Product classification
HS code for TV tuner: 8528.71
Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus, not designed to incorporate a video display or screen.
Classification of TV tuner under HS 8528.71
TV tuners are classified under HS code 8528.71 because they function as reception apparatus for television signals but do not incorporate a video display or screen. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8528 is divided into monitors, projectors, and reception apparatus. Subheading 8528.71 specifically captures devices like external tuner cards, set-top boxes with a communication function, and satellite receivers that process broadcast signals for output to a separate monitor or television set. This classification applies regardless of whether the device incorporates radio-broadcast receivers or sound/video recording capabilities, provided the core function is the reception of television signals. The technical distinction lies in the absence of an integrated screen, which separates these devices from standard television sets classified elsewhere in the same heading. These devices are essential components in modern home entertainment systems, allowing monitors without built-in tuners to display broadcast content.
- Covers
- External USB TV tuners
- Satellite television receivers (set-top boxes)
- Digital terrestrial television decoders
- Cable TV converters without screens
- Internal TV tuner cards for computers
- Also under 8528.71
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV 4K
- Sky Q Box
- Humax Freesat Recorder
- NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
Codes often confused with 8528.71
Common mistake. A frequent error involves classifying these devices under 8528.72, which is reserved for television sets that include an integrated screen. Another common mistake is using 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of data. While modern set-top boxes often have networking capabilities, if their primary purpose is the reception of television broadcasts, 8528.71 is the correct code. Importers often confuse these because of the overlapping technology in IP-based streaming devices and traditional tuners.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852871 (the code used for TV tuner), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852871 (the code used for TV tuner) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 10% 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 852871, not only TV tuner.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $587M 22% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$441M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Tunisia* ~$185M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $398M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $340M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Poland $336M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 tuner
Brazil splits HS 8528.71 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8528.71.11Rack-mount IRDs without channel 3/4 RF output
- 8528.71.19Other integrated receiver-decoders (IRD)
- 8528.71.90Other TV receivers without display (set-top boxes)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about TV tuner
What is the HS code for TV tuner?
The HS code for TV tuner is 852871 (Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; not designed to incorporate a video display or screen). The HS code for a TV tuner that does not include a video display is 8528.71.
How do I classify TV tuner for customs?
TV tuner is classified under HS code 852871 — Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus; not designed to incorporate a video display or screen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include smart TV boxes?
Yes, if the smart TV box includes a tuner for receiving broadcast, cable, or satellite signals and lacks a screen, it is typically classified under 8528.71.
Which countries are the top exporters of TV tuner (HS 852871)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852871 (the code used for TV tuner) in UN Comtrade data were China ($587M, 22% of world exports), Vietnam (about $441M) and Tunisia (about $185M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 tuner (HS 852871)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852871 (the code used for TV tuner) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($398M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($340M) and Poland ($336M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for TV tuner the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852871 for TV tuner 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 tuner in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852871 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for TV tuner depends on the product's details: 8528.71.11 (Rack-mount IRDs without channel 3/4 RF output), 8528.71.19 (Other integrated receiver-decoders (IRD)), 8528.71.90 (Other TV receivers without display (set-top boxes)).