Product classification
HS code for Videocassette recorder: 8521.10
Video recording or reproducing apparatus, magnetic tape-type.
Classification of videocassette recorder under HS 8521.10
A videocassette recorder (VCR) is classified under HS code 8521.10. This heading covers video recording or reproducing apparatus, whether or not incorporating a video tuner. Subheading 8521.10 specifically identifies apparatus that uses magnetic tape as the storage medium. Despite the shift toward digital storage, the Harmonized System maintains this classification for any device that records or plays back video signals using magnetic tape technology. This includes consumer formats like VHS and Betamax, as well as professional formats like Betacam or DVCAM. The classification is based on the mechanical and electronic components required to interface with magnetic tape, such as rotating head drums and tape transport mechanisms. According to GRI 1, the product is classified by the terms of the heading, which explicitly mentions magnetic tape-type apparatus. Even if the device is a 'combo' unit (e.g., a VCR/DVD player), it may still be classified here or under 8521.90 depending on the primary function and the rules for composite goods.
- Covers
- VHS and S-VHS recorders
- Betamax players
- Professional Betacam/U-matic decks
- DVCAM and MiniDV tape recorders
- Digital-to-analog tape converters with recording functions
- Also under 8521.10
- Panasonic AG-DVX100B (MiniDV camcorder)
- Sony Betacam SP VTR
- JVC HR-S9911U S-VHS VCR
- Canon XL2 (MiniDV camcorder)
- Sony SLV-N700 VHS VCR
Codes often confused with 8521.10
Common mistake. Videocassette recorders are often confused with HS code 8521.90, which is for 'other' video recording apparatus such as DVD recorders or Hard Disk Recorders (DVRs). The distinction is strictly the medium; if it uses tape, it is 8521.10. Another misclassification is 8519, which is for sound recording or reproducing apparatus only. If the device handles video signals, it must stay within 8521.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852110 (the code used for videocassette recorder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852110 (the code used for videocassette recorder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% 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 852110, not only videocassette recorder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $19M 49% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $5.9M 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $2.3M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $6.4M 17% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $5.2M 14% of world imports
- 3 India $3.3M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $37M 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 videocassette recorder
Brazil splits HS 8521.10 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8521.10.10Video tape recorder-players without tuner
- 8521.10.81Video cassette apparatus, 12.65 mm (1/2 in) tape
- 8521.10.89Other video tape apparatus, tape under 19.05 mm
- 8521.10.90Video tape apparatus, tape 19.05 mm or wider
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about videocassette recorder
What is the HS code for Videocassette recorder?
The HS code for Videocassette recorder is 852110 (Video recording or reproducing apparatus; magnetic tape-type). The HS code for a videocassette recorder using magnetic tape is 8521.10.
How do I classify Videocassette recorder for customs?
Videocassette recorder is classified under HS code 852110 — Video recording or reproducing apparatus; magnetic tape-type. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are modern digital recorders covered under this code?
No, digital recorders that use hard drives, flash memory, or optical discs are classified under HS code 8521.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of videocassette recorder (HS 852110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852110 (the code used for videocassette recorder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($19M, 49% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.9M) and the United Kingdom ($2.3M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 videocassette recorder (HS 852110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852110 (the code used for videocassette recorder) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($6.4M, 17% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($5.2M) and India ($3.3M). World imports came to about $37M, 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 Videocassette recorder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852110 for Videocassette recorder 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 videocassette recorder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852110 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for videocassette recorder depends on the product's details: 8521.10.10 (Video tape recorder-players without tuner), 8521.10.81 (Video cassette apparatus, 12.65 mm (1/2 in) tape), 8521.10.89 (Other video tape apparatus, tape under 19.05 mm), 8521.10.90 (Video tape apparatus, tape 19.05 mm or wider).