Heading 8517

Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8443, 8525, 8527 or 8528; parts thereof

15 declarable lines

Heading 8517 covers telephone sets and other equipment that transmits or receives voice, images or data over wired or wireless networks. It splits into three groups: telephone sets including smartphones (8517.11 to 8517.18), other network apparatus such as base stations, routers and modems (8517.61 to 8517.69), and parts (8517.71 and 8517.79).

Products in this heading

Smartphones
Cordless line telephone sets
Radio telephones designed for installation in motor vehicles
Videophones
Multiline key telephones and consoles
Wireless network base stations
Modems used with data processing machines
Network switches and routers

How to choose the right subheading

Decide whether the item is a telephone set (8517.11 to 8517.18) or other transmission and reception apparatus (8517.61 to 8517.69).
For telephone sets, check whether it is a cordless line set, a smartphone, a cellular or other wireless telephone, or another type such as a videophone or multiline set.
For other apparatus, identify whether it is a base station, a modem, switching or routing apparatus, or a residual other item.
For parts, check whether the item is an aerial or aerial reflector or another part of 8517 goods.
Confirm the item is not covered by a later heading such as 8525, 8527 or 8528, which take precedence over 8517 by the heading text.

Often confused with

Television cameras and video camera recorders
Heading 8525 covers cameras even when they transmit images over a network.
Heading 8525
Computer monitors and projectors
Displays that do not perform network transmission or reception are classified in 8528.
Heading 8528
Lithium-ion battery packs for phones
Electric storage batteries are classified in 8507, not as telephone parts.
Heading 8507
Headphones and earphones with a microphone
Audio headphones and headsets are classified in 8518.
Heading 8518
Housings and parts used only with monitors or cameras of 8524 to 8528
Parts dedicated to those goods go to 8529 rather than to 8517.
Heading 8529

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a smartphone?

Smartphones are classified under 8517.13.00.00, and the general (MFN) rate is Free.

What is the duty on a wireless network router?

Switching and routing apparatus falls under 8517.62.00.20, and the general (MFN) rate is Free.

How do I classify a cordless home phone?

Line telephone sets with cordless handsets go under 8517.11.00.00, and the general (MFN) rate is Free. A base station used in a network instead is classified under 8517.61.00.00, also Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.