Product classification
HS code for Recorded DVD: 8523.49
Optical media, recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of recorded DVD under HS 8523.49
Recorded DVDs are classified under HS code 8523.49, following the same logic as other optical storage media. They are optical media used for the storage of sound, video, or data. The Harmonized System groups these items based on the physical method of data retrieval. Since DVDs are read by an optical laser, they fall under the optical media category of heading 8523. The distinction between 8523.41 (blank) and 8523.49 (recorded) is critical for customs compliance. Heading 8523 is comprehensive for all modern storage media, and the subheadings are organized by technology type. Subheading 8523.49 is the specific destination for optical discs that have been finalized with data. This includes DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, and DVD-ROM formats. The classification remains the same regardless of the disc's storage capacity (e.g., DVD-5, DVD-9) or whether it is single-sided or double-sided. The essential character of the product is a digital storage medium that has been encoded with information, which is the definition of recorded optical media under the HS nomenclature.
- Covers
- DVD-Video discs (movies)
- DVD-Audio discs
- Recorded DVD-ROMs for computers
- Educational DVDs
- Video games on DVD media
- 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. Recorded DVDs are frequently misclassified under HS code 8523.41, which is only for blank media. Another common mistake is using HS code 8521.90, which is for video recording or reproducing apparatus (the players themselves), not the media. Furthermore, magnetic tapes containing video are classified under 8523.29, and should not be confused with optical DVDs. It is also important not to use Chapter 49 (printed matter) even if the DVD is part of a book set, as the disc itself is classified by its own physical properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded DVD), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded DVD) 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 DVD.
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 DVD
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 DVD
What is the HS code for Recorded DVD?
The HS code for Recorded DVD is 852349 (Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for a recorded DVD is 8523.49.
How do I classify Recorded DVD for customs?
Recorded DVD is classified under HS code 852349 — Optical media; recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code different for a DVD-ROM vs a DVD-Video?
No, both are classified under 8523.49 because they are both recorded optical media, regardless of whether the data is a movie or computer software.
Which countries are the top exporters of recorded DVD (HS 852349)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded DVD) 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 DVD (HS 852349)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852349 (the code used for recorded DVD) 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 DVD the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852349 for Recorded DVD 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 DVD in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852349 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for recorded DVD 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).