Products
Product Classification Guide

HS Code for SIM card

8523.52 Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37
Electronics & Electrical Equipment
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SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are classified under HS code 8523.52. This classification is based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which identify the product as a 'smart card.' Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8523 is dedicated to prepared unrecorded media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena. Subheading 8523.52 specifically covers semiconductor media consisting of 'smart cards' which contain one or more electronic integrated circuits (a microprocessor, random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)) in the form of chips. The SIM card's primary function is to store the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephony devices. Even though it is used in a phone, it is classified as a storage and processing medium rather than a part of a telephone.

Products Included

  • Standard SIM cards (2FF)
  • Micro-SIM cards (3FF)
  • Nano-SIM cards (4FF)
  • USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) cards
  • Smart cards with embedded security chips for mobile networks

Common Misclassification

A frequent misclassification for SIM cards is HS code 8517.70, which covers parts of telephone sets or other apparatus for the transmission of voice or data. While SIM cards are essential for mobile phone operation, they are specifically named as 'smart cards' in heading 8523, and according to Note 2 to Chapter 85, specific headings for media take precedence over general 'parts' headings. Another common error is HS code 8542.31, which covers electronic integrated circuits as processors. While a SIM card contains an integrated circuit, the final product is the card itself (the chip embedded in plastic), which is defined as a smart card under 8523.52.

FAQ

What is the HS code for SIM card?

The international HS code for a SIM card is 8523.52, classified as a semiconductor-based smart card.

Does the SIM card HS code change based on its size?

No, whether it is a standard, micro, or nano-SIM, the HS code remains 8523.52 as the functional technology is identical.

Industry

Electronics & Electrical Equipment
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS code for SIM card?

The HS code for SIM card is 852352 (Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37).

How do I classify SIM card for customs?

SIM card is classified under HS code 852352 — Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is the HS code for SIM card the same in all countries?

The base HS code 852352 for SIM card is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.