Heading 8527

Reception apparatus for radiobroadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock

27 declarable lines

Heading 8527 covers apparatus that receives radio broadcasts, including units that also record or play sound or include a clock in the same housing. The heading splits first by power source: receivers that run on their own power supply (8527.12 through 8527.19), receivers built for motor vehicles that need external power (8527.21 through 8527.29), and all other receivers (8527.91 through 8527.99). Within each group the lines turn on whether the unit is combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus such as a tape deck or CD player, or with a clock.

Products in this heading

Pocket-size radio cassette players
Car radio with a built-in CD player
Clock radios
Portable AM/FM radios with a built-in speaker
Boomboxes combining a radio with a CD player
Car radios with a cassette deck
Infant nursery monitor systems packaged as a transmitter, adapter and receiver
Radio-tape recorder combinations

How to choose the right subheading

Power source: whether the unit can operate without an external source of power decides between the 8527.12 to 8527.19 group and the later groups
Vehicle use: apparatus of a kind used in motor vehicles is separated into 8527.21 through 8527.29
Combination: whether the unit is combined in the same housing with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, with a clock, or with neither
Media type: for combined units, whether the recording or playback portion uses tape, an optical disc, or another medium sets the line
Value: clock radios valued not over $40 each fall in a separate line from higher-value clock radios

Often confused with

Television receivers and video monitors
Heading 8527 covers radio broadcast reception only, not television reception.
Heading 8528
Cellular phones and smartphones with an FM tuner
These are classified as telephones for cellular networks, and heading 8517 names 8527 as excluded from its scope only for dedicated reception apparatus.
Heading 8517
Radio broadcast transmitters and studio transmission gear
Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting belongs in 8525, not in the reception heading.
Heading 8525
Loudspeakers, headphones and separate audio amplifiers
These are separate audio articles even when sold alongside a radio.
Heading 8518
Tape recorders and CD players with no radio reception
Sound recording or reproducing apparatus alone is classified in 8519.
Heading 8519

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a pocket-size radio cassette player?

Pocket-size radio cassette players that operate without an external power source are classified under 8527.12.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on a car radio with a built-in CD player?

A motor vehicle radio combined with an optical disc player and not with a tape deck falls under 8527.21.40.40, general (MFN) Free. If the same unit also incorporates a tape deck, it goes to 8527.21.25.10 at a general (MFN) rate of 2%.

How do I classify a clock radio?

A clock radio valued not over $40 each that runs without external power goes under 8527.19.10.00, general (MFN) Free. A clock radio that requires an external power source is classified by value under 8527.92.10.00 or 8527.92.50.00, both general (MFN) 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.