Product classification
HS code for Set-top box: 8528.71
Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus, not designed to incorporate a video display or screen.
Classification of set-top box under HS 8528.71
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.
- Covers
- Satellite television receivers (STB)
- Cable TV set-top boxes
- IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) receivers
- Digital terrestrial television decoders
- Integrated receivers and decoders (IRDs)
- Also under 8528.71
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV 4K
- Sky Q Box
- Humax Freesat Recorder
- NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
Codes often confused with 8528.71
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852871 (the code used for set-top box), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852871 (the code used for set-top box) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 10% 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 852871, not only set-top box.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $587M 22% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$441M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Tunisia* ~$185M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $398M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $340M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Poland $336M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 set-top box
Brazil splits HS 8528.71 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8528.71.11Rack-mount IRDs without channel 3/4 RF output
- 8528.71.19Other integrated receiver-decoders (IRD)
- 8528.71.90Other TV receivers without display (set-top boxes)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about set-top box
What is the HS code for Set-top box?
The HS code for Set-top box is 852871 (Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; not designed to incorporate a video display or screen). The HS code for a set-top box without a built-in display is 8528.71.
How do I classify Set-top box for customs?
Set-top box is classified under HS code 852871 — Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; not designed to incorporate a video display or screen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of set-top box (HS 852871)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852871 (the code used for set-top box) in UN Comtrade data were China ($587M, 22% of world exports), Vietnam (about $441M) and Tunisia (about $185M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 set-top box (HS 852871)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852871 (the code used for set-top box) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($398M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($340M) and Poland ($336M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Set-top box the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852871 for Set-top box 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 set-top box in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852871 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for set-top box depends on the product's details: 8528.71.11 (Rack-mount IRDs without channel 3/4 RF output), 8528.71.19 (Other integrated receiver-decoders (IRD)), 8528.71.90 (Other TV receivers without display (set-top boxes)).