HS code for vinyl records in the United States
Last updated
Key facts
- Most likely code
- 8523.80
- Candidate codes
- 1
- HS edition
- HS2022
- National lines
- 2
- General duty (MFN)
- free
Summary
Vinyl records imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 8523.80 when it is a recorded disc that is not magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, such as a vinyl record. It sits in heading 85.23, “Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, 'smart cards' and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37”. The tariff of the United States has 2 national lines under this code. The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 8523.80 is free.
How to choose the right code
Is it a vinyl disc, or an optical disc such as a CD? Use 8523.80 when it is a recorded disc that is not magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, such as a vinyl record. Use 8523.49 when it is an optical disc, such as a CD, rather than a vinyl record.
Some similar goods are classified elsewhere: 8523.49 applies when it is an optical disc, such as a CD, rather than a vinyl record.
Codes for vinyl records
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 vinyl records.
- 8523.80
Most likely
Legal text: “Other”
Heading 85.23: “Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, 'smart cards' and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37”
Applies when it is a recorded disc that is not magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, such as a vinyl record.
- 8523.49
Classified elsewhere
Legal text: “Optical media: Other”
Heading 85.23: “Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, 'smart cards' and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37”
Applies when it is an optical disc, such as a CD, rather than a vinyl record.
National lines in the United States
The tariff of the United States splits this code into 2 national lines, listed with their published text and general duty.
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 8523.80 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 8523.80
- 8523.80.10.00“Phonograph records”free
- 8523.80.20.00“Other”free
Similar products
Products in the same category as vinyl records, or classified under the same headings.
- Memory cardsHS 8523.51
- USB flash drivesHS 8523.51
- BooksHS 4901.99
- Children’s picture booksHS 4903.00
- PostersHS 4911.91
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 vinyl records 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 vinyl records?
Vinyl records imported into the United States are usually classified under HS code 8523.80 when it is a recorded disc that is not magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, such as a vinyl record. It sits in heading 85.23, “Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, 'smart cards' and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37”.
Does the recording medium change the HS code for vinyl records?
Yes. Use 8523.80 when it is a recorded disc that is not magnetic, optical or semiconductor media, such as a vinyl record. Use 8523.49 when it is an optical disc, such as a CD, rather than a vinyl record.
What is the duty on vinyl records imported into the United States?
The general (MFN) duty in the United States on the national lines under 8523.80 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 vinyl records by border.bot and checked against those legal texts; the page changes when a new release goes live or the topic is reviewed again.
Official source files: