HS code for USB flash drive
The U.S. HS code for a USB flash drive is usually 8523.51.00.00 (usb), with no general duty and an estimated total of 12.5% from China and 12.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 37.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB | 8523.51.00.00 | Free | 12.5% |
- 8523.51.00.00: Solid-state non-volatile storage devices
What decides the code
A USB flash drive is a solid-state non-volatile storage device, classified under heading 8523, specifically 8523.51.00.00.
- Solid-state non-volatile storage construction places the drive in heading 8523 as semiconductor media.
- The USB flash drive is a solid-state non-volatile storage device, which leads to 8523.51.00.00.
- A drive that records sound or other phenomena still stays in heading 8523 whether or not recorded.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a USB flash drive under 8471 as a computer storage unit is wrong because heading 8523 covers solid-state non-volatile storage media.
- Classifying it under 8544 as a cable or connector is wrong because the drive is a storage device, not a conductor.
- Classifying it under 8527 or 8519 as recording or sound equipment is wrong because heading 8523 covers the storage media itself.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 37.5%.
- Vietnam
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8523.51.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a USB flash drive?
The U.S. HTS code for a USB flash drive is usually 8523.51.00.00 (usb). The first six digits, 8523.51, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a USB flash drive from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8523.51.00.00 is Free. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 12.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 12.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8523.51.00.00Solid-state non-volatile storage devices
- Heading 8523Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards" and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.