HS code for smartphones in the United States
Last updated
Key facts
- Most likely code
- 8517.13
- Candidate codes
- 2
- HS edition
- HS2022
- National lines
- 4
- General duty (MFN)
- free
Summary
Smartphones imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 8517.13 when the phone works on cellular networks and has a mobile operating system that downloads and runs several applications at once, including third-party ones (the HS definition of a smartphone). It sits in heading 85.17, “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 84.43, 85.25, 85.27 or 85.28”. Smartphones can also fall under 8517.14, depending on the type of phone. The tariff of the United States has 4 national lines under these codes. The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 8517.13 is free.
How to choose the right code
Does the phone run a mobile operating system that downloads and runs apps, or is it a basic mobile phone? Use 8517.13 when the phone works on cellular networks and has a mobile operating system that downloads and runs several applications at once, including third-party ones (the HS definition of a smartphone). Use 8517.14 when it is another telephone for cellular or other wireless networks, such as a basic mobile phone.
Codes for smartphones
Each code is listed with its legal text from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, quoted as published, and the condition under which it applies to smartphones.
- 8517.13
Most likely
Legal text: “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks: Smartphones”
Heading 85.17: “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 84.43, 85.25, 85.27 or 85.28”
Applies when the phone works on cellular networks and has a mobile operating system that downloads and runs several applications at once, including third-party ones (the HS definition of a smartphone).
- 8517.14
Possible
Legal text: “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks: Other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks”
Heading 85.17: “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 84.43, 85.25, 85.27 or 85.28”
Applies when it is another telephone for cellular or other wireless networks, such as a basic mobile phone.
National lines in the United States
The tariff of the United States splits these codes into 4 national lines, listed with their published text and general duty.
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 8517.13 is free. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Under 8517.13
- 8517.13.00.00“Smartphones”free
Under 8517.14
- 8517.14.00.20“Other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks › Radio telephones designed for installation in motor vehicles for the Public Cellular Radiotelecommunication Service”free
- 8517.14.00.50“Other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks › Other radio telephones designed for the Public Cellular Radiotelecommunication Service”free
- 8517.14.00.80“Other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks › Other”free
Similar products
Products in the same category as smartphones, or classified under the same headings.
- Computer keyboardsHS 8471.60
- Computer miceHS 8471.60
- Computer monitorsHS 8528.52
- Digital camerasHS 8525.89
- HeadphonesHS 8518.30
- LaptopsHS 8471.30
- Memory cardsHS 8523.51
- Phone chargersHS 8504.40
- Tablet computersHS 8471.30
- TelevisionsHS 8528.72
- USB cablesHS 8544.42
- USB flash drivesHS 8523.51
Check your exact product
Describe your product, or paste its page, and the classifier suggests the code in the tariff of the United States with its reasons.
Classification depends on the exact product
The right code depends on what the product is made of, how it is made and what it is for, so two products sold as smartphones can fall under different codes.
Guidance from published tariff data, not a binding ruling. For a decision customs must follow, apply to the destination’s customs authority for a binding tariff ruling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for smartphones?
Smartphones imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 8517.13 when the phone works on cellular networks and has a mobile operating system that downloads and runs several applications at once, including third-party ones (the HS definition of a smartphone). It sits in heading 85.17, “Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 84.43, 85.25, 85.27 or 85.28”.
Does the type of phone change the HS code for smartphones?
Yes. Use 8517.13 when the phone works on cellular networks and has a mobile operating system that downloads and runs several applications at once, including third-party ones (the HS definition of a smartphone). Use 8517.14 when it is another telephone for cellular or other wireless networks, such as a basic mobile phone.
What is the duty on smartphones imported into the United States?
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 8517.13 is free. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Sources and updates
The legal texts are from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The national lines are from the tariff release of the United States (2026HTSRev21), live on border.bot since 9 October 2026.
The duty rates are from the live rates release, live on border.bot since 9 October 2026.
The conditions and questions on this page were written for smartphones by border.bot and checked against those legal texts; the page changes when a new release goes live or the topic is reviewed again.
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