Product classification
HS code for Walkman: 8527.12
Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source, pocket-size radio cassette-players.
Classification of walkman under HS 8527.12
The "Walkman" type device, defined as a pocket-size radio cassette-player, is classified under HS code 8527.12. This classification is specifically for radio broadcast receivers that are capable of operating without an external power source and are of a "pocket-size." According to Subheading Note 1 to Chapter 85, the term "pocket-size" applies only to receivers whose dimensions do not exceed 170 mm x 100 mm x 45 mm. This code was historically significant for portable media players that combined a radio receiver with a cassette playback mechanism. The classification is determined by the integration of the radio receiver; if the device only played cassettes without a radio, it would fall under heading 8519. The inclusion of the radio tuner moves the device to heading 8527. Even in the digital age, the nomenclature retains this specific category for portable analog devices, though modern digital equivalents (MP3 players with radios) often follow similar logic under different subheadings if they do not meet the specific cassette-player criteria.
- Covers
- Portable cassette players with built-in FM/AM radio
- Pocket-size radio receivers with integrated tape decks
- Handheld personal stereos with radio functionality
- Miniature radio-cassette recorders (pocket-size)
- Also under 8527.12
- Sony Walkman WM-F100
- Panasonic RQ-SX series
- Aiwa HS-PX series
- Sanyo M-G series
Codes often confused with 8527.12
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 8519.81, which covers sound reproducing apparatus that do not include a radio receiver. It is also confused with 8527.13, which is for other portable radio receivers combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus that exceed the "pocket-size" dimensions defined in the chapter notes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852712 (the code used for walkman), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852712 (the code used for walkman) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guatemala, with 21% 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 852712, not only walkman.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $3.3M 40% of world exports
- 2 Israel $1.1M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $1.0M 13% of world exports
World total: $8.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guatemala $2.9M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.2M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Slovakia $1.0M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $14M 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 walkman
Brazil classifies walkman under NCM 8527.12.00: HS 8527.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about walkman
What is the HS code for Walkman?
The HS code for Walkman is 852712 (Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players). A pocket-size Walkman with a radio is classified under HS code 8527.12.
How do I classify Walkman for customs?
Walkman is classified under HS code 852712 — Radio broadcast receivers capable of operating without an external power source; pocket-size radio cassette-players. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the dimension limits for pocket-size classification?
To be classified as pocket-size under 8527.12, the device must not exceed 170 mm x 100 mm x 45 mm.
Which countries are the top exporters of walkman (HS 852712)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852712 (the code used for walkman) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.3M, 40% of world exports), Israel ($1.1M) and China ($1.0M). World exports came to about $8.1M, 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 walkman (HS 852712)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852712 (the code used for walkman) in UN Comtrade data were Guatemala ($2.9M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.2M) and Slovakia ($1.0M). World imports came to about $14M, 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 Walkman the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852712 for Walkman 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 walkman in Brazil?
In Brazil, walkman (HS 852712) is classified under NCM 8527.12.00.