Product classification
HS code for Stereo system: 8527.91
Radio-broadcast receivers n.e.c. in heading no. 8527, combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
Classification of stereo system under HS 8527.91
A stereo system, when configured as a combination of a radio receiver and sound reproducing apparatus, is classified under HS code 8527.91. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8527 is for reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock. Subheading 8527.91 specifically covers those systems that are not portable and are combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, such as a CD player, cassette deck, or digital media player. The classification is driven by the inclusion of the radio tuner; if the system is imported as a single unit containing both a radio and a playback device, this code is mandatory. This follows the General Rules of Interpretation regarding composite machines and functional units, where the radio reception capability is a defining feature of the 8527 heading.
- Covers
- Home audio systems with integrated FM/AM tuners and CD players
- Shelf stereo systems with radio and Bluetooth playback
- Bookshelf stereo units with built-in amplifiers and tuners
- Hi-Fi systems combined with radio receivers
- Also under 8527.91
- Denon D-M41
- Yamaha MCR-B043
- Panasonic SC-PM250
- Sony CMT-SBT100
- Bose Wave Music System
Codes often confused with 8527.91
Common mistake. Stereo systems are frequently misclassified under 8519.81 if the importer overlooks the radio function, as 8519 covers sound reproducing apparatus without a radio. Another common error is using 8518.40, which is for audio-frequency electric amplifiers; while a stereo system contains an amplifier, the presence of a tuner moves it to 8527. Portable systems (boomboxes) are also often incorrectly placed here, but they belong under 8527.13 if they are battery-operated and portable.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852791 (the code used for stereo system), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852791 (the code used for stereo system) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 852791, not only stereo system.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 79% of world exports
- 2 Germany $89M 5.0% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$84M 4.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $136M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $131M 14% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 3.8% of world imports
World total: $903M 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 stereo system
Brazil classifies stereo system under NCM 8527.91.00: HS 8527.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stereo system
What is the HS code for Stereo system?
The HS code for Stereo system is 852791 (Radio-broadcast receivers n.e.c. in heading no. 8527; combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus). The HS code for a non-portable stereo system combined with a radio-broadcast receiver and sound reproducing apparatus is 8527.91.
How do I classify Stereo system for customs?
Stereo system is classified under HS code 852791 — Radio-broadcast receivers n.e.c. in heading no. 8527; combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the stereo system does not have a radio?
If the system lacks a radio-broadcast receiver and only plays back media (like CDs or digital files), it is classified under HS code 8519.81.
Which countries are the top exporters of stereo system (HS 852791)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852791 (the code used for stereo system) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 79% of world exports), Germany ($89M) and Vietnam (about $84M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 stereo system (HS 852791)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852791 (the code used for stereo system) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($136M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($131M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World imports came to about $903M, 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 Stereo system the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852791 for Stereo system 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 stereo system in Brazil?
In Brazil, stereo system (HS 852791) is classified under NCM 8527.91.00.