Product classification
HS code for SIM card: 8523.52
Semiconductor media, smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of SIM card under HS 8523.52
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 8523.52
- Visa EMV chip card
- Vodafone SIM card
- German eID card
- Oyster card (London)
- Gemalto IDPrime smart card
Codes often confused with 8523.52
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852352 (the code used for SIM card), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852352 (the code used for SIM card) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 852352, not only SIM card.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.9B 29% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $486M 7.4% of world exports
- 3 France $409M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $921M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $491M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $405M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $6.8B 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 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 SIM card
Brazil splits HS 8523.52 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.52.10Proximity-activated smart cards and tags
- 8523.52.90Other smart cards
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about SIM card
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). The international HS code for a SIM card is 8523.52, classified as a semiconductor-based smart card.
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.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of SIM card (HS 852352)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852352 (the code used for SIM card) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 29% of world exports), Hong Kong ($486M) and France ($409M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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 SIM card (HS 852352)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852352 (the code used for SIM card) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($921M, 14% of world imports), China ($491M) and Germany ($405M). World imports came to about $6.8B, 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 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.
What is the NCM code for SIM card in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852352 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for SIM card depends on the product's details: 8523.52.10 (Proximity-activated smart cards and tags), 8523.52.90 (Other smart cards).