HS Code for Transistor radio

A transistor radio is classified under HS code 8527.19 because it is a radio-broadcast receiver capable of operating without an external power source. Heading 8527 covers reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting, whether or not combined in the same housing with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock. The first level of subheadings (8527.1) focuses on portable units that can run on batteries or internal power cells. Within this group, 8527.12 is reserved for pocket-size radio cassette players, and 8527.13 is for other apparatus combined with sound recording or reproducing equipment. Therefore, a standard transistor radio that only receives broadcasts and does not include integrated recording or playback decks (such as CD players or cassette decks) is classified under 8527.19. This classification applies to modern digital tuners as well as traditional analog transistor models, provided the primary function is the reception of radio-broadcast signals and the device is designed for portability.

Products Included

• Portable AM/FM transistor radios
• Handheld digital radio receivers
• Battery-operated emergency radios
• Portable shortwave radio receivers
• Pocket-sized transistorized broadcast receivers

Common Misclassification

Transistor radios are frequently misclassified under HS code 8527.91, which covers non-portable radio receivers that require an external power source (mains electricity). Another common error is using HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception and transmission of voice or data; however, 8517 is for telecommunication equipment (like walkie-talkies), whereas 8527 is strictly for broadcast reception. If the radio includes a clock but no recorder, it might be confused with 8527.13, but 8527.19 remains the correct residual code for simple receivers.

FAQ

What is the HS code for transistor radio?

The HS code for a portable transistor radio without sound recording or reproducing capabilities is 8527.19.

Does this code include Bluetooth speakers with FM radio?

No, Bluetooth speakers are primarily classified under 8518.21 or 8518.22. If the radio function is secondary, the classification changes based on the principal function.