Product classification
HS code for Soundbar: 8518.22
Loudspeakers, multiple, mounted in the same enclosure.
Classification of soundbar under HS 8518.22
Soundbars are classified under HS code 8518.22, which covers multiple loudspeakers mounted in the same enclosure. This classification is based on the physical and functional design of the product, which typically houses several speaker drivers (tweeters, mid-range, and sometimes subwoofers) within a single, elongated cabinet. Even though most modern soundbars are "active" (meaning they contain internal power amplifiers and digital signal processing), the General Interpretative Rules usually prioritize the loudspeaker function under heading 8518. The 8518.22 code is specific to units with more than one speaker in the enclosure, which perfectly describes the soundbar architecture. These devices are designed to improve the audio output of televisions and are categorized as electrical machinery for sound reproduction. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the soundbar connects via HDMI, optical cable, or Bluetooth, provided the primary function is that of a loudspeaker system.
- Covers
- Active soundbars with built-in amplifiers
- Passive soundbars (requiring external amplification)
- Soundbases (pedestal-style soundbars)
- Soundbars with wireless subwoofer bundles (if classified as a set)
- Bluetooth soundbars
- Dolby Atmos enabled soundbar units
- Also under 8518.22
- Bose Soundbar 900
- Klipsch RP-8000F
- Logitech Z906
- Yamaha YHT-4950U
- Sonos Arc.
Codes often confused with 8518.22
Common mistake. Soundbars are often misclassified under HS code 8518.21, which is reserved for single loudspeakers mounted in their enclosures. Since soundbars almost always contain multiple drivers, 8518.22 is more accurate. Another common error is using HS code 8519.81, which covers sound reproducing apparatus. This occurs when a soundbar has integrated media playback capabilities (like a built-in USB MP3 player or streaming software). However, if the primary purpose is to act as a speaker for a TV, 8518.22 is preferred. Finally, if a soundbar is imported with a separate subwoofer, some customs authorities may require the subwoofer to be classified separately under 8518.21 if it is a single-driver unit.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851822 (the code used for soundbar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851822 (the code used for soundbar) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 851822, not only soundbar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.7B 42% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.2B 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $558M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $8.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.9B 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $576M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $319M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $8.1B 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 code for soundbar
Brazil classifies soundbar under NCM 8518.22.00: HS 8518.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soundbar
What is the HS code for Soundbar?
The HS code for Soundbar is 851822 (Loudspeakers; multiple, mounted in the same enclosure). The standard HS code for a soundbar is 8518.22.
How do I classify Soundbar for customs?
Soundbar is classified under HS code 851822 — Loudspeakers; multiple, mounted in the same enclosure. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if it has Bluetooth?
No, the addition of Bluetooth connectivity does not typically change the classification from 8518.22, as the primary function remains a loudspeaker.
Which countries are the top exporters of soundbar (HS 851822)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851822 (the code used for soundbar) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 42% of world exports), Vietnam (about $1.2B) and Germany ($558M). World exports came to about $8.8B, 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 soundbar (HS 851822)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851822 (the code used for soundbar) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 23% of world imports), Germany ($576M) and the Netherlands ($319M). World imports came to about $8.1B, 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 Soundbar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851822 for Soundbar 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 soundbar in Brazil?
In Brazil, soundbar (HS 851822) is classified under NCM 8518.22.00.