Heading 8519

Sound recording or reproducing apparatus

15 declarable lines

Heading 8519 covers sound recording or reproducing apparatus. It is split first by payment operation and turntables, then by apparatus using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, separating sound reproducing only from other functions. The remaining lines cover other record players and other apparatus.

Products in this heading

Coin- or card-operated music players
Record turntables (record-decks)
Car cassette tape players
Portable cassette tape players
CD players
Telephone answering machines
Magnetic tape recorders with sound reproducing
Optical disc recorders

How to choose the right subheading

Check whether the apparatus is operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or other means of payment.
For turntables, check for an automatic record changing mechanism.
Identify the media or device: magnetic tape, optical disc or semiconductor media.
Decide whether the apparatus only reproduces sound or also records or performs another function.
For record players not payment-operated, check whether a loudspeaker is included.

Often confused with

Smartphones and cellular telephones
Phone functions classify them in heading 8517 even if they play audio.
Heading 8517
Microphones, loudspeakers and headphones
These are audio transducers and amplifiers, not recording or reproducing apparatus.
Heading 8518
Video cameras and video recorders
Video recording or reproducing apparatus has its own heading.
Heading 8521
Radio-broadcast receivers
Reception apparatus for radiobroadcasting has its own heading, even with sound recording.
Heading 8527
Blank or recorded CDs, tapes and USB flash drives
Media for recording sound or other phenomena are classified as media.
Heading 8523

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a coin-operated music player?

Use 8519.20.00.00 for apparatus operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or other means of payment; its general (MFN) rate is Free.

What is the duty on a turntable with automatic record changing?

8519.30.10.00 covers turntables (record-decks) with automatic record changing mechanism; the general (MFN) rate is 3.9%.

How do I classify a cassette tape player designed for a car?

A cassette-type tape player designed exclusively for motor-vehicle installation goes in 8519.81.20.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 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.