HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8519812000 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
8519812500 | Doc | 30.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
3926908300 | Doc | 60.3% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |




Okay, let's break down the HS codes and tax implications for your "CASSETTE PLAYER" declaration. Here's a structured analysis to help you understand the classification and potential costs:
Understanding HS Codes – A Quick Primer
HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are internationally standardized codes used to classify traded products. The first 6 digits are generally consistent worldwide, while additional digits can vary by country. Here's how to interpret the codes you've provided:
- Chapter 85: Electrical machinery and equipment; parts thereof. This is a broad category for electronic devices.
- Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof. This chapter covers items made of plastic.
Detailed Analysis of Your HS Codes
Let's examine each code individually:
1. HS Code: 8519.81.20.00 – Cassette-type tape players: Designed exclusively for motor-vehicle installation
- 8519: Sound recording or reproducing apparatus. This clearly identifies the product as an audio device.
- 8519.81: Other apparatus: Using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media: Sound reproducing only. This narrows it down to reproducing (playing) devices using tape.
- 8519.81.20: Cassette-type tape players. Specifically, cassette players.
-
8519.81.20.00: Designed exclusively for motor-vehicle installation. This is very important. If your cassette player is specifically made to be installed in cars (e.g., DIN size, specific connectors, etc.), this is the correct code.
- Tax Implications:
- Basic Duty: 0.0%
- Additional Duty: 0.0%
- Post April 2, 2025 Additional Duty: 30%
- Total Tax: 30.0% (after April 2, 2025)
- Tax Implications:
2. HS Code: 8519.81.25.00 – Cassette-type tape players: Other
- 8519: Sound recording or reproducing apparatus.
- 8519.81: Other apparatus: Using magnetic, optical or semiconductor media: Sound reproducing only.
- 8519.81.25: Cassette-type tape players.
-
8519.81.25.00: Other (meaning not exclusively for vehicle installation). This code is for cassette players that aren't specifically designed for cars. This is a more general classification.
- Tax Implications:
- Basic Duty: 0.0%
- Additional Duty: 0.0%
- Post April 2, 2025 Additional Duty: 30%
- Total Tax: 30.0% (after April 2, 2025)
- Tax Implications:
3. HS Code: 3926.90.83.00 – Empty cartridges and cassettes for typewriter and machine ribbons
- 3926: Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914. This indicates the item is made of plastic.
- 3926.90: Other.
-
3926.90.83: Empty cartridges and cassettes for typewriter and machine ribbons. This is for the cassette tapes themselves or empty cassette housings, not the player.
- Tax Implications:
- Basic Duty: 5.3%
- Additional Duty: 25.0%
- Post April 2, 2025 Additional Duty: 30%
- Total Tax: 60.3%
- Tax Implications:
Important Considerations & Recommendations:
- Vehicle Installation Specificity: The difference between 8519.81.20.00 and 8519.81.25.00 is crucial. Carefully determine if your cassette player is specifically designed for vehicle installation. If it's a general-purpose player, use 8519.81.25.00.
- Material Composition: Double-check the material composition of the cassette player housing. If it's primarily plastic, 8519.81.25.00 is likely correct.
- April 2, 2025 Duty Changes: Be aware of the upcoming additional duty increase on April 2, 2025. Factor this into your cost calculations if your goods will arrive after that date.
- Certification: Depending on the destination country, you may need certifications (e.g., CE marking for Europe, FCC for the US) for electronic devices. Check the import regulations of your destination country.
- Invoice Details: Ensure your commercial invoice clearly describes the goods, their material composition, and intended use.
- Single vs. Multiple HS Codes: If you are importing a package containing both cassette players and cassette tapes, you will need to declare both HS codes separately.
To help me provide even more accurate guidance, could you tell me:
- What country are you importing to? (Import regulations vary significantly.)
- Is the cassette player specifically designed for vehicle installation?
- What is the primary material of the cassette player housing? (Plastic, metal, etc.)
Disclaimer: I am an AI assistant and cannot provide definitive customs advice. This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with a qualified customs broker or import specialist for specific advice related to your situation.
Customer Reviews
The section on material composition and vehicle-specific design was exactly what I needed to determine the right HS code for my product.
The info on the 60.3% tax for plastic cassette tapes was helpful, but I found the images a bit unclear and not very relevant to the HS code details.
Great breakdown of the difference between 8519812000 and 8519812500. It clarified exactly how to classify my product based on its use.
The explanation of the 30% additional duty after April 2, 2025, is crucial for timing shipments. I wish the page had a calculator for duty costs.
I learned that HS Code 3926908300 is for cassette tapes, not the players. This was a game-changer for my import planning.