Product classification
HS code for Smart card: 8523.52
Semiconductor media, smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of smart card under HS 8523.52
Smart cards are classified under HS code 8523.52 as a form of semiconductor media. To qualify for this code, the card must contain one or more electronic integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor, random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM), embedded within the plastic substrate. These cards may be "contact" cards, which require physical connection to a reader via conductive pads, or "contactless" cards, which use radio frequency identification (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The classification is based on the presence of the integrated circuit rather than the specific data or software stored on it. This code is essential for the global trade of banking cards, SIM cards for mobile phones, and secure identification badges. It excludes cards that only have a magnetic stripe or those that are purely optical, as those fall under different subheadings of heading 8523.
- Covers
- SIM cards for mobile phones
- EMV chip credit and debit cards
- Electronic ID cards with chips
- Contactless smart cards (NFC/RFID)
- Stored-value smart cards
- 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. Smart cards are frequently misclassified under 8523.21 if they also possess a magnetic stripe. However, according to the General Interpretative Rules and Chapter Notes, the presence of an integrated circuit takes precedence, moving the product to 8523.52. They are also sometimes confused with solid-state non-volatile storage devices (like USB flash drives) under 8523.51. The distinction is that 8523.52 is specifically for "cards" with embedded circuits, whereas 8523.51 is for storage media without the card-form factor.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852352 (the code used for smart card), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852352 (the code used for smart 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 smart 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 smart 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 smart card
What is the HS code for Smart card?
The HS code for Smart card is 852352 (Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for smart cards containing one or more electronic integrated circuits is 8523.52.
How do I classify Smart card for customs?
Smart 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.
Are SIM cards classified as smart cards?
Yes, SIM cards are a specific type of smart card used in telecommunications and are classified under HS code 8523.52.
Which countries are the top exporters of smart card (HS 852352)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852352 (the code used for smart 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 smart card (HS 852352)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852352 (the code used for smart 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 Smart card the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852352 for Smart 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 smart card in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852352 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for smart card depends on the product's details: 8523.52.10 (Proximity-activated smart cards and tags), 8523.52.90 (Other smart cards).