Product classification
HS code for Recorded CD: 8523.49
Optical media, recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of recorded CD under HS 8523.49
Recorded CDs are classified under HS code 852349. This code falls within the category of optical media, which utilizes laser technology to read data stored on the disc. The classification 852349 specifically covers optical media that has been recorded with data, sound, or video, but excludes products of Chapter 37 (photographic or cinematographic goods). The determination for this code is based on the physical nature of the storage medium (optical) and the fact that it contains pre-recorded information, distinguishing it from blank media.
- Covers
- Audio Compact Discs (CDs)
- Software installation CDs
- Data storage CDs containing files
- Recorded Video CDs (VCDs)
- 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 frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 852341, which is designated for unrecorded (blank) optical media. Importers must ensure the media contains data to use 852349. Additionally, recorded magnetic media, such as hard drives or tapes, fall under 852329, and semiconductor-based storage like USB flash drives falls under 852351. It is critical to identify the storage technology (optical vs. magnetic vs. solid-state) to ensure correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded CD), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded CD) 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 CD.
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 CD
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 CD
What is the HS code for Recorded CD?
The HS code for Recorded CD is 852349 (Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for recorded optical media, including CDs, is 852349.
How do I classify Recorded CD for customs?
Recorded CD is classified under HS code 852349 — Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 852349 include DVDs?
Yes, recorded DVDs are also optical media and are generally classified under 852349 unless they fall under specific exclusions.
Which countries are the top exporters of recorded CD (HS 852349)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded CD) 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 CD (HS 852349)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded CD) 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 CD the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852349 for Recorded CD 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 CD in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852349 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for recorded CD 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).