Product classification

HS code for Smart card reader: 8471.90

Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included.

Classification of smart card reader under HS 8471.90

Smart card readers are classified under HS code 8471.90. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers automatic data processing (ADP) machines and units. Heading 8471 is used for machines that process data, and subheading 8471.90 is a residual category for magnetic or optical readers and machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form. A smart card reader is considered a "unit" of an ADP system because it performs a specific input/output function by reading data from or writing data to the integrated circuit chip on a smart card. Whether the device is an external peripheral connected via a USB port or an internal component of a laptop, it remains classified under 8471.90 as long as it is primarily used for data processing. This classification is distinct from devices that have a more specific primary function, such as point-of-sale terminals or automated teller machines, which have their own specific headings. The technical nature of the reader—whether it is contact-based or contactless (NFC)—does not typically change its classification under this code.

Covers
  • USB Smart Card Readers
  • Internal laptop chip card readers
  • Contactless NFC card readers for PCs
  • SIM card readers for data backup
  • Common Access Card (CAC) readers
Also under 8471.90
  • Honeywell Xenon 1950g barcode scanner
  • Zebra DS2208 QR code reader
  • Verifone VX 520 card reader
  • Fujitsu fi-7160 document scanner with OCR

Codes often confused with 8471.90

Common mistake. Smart card readers are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8471.60, which covers input or output units like keyboards or mice. However, 8471.90 is more specific for readers. Another error is using HS code 8523.52, which is for the smart cards themselves (media), not the reader. Furthermore, integrated payment terminals (credit card machines) should be classified under 8470.50 or 8471.30 depending on their standalone capabilities, rather than 8471.90.

8471.60Units of automatic data processing machines; input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing8523.52Semiconductor media; smart cards, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 378470.50Cash registers8471.30Automatic data processing machines; portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display

Top exporters and importers of HS 847190 (the code used for smart card reader), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847190 (the code used for smart card reader) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 847190, not only smart card reader.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $1.1B
  2. 2 United States $921M
  3. 3 Ireland $677M

World total: $7.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $839M
  2. 2 United States $679M
  3. 3 Spain $376M

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 reader

Brazil splits HS 8471.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about smart card reader

What is the HS code for Smart card reader?

The HS code for Smart card reader is 847190 (Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included). The HS code for a smart card reader used as a unit for an automatic data processing machine is 8471.90.

How do I classify Smart card reader for customs?

Smart card reader is classified under HS code 847190 — Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are NFC readers for mobile phones classified here?

If the NFC reader is a separate unit for a computer, it is 8471.90. However, if it is an integral part of a mobile phone, it is classified with the phone under 8517.13.

Which countries are the top exporters of smart card reader (HS 847190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847190 (the code used for smart card reader) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 15% of world exports), the United States ($921M) and Ireland ($677M). World exports came to about $7.8B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of smart card reader (HS 847190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 847190 (the code used for smart card reader) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($839M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($679M) and Spain ($376M). 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 reader the same in all countries?

The base HS code 847190 for Smart card reader 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 reader in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 847190 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for smart card reader depends on the product's details: 8471.90.11 (Magnetic card readers and writers), 8471.90.12 (Bar code readers), 8471.90.13 (Magnetic ink character (MICR) readers), 8471.90.14 (Image scanners), 8471.90.19 (Other data readers and writers), 8471.90.90 (Other data transcribing and processing machines).