Product classification
HS code for USB flash drive: 8523.51
Semiconductor media, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of USB flash drive under HS 8523.51
USB flash drives are classified under HS code 8523.51, which specifically covers semiconductor media, solid-state, non-volatile storage devices. This classification is determined by the device's primary function as a storage medium for data, sound, or other phenomena. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 8523 includes various types of media for recording, whether or not recorded. Subheading 8523.51 is reserved for devices that utilize semiconductor technology to retain data without the need for a continuous power supply. These devices typically consist of a printed circuit board housing a flash memory chip and a USB connector, all enclosed in a protective casing. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the drive is empty or contains pre-loaded software, provided the storage function remains the essential character of the item under General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 3(b). The technical nature of the flash memory—being non-volatile and solid-state—distinguishes it from magnetic or optical media found elsewhere in Chapter 85.
- Covers
- USB thumb drives
- Jump drives and pen drives
- USB memory sticks
- Secure USB flash drives with hardware encryption
- Micro-USB and USB-C compatible flash storage
- Also under 8523.51
- Samsung 970 EVO SSD
- SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0
- Kingston microSDXC card
- Crucial P5 Plus NVMe
- Western Digital My Passport SSD
Codes often confused with 8523.51
Common mistake. USB flash drives are frequently misclassified under HS code 8471.70, which covers storage units for automatic data processing machines. While they are used with computers, the specific heading for media (8523) takes precedence over the general heading for computer parts (8471) per Note 1(n) to Section XVI. Another common error is 8523.52 for smart cards, which have different internal architectures and interface protocols.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852351 (the code used for USB flash drive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852351 (the code used for USB flash drive) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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 852351, not only USB flash drive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $11.5B 18% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$9.1B 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $9.1B 14% of world exports
World total: $63.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $18.2B 33% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $8.0B 14% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $4.8B 8.6% of world imports
World total: $55.5B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 flash drive
Brazil splits HS 8523.51 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.51.10Solid-state memory cards
- 8523.51.90Other solid-state non-volatile storage devices
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about USB flash drive
What is the HS code for USB flash drive?
The HS code for USB flash drive is 852351 (Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The primary HS code for a USB flash drive is 8523.51, categorized as a solid-state non-volatile storage device.
How do I classify USB flash drive for customs?
USB flash drive is classified under HS code 852351 — Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the drive contains pre-loaded data?
Generally, no. Under GIR 3(b), the drive is classified by its storage capacity, which provides its essential character, though some jurisdictions may apply different rules if the software value significantly exceeds the hardware value.
Which countries are the top exporters of USB flash drive (HS 852351)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852351 (the code used for USB flash drive) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($11.5B, 18% of world exports), Taiwan (about $9.1B) and the United States ($9.1B). World exports came to about $63.5B, 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 flash drive (HS 852351)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852351 (the code used for USB flash drive) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18.2B, 33% of world imports), Hong Kong ($8.0B) and Mexico ($4.8B). World imports came to about $55.5B, 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 flash drive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852351 for USB flash 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 flash drive in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852351 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for USB flash drive depends on the product's details: 8523.51.10 (Solid-state memory cards), 8523.51.90 (Other solid-state non-volatile storage devices).