Product classification
HS code for TV transmitter: 8525.50
Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, not incorporating reception apparatus.
Classification of TV transmitter under HS 8525.50
A TV transmitter is classified under HS code 8525.50 because it is a transmission apparatus for television broadcasting that does not incorporate reception apparatus. Heading 8525 covers a range of transmission equipment for radio-telephony, radio-telegraphy, radio-broadcasting, or television. The distinction between 8525.50 and 8525.60 is critical; the former is for transmission only, while the latter includes both transmission and reception capabilities (transceivers). Since a standard broadcast TV transmitter's primary function is the unidirectional dissemination of signals to receivers, it is placed under 8525.50. These devices are high-power electronic units used by broadcast stations to convert video and audio signals into modulated radio frequency waves.
- Covers
- Digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitters
- Analog broadcast television transmitters
- Television relay transmitters
- UHF and VHF television broadcast exciters
- Low-power TV (LPTV) transmission units
- Also under 8525.50
- Rohde & Schwarz TV transmitters
- GatesAir FM radio transmitters
- Nautel AM/FM transmitters
- Harris Broadcast transmitters
- Elettronika TV transmitters
Codes often confused with 8525.50
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 8525.60, which applies to apparatus incorporating reception apparatus. If the device can both send and receive signals, such as a microwave link or a two-way radio system, it belongs in 8525.60. Another error is using HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice, images, or other data in a wired or wireless network (like routers or switches). TV transmitters are distinct because they are specifically for "broadcasting" to an unlimited number of receivers rather than point-to-point telecommunication.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852550 (the code used for TV transmitter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852550 (the code used for TV transmitter) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 53% 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 852550, not only TV transmitter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$858M 42% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $351M 17% of world exports
- 3 Canada $93M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 53% of world imports
- 2 Canada $197M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Italy $95M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $2.4B 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 codes for TV transmitter
Brazil splits HS 8525.50 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8525.50.11Solid-state AM radio transmitters, over 10 kW
- 8525.50.19Other radio broadcast transmitters
- 8525.50.21TV transmitters over 7 GHz
- 8525.50.22UHF TV transmitters, 2.0–2.7 GHz, 10–100 W
- 8525.50.23UHF TV transmitters over 10 kW
- 8525.50.24VHF TV transmitters, 20 kW or more
- 8525.50.29Other television transmitters
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about TV transmitter
What is the HS code for TV transmitter?
The HS code for TV transmitter is 852550 (Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, not incorporating reception apparatus). The HS code for a television transmission apparatus that does not include a receiver is 8525.50.
How do I classify TV transmitter for customs?
TV transmitter is classified under HS code 852550 — Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating sound recording or reproducing apparatus, not incorporating reception apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are television cameras classified under the same code as transmitters?
No, television cameras, digital cameras, and video camera recorders are classified under subheadings 8525.81 through 8525.89, depending on their specifications.
Which countries are the top exporters of TV transmitter (HS 852550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852550 (the code used for TV transmitter) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $858M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($351M) and Canada ($93M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 TV transmitter (HS 852550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852550 (the code used for TV transmitter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 53% of world imports), Canada ($197M) and Italy ($95M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 TV transmitter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852550 for TV transmitter 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 TV transmitter in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852550 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for TV transmitter depends on the product's details: 8525.50.11 (Solid-state AM radio transmitters, over 10 kW), 8525.50.19 (Other radio broadcast transmitters), 8525.50.21 (TV transmitters over 7 GHz), 8525.50.22 (UHF TV transmitters, 2.0–2.7 GHz, 10–100 W), 8525.50.23 (UHF TV transmitters over 10 kW), 8525.50.24 (VHF TV transmitters, 20 kW or more), and more.