Product classification
HS code for SSD: 8523.51
Semiconductor media, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of SSD under HS 8523.51
Solid-state drives (SSDs) are classified under HS code 8523.51. This classification is based on the device's technical composition as a semiconductor-based, non-volatile storage medium. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) that rely on magnetic platters and mechanical heads, SSDs use integrated circuits to store data. Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8523 is dedicated to prepared unrecorded media for sound recording or similar recording of other phenomena. Subheading 8523.51 specifically identifies "solid-state non-volatile storage devices." This code applies to the drives regardless of whether they are internal (designed to be mounted inside a computer) or external (portable units with a housing), as long as the storage mechanism is semiconductor-based.
- Covers
- Internal NVMe and SATA SSDs
- External portable SSDs
- M.2 solid-state modules
- Enterprise-grade flash storage drives
- Solid-state drives for servers
- Also under 8523.51
- Samsung 970 EVO SSD
- SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0
- Kingston microSDXC card
- Crucial P5 Plus NVMe
- Western Digital My Passport SSD
Codes often confused with 8523.51
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for SSDs is HS code 8471.70, which is the general code for storage units of automatic data-processing machines. While HDDs are often placed there, the specific semiconductor nature of SSDs mandates the use of 8523.51. Another error is using 8523.52, which is reserved for "smart cards." Additionally, USB flash drives (thumb drives) are also under 8523.51, but they are often confused with other peripheral codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852351 (the code used for SSD), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852351 (the code used for SSD) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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 852351, not only SSD.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $11.5B 18% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$9.1B 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $9.1B 14% of world exports
World total: $63.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $18.2B 33% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $8.0B 14% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $4.8B 8.6% of world imports
World total: $55.5B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 SSD
Brazil splits HS 8523.51 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.51.10Solid-state memory cards
- 8523.51.90Other solid-state non-volatile storage devices
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about SSD
What is the HS code for SSD?
The HS code for SSD is 852351 (Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for Solid-State Drives (SSD) is 8523.51.
How do I classify SSD for customs?
SSD is classified under HS code 852351 — Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code different for internal and external SSDs?
No, both internal and external SSDs are classified under 8523.51 because the underlying technology is a solid-state non-volatile storage device.
Which countries are the top exporters of SSD (HS 852351)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852351 (the code used for SSD) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($11.5B, 18% of world exports), Taiwan (about $9.1B) and the United States ($9.1B). World exports came to about $63.5B, 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 SSD (HS 852351)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852351 (the code used for SSD) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18.2B, 33% of world imports), Hong Kong ($8.0B) and Mexico ($4.8B). World imports came to about $55.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for SSD the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852351 for SSD 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 SSD in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852351 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for SSD depends on the product's details: 8523.51.10 (Solid-state memory cards), 8523.51.90 (Other solid-state non-volatile storage devices).