Product classification
HS code for VoIP phone: 8517.18
Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1.
Classification of voIP phone under HS 8517.18
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones are classified under HS code 8517.18. Heading 8517 covers telephone sets, including smartphones and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. Within this heading, 8517.11 is for cordless handsets and 8517.13/14 are for smartphones. VoIP phones, which are designed to communicate over an IP network rather than traditional circuit-switched lines, fall into the "Other" category of telephone sets (8517.18). This classification is based on the fact that the device is a terminal station for telephony, regardless of the underlying technology (packet-switching vs. line-switching). Even though they function as data terminals, their primary purpose is voice communication, which keeps them within the 8517.1x subheadings according to GRI 1.
- Covers
- IP Desktop phones (wired Ethernet)
- SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phones
- VoIP conference phone stations
- Wi-Fi enabled VoIP handsets
- USB phones designed to work with softphone applications
- Also under 8517.18
- Polycom VVX 450
- Cisco IP Phone 8841
- Panasonic KX-TGD610
- Grandstream GXP2170
- Iridium 9575 Extreme (fixed kit)
Codes often confused with 8517.18
Common mistake. VoIP phones are often misclassified under 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data (like routers or switches). While a VoIP phone does convert voice to data packets, it is specifically a "telephone set," and the HS hierarchy prioritizes the specific device type (telephone set) over the general functional description (data conversion machine). Another error is classifying them under 8471.60 as output units for computers. However, since they are independent communication devices, Chapter 85 is more appropriate. Lastly, they should not be confused with 8517.11 if they are not analog/DECT cordless sets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851718 (the code used for voIP phone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851718 (the code used for voIP phone) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guatemala, 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 851718, not only voIP phone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$518M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $459M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $239M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guatemala $931M 24% of world imports
- 2 France $568M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $534M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.9B 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 voIP phone
Brazil splits HS 8517.18 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.18.30Other telephones not combined with other apparatus
- 8517.18.90Other telephones combined with other apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about voIP phone
What is the HS code for VoIP phone?
The HS code for VoIP phone is 851718 (Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1). The HS code for a VoIP telephone set is 8517.18.
How do I classify VoIP phone for customs?
VoIP phone is classified under HS code 851718 — Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are software-based VoIP applications (softphones) classified here?
No, HS code 8517.18 applies only to physical hardware. Software is generally classified under 8523 (discs, tapes, or solid-state media) or is not classified as a physical good if downloaded digitally.
Which countries are the top exporters of voIP phone (HS 851718)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851718 (the code used for voIP phone) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $518M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($459M) and China ($239M). 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 voIP phone (HS 851718)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851718 (the code used for voIP phone) in UN Comtrade data were Guatemala ($931M, 24% of world imports), France ($568M) and the United States ($534M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 VoIP phone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851718 for VoIP phone 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 voIP phone in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851718 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for voIP phone depends on the product's details: 8517.18.30 (Other telephones not combined with other apparatus), 8517.18.90 (Other telephones combined with other apparatus).