifier for customs?
Power amplifier is classified under HS code 851840 — Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for power amplifiers?
The standard HS code for audio-frequency power amplifiers is 8518.40.
Are guitar amplifiers classified under this code?
Yes, standalone guitar power amplifiers are generally classified under 8518.40, though integrated combo amps (with speakers) may sometimes be classified under 8518.21 or 8518.22 depending on the speaker configuration.
Which countries are the top exporters of power amplifier (HS 851840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851840 (the code used for power amplifier) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 28% of world exports), Mexico ($658M) and the United States ($572M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 power amplifier (HS 851840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851840 (the code used for power amplifier) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($479M) and Japan ($372M). World imports came to about $4.5B, 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 Power amplifier the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851840 for Power amplifier 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 power amplifier in Brazil?
In Brazil, power amplifier (HS 851840) is classified under NCM 8518.40.00.