HS Code for Set-top box

Set-top boxes are classified under HS code 8528.71. This code is part of heading 8528, which encompasses monitors and projectors, as well as reception apparatus for television. The subcategory 8528.71 is specifically defined as reception apparatus for television not designed to incorporate a video display or screen. Set-top boxes function as intermediaries that receive an external signal—whether via satellite, cable, terrestrial broadcast, or the internet—and convert that signal into a video format compatible with a television or monitor. Because these devices lack an integrated screen, they are distinguished from television sets (8528.72). The classification applies to a wide range of digital receivers, including those with recording capabilities (DVR), provided their principal function remains the reception of television signals. This classification is consistent with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, which emphasize the function of the device over its secondary features.

Products Included

• Satellite television receivers (STB)
• Cable TV set-top boxes
• IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) receivers
• Digital terrestrial television decoders
• Integrated receivers and decoders (IRDs)

Common Misclassification

Set-top boxes are frequently misclassified under 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice, images, or other data (like modems or routers). While set-top boxes process data, their primary purpose is TV reception, placing them in 8528. Another common error is 8521.90, which is for video recording or reproducing apparatus. If the device's main role is receiving a live signal, 8528.71 takes precedence over 8521.

FAQ

What is the HS code for set-top box?

The HS code for a set-top box without a built-in display is 8528.71.

Are streaming sticks classified as set-top boxes?

Yes, most streaming sticks and media players that connect to a TV to provide broadcast or streaming content are classified under 8528.71 as they function as TV reception apparatus.