Product classification
HS code for USB drive: 8471.70
Units of automatic data processing machines, storage units.
Classification of USB drive under HS 8471.70
USB drives, commonly referred to as flash drives or thumb drives, are classified under HS code 8471.70. This classification is based on their function as storage units for automatic data processing (ADP) machines. Heading 8471 covers ADP machines and units thereof, and subheading 8471.70 specifically covers "storage units." These devices use non-volatile semiconductor memory to store data and interface with computers via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. While the technology inside is solid-state, the primary purpose of the device is to serve as an external memory component for a computer system, which aligns with the functional definitions provided in the Explanatory Notes for heading 8471.
- Covers
- USB flash drives
- Thumb drives and jump drives
- External solid-state drives (SSD) with USB interface
- Memory sticks with USB connectors
- Key-shaped USB storage devices
- Also under 8471.70
- Samsung 990 Pro SSD
- Western Digital My Passport external HDD
- Seagate IronWolf NAS drive
- Crucial MX500 SSD
Codes often confused with 8471.70
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8523.51, which covers "solid-state non-volatile storage devices." In many modern customs jurisdictions and updated versions of the HS nomenclature, 8523.51 is actually the preferred and more specific code for semiconductor-based storage like USB drives. However, some legacy systems or specific regional tariffs still utilize 8471.70. Importers must check if their local authority prioritizes the "ADP unit" definition (8471) or the "recording media" definition (8523).
Top exporters and importers of HS 847170 (the code used for USB drive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847170 (the code used for USB drive) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 847170, not only USB drive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $15.7B 21% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $11.7B 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $7.0B 9.5% of world exports
World total: $73.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $21.0B 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $14.0B 16% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $8.8B 10% of world imports
World total: $86.3B 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 codes for USB drive
Brazil splits HS 8471.70 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8471.70.10Magnetic disk storage units
- 8471.70.20Optical disk drives
- 8471.70.30Magnetic tape storage units
- 8471.70.40Solid-state drives (SSD)
- 8471.70.90Other computer storage units
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about USB drive
What is the HS code for USB drive?
The HS code for USB drive is 847170 (Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units). The HS code is 8471.70 when treated as a computer storage unit, though 8523.51 is also widely used for semiconductor storage media.
How do I classify USB drive for customs?
USB drive is classified under HS code 847170 — Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the storage capacity (GB) change the HS code?
No, the storage capacity of the USB drive (e.g., 16GB vs 128GB) does not change the HS code classification; it only affects the commercial value and potentially the statistical suffix.
Which countries are the top exporters of USB drive (HS 847170)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847170 (the code used for USB drive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($15.7B, 21% of world exports), Thailand ($11.7B) and the United States ($7.0B). World exports came to about $73.6B, 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 USB drive (HS 847170)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847170 (the code used for USB drive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($21.0B, 24% of world imports), the United States ($14.0B) and Mexico ($8.8B). World imports came to about $86.3B, 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 USB drive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847170 for USB drive 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 USB drive in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847170 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for USB drive depends on the product's details: 8471.70.10 (Magnetic disk storage units), 8471.70.20 (Optical disk drives), 8471.70.30 (Magnetic tape storage units), 8471.70.40 (Solid-state drives (SSD)), 8471.70.90 (Other computer storage units).