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GOODS ACROSS BORDERS

HS HEADING 8517

Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular/wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), excluding items of 8443, 8525, 8527, or 8528

HEADING

8517

CHAPTER

85 — Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

In plain English

This category covers electrical equipment for sending and receiving voice, images, or data, including telephone sets and smartphones for wireless networks. It excludes specific items like printers, radio apparatus, and television sets found in other categories. The classification separates these goods by function, distinguishing between cordless landline phones, mobile devices, base stations, and general communication machinery. Additional divisions account for parts of this equipment, such as antennas and other components.

PARAPHRASE OF THE OFFICIAL HS 2022 TEXTS BELOW — NOT LEGAL ADVICE

6-digit subheadings (9)

Official HS 2022 subheading texts. National tariff schedules subdivide these further (8-10 digit lines) and set the actual duty rates.

8517.11

Line telephone sets with cordless handsets

8517.13

Telephone sets; smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks

8517.14

Telephone sets; other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks

8517.18

Telephone sets n.e.c. in item no. 8517.1

8517.61

Base stations

8517.62

Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus

8517.69

Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6

8517.71

Communication apparatus; parts, aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds, part suitable for use therewith

8517.79

Communication apparatus; parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds

Covered items classified under 8517

Chapter 85 classification notes

High-value electronics. Many products duty-free under ITA/ITA-2. Anti-dumping duties on solar panels from China in US and EU. Lithium battery transport regulations (IATA DGR) apply in addition to customs. CE/FCC/UKCA marking requirements.

Frequent misclassification in this chapter

Many importers confuse 85 (electrical) and 84 (mechanical). A device with both elements usually classifies by principal function. Chargers and adapters classified separately from the device they charge.

Classification certainty

The 6-digit level shown here is the internationally harmonised layer. Duty rates attach to national 8-10 digit tariff lines, which differ by country — use the duty calculator for lane estimates. For binding certainty, request a ruling from the destination customs authority.

Binding tariff ruling database

Other headings in Chapter 85

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RULES5,339COUNTRIES85ITEMS111CARRIERS28GUIDES46UNIQUE SOURCES645LATEST VERIFICATION2026-07-26MethodologyChangelog