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If your business imports or exports telecom equipment such as smartphones, routers, or modems, understanding HS Code 8517 is critical. This classification determines how your goods are taxed, documented, and cleared through customs worldwide. Misclassifying your product can lead to shipment delays, fines, or compliance issues.
Continue reading more as this guide breaks down the 8517 HS code description, its subcategories, and how to apply it accurately in real-world trade.
What is HS Code 8517?
HS Code 8517 refers to products used for telecommunication and data transmission, including smartphones, telephones, routers, base stations, gateways, and modems. These devices allow users to send or receive voice, data, and images through wired or wireless networks.
Typical products under HS Code 8517 include:
- Base stations
- Wi-Fi routers
- Modems
- Switches and hubs
- Gateways and data transmission units
HS Code Chapter
According to Tradeint and the World Customs Organization (WCO) 2022 update:
- Section XVI (Chapters 84-85): Machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical equipment
- Chapter 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof
This means HS Code 8517 falls under the category of electrical communication devices.
HS Code Section
8517 HS Code also belongs to Section XVI, Chapters (84 to 85) for Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles, from TradeInt’s Free HS Code tool & WCO 2022.
Main HS Code 8517 digits
The HS Code 8517 is part of the international Harmonized System (HS) used to classify telecommunications and network communication equipment.
Each additional digit in the HS Code helps narrow down the product’s specific category, such as general telecommunication devices and specialized equipment like smartphones, routers, and base stations. Here are some main HS 8517 digits:
| HS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 8517 | Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular or wireless networks; other apparatus for transmitting or receiving voice, images or other data via wired/wireless networks (excluding 8443, 8525, 8527, 8528). |
| 8517.11 | Line telephone sets with cordless handsets. |
| 8517.13 | Smartphones for cellular or wireless networks. |
| 8517.14 | Telephone sets; other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networks. |
| 8517.18 | Telephone sets not elsewhere classified in item 8517.1. |
| 8517.61 | Base stations. |
| 8517.62 | Communication apparatus such as routers, switches, modems. |
| 8517.69 | Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); other machines for transmission or reception of voice, images or data not elsewhere classified. |
| 8517.71 | Communication apparatus parts — aerials, antennas, and reflectors suitable for use with apparatus in this heading. |
| 8517.79 | Communication apparatus parts — other than aerials and aerial reflectors. |
Examples of Products Classified Under HS Code 8517
A common example is the smartphone, such as the iPhone, which is categorized under HS Code 8517.13. This subheading specifically covers smartphones for cellular or other wireless networks.
Similarly, traditional telecommunication equipment like landline telephones, cordless phones, and videophones also fall within the broader 8517 category, with more specific codes depending on their type and technology.
| Category | Example | Subheading (HS Code) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphones and mobile phones | iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, etc. | 8517.13 | Telephones for cellular or other wireless networks |
| Landline and cordless telephones | Push-button landline phones | 8517.11.10 | Line telephone sets with push-button type |
| Line telephone sets with cordless handsets | Cordless telephones | 8517.11.90 | Other cordless line telephone sets |
| Data transmission and networking apparatus | Routers, modems, switches | 8517.62.00 | Machines for transmission or reception of data (wired/wireless) |
| Base stations | Mobile network base stations | 8517.61 | Apparatus for communication in wired/wireless networks |
| Parts and accessories | Antennas, cables, circuit boards | 8517.70.0000 / 8517.79.0000 | Parts for apparatus for transmission or reception of voice, images, or data |
How to look up and use HS Code 8517?
Using HS Code 8517 is essential for businesses involved in importing or exporting telecommunication devices such as mobile phones, routers, modems, and other data transmission equipment. The process ensures that products are classified accurately for customs clearance, taxation, and trade compliance.
To use the HS code 8517, you first need to identify the product’s main function, such as transmitting or receiving voice, images, or data through wired or wireless networks. Once this is clear, you can find the appropriate sub-classification that matches the product’s technology and purpose. For instance, smartphones fall under 8517.13, while base stations are categorized as 8517.61.
- Identify the product category: Begin with heading 8517, which covers devices such as telephones, cellular phones, modems, routers, and other network equipment used for transmitting or receiving data.
- Select the correct subheading: Each product type falls under a more specific code:
- 8517.11 – Line telephone sets with cordless handsets
- 8517.13 – Smartphones for cellular or wireless networks
- 8517.61 – Base stations
- 8517.62 – Communication apparatus, like routers, switches, and modems
- 8517.70 – Parts and accessories for telecommunication devices
- Add country-specific extensions: While the first six digits (8517.xx) are universal, importing countries may add up to four more digits for detailed classification. These extensions can influence customs duties, exemptions, or tariff rates.
- Verify with national customs databases: Consult your country’s official database, for example, the TARIC system in the EU or the HTS code in the United States, to confirm the correct classification and applicable taxes.
- Apply on customs declarations: Finally, include the accurate HS Code 8517 on all import/export documentation to ensure proper duty assessment and compliance with trade regulations.
How to use HS code to find Global Import Export Records?
In 2024, the top exporters under HS Code 8517 were led by India and Vietnam, reflecting the rapid expansion of smartphone and telecom manufacturing in Asia. Mexico, Malaysia, and Indonesia followed, showing strong integration into global electronics supply chains, as trade data presented by TradeInt.
Top 5 Exporting Countries for HS Code 8517 (2024)
- India – US$ 83,358,425,111 (41.37%) – Intelligent mobile phones; India remains a key global base for smartphone production and exports.
- Vietnam – US$ 63,626,084,070 (31.58%) – Equipment for receiving, converting, and sending or reproducing sound, image, or data; reflects Vietnam’s expanding telecom export strength.
- Mexico – US$ 15,078,188,353 (7.48%) – Telecom equipment exports reinforcing its integration into North American supply chains.
- Malaysia – US$ 12,983,049,511 (6.44%) – High-tech electronics and communication equipment supporting Malaysia’s innovation-driven export sector.
- Indonesia – US$ 1,878,920,497 (0.93%) – Equipment for communication and data transfer; part of Indonesia’s Industry 4.0 diversification plan.
| Rank | Country | Top Traded HS Code (up to 12-digit) | Top Product Category | Value (US$) | Percentage (%) | Economic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Intelligent mobile phone | 83,358,425,111 | 41.37% | India is a key global base for smartphone manufacturing, driving exports, jobs, and industrial growth. |
| 2 | Vietnam | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Equipment for receiving, converting and sending or reproducing sound, image or other data | 63,626,084,070 | 31.58% | Vietnam’s telecom exports reflect its growing role in global value chains and sustained FDI inflows. |
| 3 | Mexico | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Equipment for receiving, converting and sending or reproducing sound, image or other data | 15,078,188,353 | 7.48% | Mexico’s telecom exports reinforce its integration into North American supply chains and nearshoring trends. |
| 4 | Malaysia | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Equipment for receiving, converting and sending or reproducing sound, image or other data | 12,983,049,511 | 6.44% | Malaysia’s electronics exports underpin its high-tech sector, supporting trade and innovation capacity. |
| 5 | Indonesia | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Equipment for receiving, converting and sending or reproducing sound, image or other data | 1,878,920,497 | 0.93% | Indonesia’s electronics growth marks steady diversification under its Industry 4.0 transformation plan. |
Data from TradeInt in 2024 highlighted that the world’s top importers under HS Code 8517 were Uzbekistan, India, Vietnam, Mexico, and the United States. These countries collectively drove over 65% of global telecom and electronic equipment imports.
Top 5 Importing Countries for HS Code 8517 (2024)
- Uzbekistan – US$ 34,160,354,141 (20.43%) – Intelligent mobile phones; imports enhance digital access and telecom growth.
- India – US$ 20,487,006,952 (12.25%) – Processors and controllers; fuels India’s expanding digital manufacturing and semiconductor industries.
- Vietnam – US$ 20,457,144,866 (12.23%) – Electrical machinery and equipment; strengthens Vietnam’s export-oriented tech ecosystem.
- Mexico – US$ 19,485,819,701 (11.65%) – Communication devices; supports Mexico’s electronics assembly and supply chain integration.
- United States – US$ 16,161,450,538 (9.66%) – Telecom and data equipment; sustains high-tech innovation and connectivity demands.
| Rank | Country | Top Traded HS Code (up to 12-digit) | Top Product Category | Value (US$) | Percentage (%) | Economic Importance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Smartphones, routers, network switches | 63,715,522,653 | 29.88% | The U.S. is the world’s largest importer of telecom equipment, driven by 5G rollout and consumer demand. |
| 2 | Hong Kong (SAR) | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Transmission and reception apparatus for networks | 51,688,714,875 | 24.24% | Hong Kong serves as a re-export hub for electronics and telecom components in Asia-Pacific. |
| 3 | Netherlands | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Telecom networking equipment | 23,715,934,607 | 11.12% | The Netherlands acts as a logistics gateway for Europe, facilitating telecom and ICT imports. |
| 4 | Germany | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Apparatus for wired/wireless data transmission | 22,242,879,978 | 10.44% | Germany’s telecom imports align with its industrial digitalization and IoT infrastructure expansion. |
| 5 | Japan | 🔒 Unlock HS Code 8517 Trade Records | Apparatus for transmission or reception of data | 19,448,321,547 | 9.71% | Japan’s telecom imports strengthen its consumer electronics and 5G infrastructure sectors. |
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Conclusion
The HS Code 8517 encompasses the heart of global telecommunication trade — including smartphones, routers, switches, and network systems that connect industries worldwide. Accurate classification under this code ensures proper tariff application, customs compliance, and smoother cross-border documentation.
In 2024, global exports under HS Code 8517 exceeded US $200 billion, led by India, Vietnam, and Mexico, while smartphone shipments accounted for nearly 60% of total trade value. Over the past three years, exports of telecom devices have increased by 23%, underscoring the sector’s continued expansion across Asia.
Beyond classification, TradeInt empowers businesses with access to Universal Trade Data and Global Import–Export Intelligence. Users can review B/L records, shipment values, HS codes, importer–exporter activity, and commodity performance through an AI-powered global database. This allows trade professionals to analyze market flows, evaluate sourcing or buyer opportunities, and monitor international supply chain trends in real time.
Gain verified visibility across your trade operations with TradeInt to explore advanced HS Code lookup, interactive trade analytics, and global shipment data insights today!
