Product classification
HS code for Radio beacon: 8526.91
Radio navigational aid apparatus.
Classification of radio beacon under HS 8526.91
Radio beacons are classified under HS code 852691, which is the designation for radio navigational aid apparatus. Unlike radar, which relies on the reflection of waves, a radio beacon is a transmitter that emits a continuous or periodic radio signal to help a receiver determine its geographical position or direction. This classification is vital for equipment used in maritime and aeronautical navigation. The classification is determined by the primary utility of the device as a navigational tool. Under the Harmonized System, if a device's main purpose is to provide directional or positional data via radio waves without using the radar principle, it falls under this specific subheading. This includes both fixed land-based beacons and mobile emergency beacons used for search and rescue operations.
- Covers
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
- Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)
- VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) beacons
- Instrument Landing System (ILS) localizers
- Marker beacons for aviation
- Radio direction finding (RDF) transmitters
- Also under 8526.91
- Garmin GPSMAP
- Trimble R12
- u-blox ZED-F9P
- Honeywell Primus Epic
- Furuno GP-170
Codes often confused with 8526.91
Common mistake. Radio beacons are frequently confused with HS code 852610 (Radar) or 852692 (Radio remote control). The distinction lies in the application: 852610 is for detection via reflection, while 852691 is for navigation via signal emission. Another common error is using 852550 for transmission apparatus; however, because the beacon serves a specific navigational purpose, the more specific code 852691 must be used according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 852691 (the code used for radio beacon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852691 (the code used for radio beacon) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 852691, not only radio beacon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.7B 14% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.6B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $776M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $11.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 14% of world imports
- 2 China $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.1B 9.3% of world imports
World total: $11.9B 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 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 radio beacon
Brazil classifies radio beacon under NCM 8526.91.00: HS 8526.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about radio beacon
What is the HS code for Radio beacon?
The HS code for Radio beacon is 852691 (Radio navigational aid apparatus). The HS code for a radio beacon is 852691, classified as radio navigational aid apparatus.
How do I classify Radio beacon for customs?
Radio beacon is classified under HS code 852691 — Radio navigational aid apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are GPS receivers classified under the same code?
Yes, GPS receivers are typically classified under HS code 852691 because they are apparatus used for radio navigation.
Which countries are the top exporters of radio beacon (HS 852691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852691 (the code used for radio beacon) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 14% of world exports), Poland ($1.6B) and the United States ($776M). World exports came to about $11.8B, 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 radio beacon (HS 852691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852691 (the code used for radio beacon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 14% of world imports), China ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.1B). World imports came to about $11.9B, 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 Radio beacon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852691 for Radio beacon 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 radio beacon in Brazil?
In Brazil, radio beacon (HS 852691) is classified under NCM 8526.91.00.