Product classification
HS code for Recorded Blu-ray disc: 8523.49
Optical media, recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of recorded Blu-ray disc under HS 8523.49
Recorded Blu-ray discs fall under HS code 8523.49. Heading 8523 encompasses discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards," and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded. The classification is split between magnetic media, optical media, and semiconductor media. Blu-ray technology uses optical lasers to read data, placing it in the optical media sub-group (8523.4x). Because the disc contains pre-recorded data—such as a film, software, or music—it is classified under 8523.49, which covers "other" optical media that is not unrecorded. This classification is determined by the physical nature of the media (optical) and its state (recorded). Under GRI 1, the terms of the headings are the primary authority. Since 8523 specifically mentions media for the recording of sound or other phenomena, and 8523.49 is the specific catch-all for recorded optical media, it is the correct designation for all Blu-ray formats containing data. This applies to high-definition movies, video games distributed on Blu-ray, and software installation discs.
- Covers
- Blu-ray movie discs
- Blu-ray audio discs
- Recorded Blu-ray software discs
- PlayStation or Xbox games on Blu-ray media
- Data backups stored on Blu-ray discs
- Also under 8523.49
- "Avengers: Endgame" Blu-ray
- "Adele 25" CD
- Microsoft Windows 10 DVD
- Sony PlayStation 5 game disc
- Adobe Creative Suite DVD
Codes often confused with 8523.49
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 8523.41, which is reserved for unrecorded (blank) optical media. Importers must distinguish between blank discs and those containing data. Another error is attempting to classify recorded movies under HS code 3706, which is for cinematographic film. However, 3706 only applies to traditional photographic film with an image, not digital optical media. Additionally, some may confuse these with magnetic media under 8523.29, but Blu-ray is strictly optical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded Blu-ray disc), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded Blu-ray disc) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% 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 852349, not only recorded Blu-ray disc.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $802M 11% of world exports
- 2 Germany $757M 10% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $593M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.3B 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $711M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 France $495M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $8.7B 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 codes for recorded Blu-ray disc
Brazil splits HS 8523.49 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.49.10Recorded optical media, sound only
- 8523.49.20Recorded optical media, not sound or image
- 8523.49.90Other recorded optical media
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about recorded Blu-ray disc
What is the HS code for Recorded Blu-ray disc?
The HS code for Recorded Blu-ray disc is 852349 (Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for a recorded Blu-ray disc is 8523.49.
How do I classify Recorded Blu-ray disc for customs?
Recorded Blu-ray disc is classified under HS code 852349 — Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the content of the Blu-ray change the HS code?
Generally, no. Whether it contains a movie, music, or software, it remains 8523.49 as long as it is a recorded optical disc. However, some countries may have specific sub-divisions for software.
Which countries are the top exporters of recorded Blu-ray disc (HS 852349)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded Blu-ray disc) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($802M, 11% of world exports), Germany ($757M) and Ireland ($593M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 recorded Blu-ray disc (HS 852349)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded Blu-ray disc) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 26% of world imports), Germany ($711M) and France ($495M). World imports came to about $8.7B, 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 Recorded Blu-ray disc the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852349 for Recorded Blu-ray disc 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 recorded Blu-ray disc in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852349 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for recorded Blu-ray disc depends on the product's details: 8523.49.10 (Recorded optical media, sound only), 8523.49.20 (Recorded optical media, not sound or image), 8523.49.90 (Other recorded optical media).