Find HS Code and trade information for remote control

Remote Control

A remote control (often shortened to “remote”) is an electronic device used to operate another device from a distance. Commonly used for televisions, stereos, air conditioners, and other home appliances, it allows users to control functions without direct physical contact.

Materials

Remote controls are constructed from a variety of materials, including:

• Plastic: Predominantly acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic for the casing, providing durability and ease of molding.
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB): Houses the electronic components.
• Electronic Components: Including integrated circuits (ICs), resistors, capacitors, diodes, and a crystal oscillator.
• Buttons: Typically made of silicone or rubber with conductive contacts.
• Infrared (IR) LED: Emits infrared signals for communication (most common type). Radio Frequency (RF) remotes utilize RF transmitters.
• Batteries: Commonly alkaline or rechargeable batteries (NiMH, Lithium-ion).
• Conductive Rubber/Carbon Pads: Enable button presses to register on the PCB.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a remote control is to provide convenient, hands-free operation of electronic devices. This eliminates the need to directly manipulate controls on the device itself, increasing user comfort and accessibility.

Function

Remote controls function by transmitting signals to the target device. These signals are typically encoded with specific commands corresponding to various functions.

• Infrared (IR) Remotes: Emit pulses of infrared light. The target device has an IR receiver that decodes these pulses into commands. Line-of-sight is generally required.
• Radio Frequency (RF) Remotes: Transmit radio waves. RF remotes do not require line-of-sight and have a greater range. They often utilize Bluetooth or other wireless protocols.
• Bluetooth Remotes: Utilize Bluetooth communication, offering bidirectional communication and advanced features.
• Universal Remotes: Designed to control multiple devices from different manufacturers. They achieve this through programmable codes or learning capabilities.

Usage Scenarios

• Home Entertainment: Controlling televisions, DVD/Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and sound systems.
• Climate Control: Operating air conditioners, heaters, and fans.
• Automotive: Controlling car stereos and infotainment systems.
• Presentation Control: Controlling projectors and computer presentations.
• Smart Home Automation: Controlling lights, thermostats, and other connected devices.
• Drone Control: Operating unmanned aerial vehicles.

Common Types

• Standard IR Remote: The most common type, used for televisions and other appliances.
• Universal Remote: Programmable to control multiple devices.
• Learning Remote: Copies commands from existing remotes.
• Smart Remote: Connects to Wi-Fi and integrates with smart home systems. Often uses apps for control.
• Gaming Remote: Specifically designed for video game consoles.
• RF Remote: Offers greater range and doesn't require line-of-sight.
• Bluetooth Remote: Provides bidirectional communication and app integration.
• Voice Control Remote: Incorporates voice recognition for hands-free operation.
• Air Mouse Remote: Combines remote control functionality with mouse pointer control.

Remote controls can be categorized based on their application. Specifically, they include radio remote control apparatus and those used for video game consoles.

Here are relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 8526921000: This HS code falls under Chapter 85 (Electrical apparatus for making or breaking electrical circuits; switches, relays, fuses, circuit breakers, plugs and other connectors, electrical cables and conductors, and parts thereof). Specifically, it covers Heading 8526 (Electrical apparatus for making or breaking electrical circuits). The Subheading 8526.92 further specifies “Other” radio remote control apparatus, and 8526.92.10 specifically denotes radio remote control apparatus for video game consoles. The applicable tax rate is 30.0% (0.0% basic tariff + 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 8526925000: This also falls under Chapter 85, Heading 8526, and Subheading 8526.92 (“Other” radio remote control apparatus). However, this code is for “Other” radio remote control apparatus not specifically for video game consoles. The applicable tax rate is 55.0% (0.0% basic tariff + 25.0% additional tariff + 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 9504500000: This HS code is under Chapter 95 (Toys, games and sports equipment; parts and accessories thereof). Specifically, it covers Heading 9504 (Video game consoles and machines, other than those of subheading 9504.30, and parts and accessories thereof). The applicable tax rate is 30.0% (0.0% basic tariff + 0.0% additional tariff + 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).