Product classification
HS code for Vehicle radio: 8527.29
Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles, not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
Classification of vehicle radio under HS 8527.29
The classification of vehicle radios under HS code 8527.29 is determined by their specific function as radio-broadcast receivers designed for use in motor vehicles. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their technical characteristics and intended application. Heading 8527 covers reception apparatus for radio-broadcasting. Subheading 8527.29 specifically identifies receivers that are not capable of operating without an external source of power, such as a vehicle's battery, and are not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This means the device is a standalone radio receiver without integrated CD players, cassette decks, or internal digital storage for music playback. The classification is strictly applied to units that only process broadcast signals. If the unit includes any form of playback technology, it moves to a different subheading. This distinction is crucial for customs authorities to differentiate between basic audio equipment and multi-functional infotainment systems that serve broader purposes than simple radio reception.
- Covers
- AM/FM analog vehicle radio receivers
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) car radio units
- Satellite radio receivers for automotive installation
- Radio tuners designed for dashboard integration without playback decks
- Also under 8527.29
- Blaupunkt Toronto 420 BT (if only radio/BT for streaming)
- some basic OEM Ford/GM radios
- Pyle PLR26MP
- Retrosound Model Two (radio only)
Codes often confused with 8527.29
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these units under HS code 8527.21. This code is reserved for vehicle radios that are combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, such as a built-in CD player or MP3 playback functionality. Another common mistake is using HS code 8526.91, which covers radio navigational aid apparatus (GPS). While modern vehicle head units often include GPS, a unit that is primarily a radio receiver without navigation or recording features must remain in 8527.29. Additionally, importers sometimes incorrectly use 8708.99 for general vehicle parts, but Section XVI notes specify that electrical machinery of Chapter 85 takes precedence over the general parts heading of Chapter 87.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852729 (the code used for vehicle radio), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852729 (the code used for vehicle radio) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 852729, not only vehicle radio.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $325M 32% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $251M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $85M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $285M 26% of world imports
- 2 India $214M 20% of world imports
- 3 Japan $76M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 vehicle radio
Brazil classifies vehicle radio under NCM 8527.29.00: HS 8527.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vehicle radio
What is the HS code for Vehicle radio?
The HS code for Vehicle radio is 852729 (Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus). The HS code for a vehicle radio-broadcast receiver that is not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus is 8527.29.
How do I classify Vehicle radio for customs?
Vehicle radio is classified under HS code 852729 — Radio-broadcast receivers not capable of operating without an external source of power, of a kind used in motor vehicles; not combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include radios with Bluetooth?
If the Bluetooth function is used only for hands-free calling and not for reproducing music from an external device, it may stay in 8527.29; however, if it reproduces sound from a paired device, it is often reclassified under 8527.21 as being combined with sound reproducing apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of vehicle radio (HS 852729)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852729 (the code used for vehicle radio) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($325M, 32% of world exports), Thailand ($251M) and the United States ($85M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 vehicle radio (HS 852729)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852729 (the code used for vehicle radio) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($285M, 26% of world imports), India ($214M) and Japan ($76M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Vehicle radio the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852729 for Vehicle 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 vehicle radio in Brazil?
In Brazil, vehicle radio (HS 852729) is classified under NCM 8527.29.00.