HS Code 8523
Stored Media and Recording Discs
HS code 8523 covers discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, and smart cards for recording sound or other phenomena, whether or not recorded.
4-digit Section XVIAir
HS Code 8523 — Stored Media and Recording Discs
This heading covers all types of media used to store data, sound, or images. It includes physical discs, magnetic tapes, and modern semiconductor-based storage like USB flash drives and SD cards.
What's included
- USB flash drives
- SD and MicroSD cards
- Solid State Drives (SSD)
- Smart cards (with strips or chips)
- Blank or recorded CDs and DVDs
What's excluded
- Photographic film → use
3702(Chemical-based imaging media belongs in Chapter 37.)
Common examples
- SanDisk 64GB MicroSD card
- Samsung 1TB Internal SSD
- Kingston USB 3.0 flash drive
- Pre-recorded music CD
- Bank credit card (blank or encoded)
Frequently asked questions
Are hard disk drives (HDD) in this code?
External HDDs are often classified here as storage devices, though some jurisdictions may place internal HDDs under 8471 as computer parts.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0%
- Documentation: Information technology products are often duty-free under the ITA (Information Technology Agreement).
- Typical shipping mode: Air
- Top exporters: South Korea, China, Taiwan
- Top importers: United States, China, Germany
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Covers the 'software' or data-holding component of electronics, moving toward solid-state dominance.
Related HS codes
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