Product classification
HS code for Transistor radio: 8527.19
Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1.
Classification of transistor radio under HS 8527.19
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.
- Covers
- Portable AM/FM transistor radios
- Handheld digital radio receivers
- Battery-operated emergency radios
- Portable shortwave radio receivers
- Pocket-sized transistorized broadcast receivers
- Also under 8527.19
- Sangean PR-D18
- Eton FRX5BT
- C. Crane CC Skywave
- Sony ICF-P26
- Panasonic RF-2400D
Codes often confused with 8527.19
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852719 (the code used for transistor radio), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852719 (the code used for transistor radio) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 852719, not only transistor radio.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $204M 37% of world exports
- 2 United States $76M 14% of world exports
- 3 Philippines $53M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $553M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $111M 19% of world imports
- 2 Poland $71M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $54M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $586M 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 code for transistor radio
Brazil classifies transistor radio under NCM 8527.19.00: HS 8527.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about transistor radio
What is the HS code for Transistor radio?
The HS code for Transistor radio is 852719 (Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1). The HS code for a portable transistor radio without sound recording or reproducing capabilities is 8527.19.
How do I classify Transistor radio for customs?
Transistor radio is classified under HS code 852719 — Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; n.e.c. in item no. 8527.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of transistor radio (HS 852719)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852719 (the code used for transistor radio) in UN Comtrade data were China ($204M, 37% of world exports), the United States ($76M) and the Philippines ($53M). World exports came to about $553M, 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 transistor radio (HS 852719)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852719 (the code used for transistor radio) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($111M, 19% of world imports), Poland ($71M) and Germany ($54M). World imports came to about $586M, 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 Transistor radio the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852719 for Transistor radio 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 transistor radio in Brazil?
In Brazil, transistor radio (HS 852719) is classified under NCM 8527.19.00.