Portable TV
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8525503040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8525503015 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8528726800 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8528728400 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΊ Portable TV (Television Receivers & Transmissions)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Portable TV"?
In international trade, the term "Portable TV" is a commercial description, not a precise HS Code definition. It generally refers to television reception apparatus capable of being carried by hand or transported easily. However, customs classification depends heavily on two critical factors: 1. Function: Is it a Receiver (for viewing) or a Transmitter (for broadcasting)? 2. Size: Does it have a flat panel screen? What is the diagonal size?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a TV Receiver with a Flat Panel Screen and diagonal β€ 34.29 cm β It falls under 8528.72.68.00 or 8528.72.84.00.
- If it is a Broadcast Transmission Apparatus β It falls under 8525.50.30.xxxx.
- Note: Most consumer "Portable TVs" are receivers. The following analysis focuses on the most common commercial scenario: Portable LED/LCD TV Receivers with Small Screens.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, we have four specific HS Codes. Here is how to distinguish them:
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Characteristics | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
8528.72.68.00 |
Reception Apparatus: Other, Color, Flat Panel, Diagonal β€ 34.29 cm | Color TV, Flat Panel, Small Screen (β€13.5 inches) | Consumer portable TVs, car TVs, small handheld monitors used for TV reception |
8528.72.84.00 |
Reception Apparatus: Other, Color, Non-Flat/Other, Diagonal β€ 34.29 cm | Color TV, Non-Flat/Other Display, Small Screen (β€13.5 inches) | Older portable CRT TVs or specialized non-flat display receivers |
8525.50.30.40 |
Transmission Apparatus: Television: Other: Other | Transmitter (Not Receiver) | Broadcast equipment, studio transmission units, not for consumer viewing |
8525.50.30.15 |
Transmission Apparatus: Television: Apparatus for reception of TV signals relayed by satellite | Satellite Transceiver | Professional satellite ground stations or specific transmission hardware |
π Critical Reminder for "Portable TVs":
- Most consumer "Portable TVs" (LCD/LED) with screens smaller than 13.5 inches are classified under 8528.72.68.00 if they have flat screens, or 8528.72.84.00 if they do not.
- Do NOT use 8525 codes unless you are exporting actual broadcasting/transmission equipment.
- Size Matters: The threshold 34.29 cm (13.5 inches) is the key differentiator. Screens larger than this go to different subheadings (e.g., 8528.72.7x).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current Trade Policy (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 8528.72.68.00 β Portable Color TV (Flat Panel, β€34.29 cm)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | USITC 8528.72.68.00 + Section 301 List 3/4 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Value > $800 threshold for most commercial shipments; small parcels may have different rules but commercial clearance is subject to full tariff) |
π Explanation:
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the 25% additional duty applies to Chinese-origin electronics under the 2026 trade policy framework.
- This is a flat 25% on the customs value.
- Example: A portable TV worth $100 CIF will incur $25 in duties.
π― 2. 8528.72.84.00 β Portable Color TV (Non-Flat/Other, β€34.29 cm)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | USITC 8528.72.84.00 + Section 301 List 3/4 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Commercial import) |
π Note:
- Identical tax treatment to the flat-panel version.
- Often applies to older portable CRT TVs or non-standard displays.
π― 3. 8525.50.30.40 & 8525.50.30.15 β Transmission Apparatus
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Applicability | Only for Broadcasting/Transmission equipment, not consumer TVs. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Misclassifying a consumer TV as "Transmission Apparatus" (8525) is a major compliance risk.
- Customs will reclassify it, leading to penalties and delays.
- Use 8525 only if the product is designed to send signals (transmit), not receive them.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Portable Television Receiver, LCD, 10-inch, Model XYZ" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include net/gross weight, dimensions |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show front, back, ports, and screen size reference (e.g., ruler next to TV) |
| β Technical Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Confirm it is a Receiver (not transmitter) and list screen type (Flat/Non-Flat) |
| β FCC ID | βοΈ | Mandatory for any TV receiver sold in the US. Verify ID matches product. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required to prove Chinese origin for duty calculation |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Size Matters, Screen Type Counts, Receiver Not Transmitter!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Small Portable LCD TV (β€13.5") | 8528.72.68.00 |
If declared as general "TV" (>34.29cm), wrong code & potential audit |
| Small Portable CRT TV (β€13.5") | 8528.72.84.00 |
Old stock; ensure no hazardous materials (lead) violate EPA rules |
| TV with Screen > 13.5" | Not in Data | Falls under different 8528 subheadings (e.g., 8528.72.7x) |
| Professional Broadcast Sender | 8525.50.30.40 |
Do not use for consumer devices |
π Crucial Point:
- Screen Size: Measure the diagonal of the display area. If it is β€ 34.29 cm (13.5 inches), use 8528.72.68.00 or 8528.72.84.00.
- Screen Type:
- Flat Panel (LCD/LED/OLED) β8528.72.68.00
- Non-Flat (e.g., curved non-panel or old CRT) β8528.72.84.00
- Function: Must be Reception Apparatus. If it has no antenna/tuner, it may be a "Monitor" (8528.42/52), which has different rates.
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/White Label TVs | Provide brand authorization or manufacturing agreement to avoid IP issues |
| Bundled Accessories | Declare accessories (power cord, remote) under the same HS Code; do not split |
| FCC Compliance | No FCC ID = Seizure Risk. Ensure the product has a valid FCC ID printed on it |
| Large Screen Portable TVs | If diagonal > 34.29 cm, these codes do not apply. Use 8528.72.7x series |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Key Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8528.72.68.00 |
25% | FCC, DoC |
| π¨π³ China | 8528.72.68.00 |
0% - 8% | CCC |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8528.72.68.00 |
0% - 14% | CE, RoHS |
| π¬π§ UK | 8528.72.68.00 |
0% - 14% | UKCA |
π Insight:
- The US 25% additional tariff is a significant cost driver.
- Consider supply chain diversification if exporting to the US in large volumes.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a 10-inch Portable TV as a "Computer Monitor" (8528.42)
π Consequence: If it has a built-in TV tuner, it is a TV Receiver, not a monitor. Misclassification can lead to penalties.
β Error 2: Ignoring the 34.29 cm (13.5 inch) threshold
π Consequence: If the screen is 14 inches, 8528.72.68.00 is incorrect. Must use codes for larger screens, which may have different duty rates or regulatory requirements.
β Error 3: Using "Transmission" codes (8525) for Consumer TVs
π Consequence: Customs will reject the declaration. 8525 is for broadcasters, not viewers.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Portable Color Television Receiver, LCD Flat Panel, 10-inch Diagonal, 12V DC, Model PT-100, FCC ID: XXX-XXXXX"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Control!
π― Remember These Rules:
πΉ "Small Screen (<13.5"), Flat Panel β 8528.72.68.00 (25% Duty)"
πΉ "Small Screen (<13.5"), Non-Flat β 8528.72.84.00 (25% Duty)"
πΉ "Transmission Equipment β 8525.50.30.xxxx (25% Duty)"
πΉ "FCC ID is Mandatory for US Import"
π Pro Tip:
If your portable TV has a screen larger than 13.5 inches, please request a new classification analysis as the HS Codes above do not apply.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify FCC ID β Measure Screen Diagonal β Select Correct HS Code β Prepare Documents
π Ensure smooth customs clearance with accurate classification!
β¨ Precision in Classification Saves Money!
πΌ Understand the 34.29 cm Rule!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.