HS Code for Speakers: Multiple Loudspeakers Trade

The demand for electronic devices is increasing from time to time because they cannot be separated from human necessities. Indeed, electronic products have contributed to enhancing our productivity and making our work run efficiently. One of the most demanded electronic devices is a speaker. Without a speaker, we cannot spread the information loudly on some occasions or in an emergency situation. No wonder the speaker included the high-demand products globally alongside television, refrigerator, laptop, and other home appliances. Some of you might be wondering what the procedure is to export a speaker with a Harmonized Standard (HS) code. This time, we will explore the HS code for the speaker, major speaker international trade lanes, and how to find the HS code for the speaker. 

What is a Speaker, and why is it important? 

A speaker, also known as a loudspeaker, is an electronic device that has the ability to change an electric signal into sound waves. It can produce the audio output from other devices, such as televisions, laptops, smartphones, and others, and aims to increase the volume. Through this device, we can hear clearly and loudly, especially on some occasions, such as parties, ceremonies, weddings, school, concerts, and other events. 

Loudspeakers have various types and can be divided into several categories. For those of you who might be wondering what the criteria are for classifying a loudspeaker. Here is a common list of audio speaker classifications. 

• Frequency Range: Speakers have a specific range of audio frequencies. They are categorized into low-frequency speakers, also known as subwoofers, and high-frequency tweeters. Higher frequency means the speakers can produce high-pitched sounds. 
• Configurations: Speakers have many types of configurations, such as single-driver or multi-driver. For a single driver speaker, it means they only have one driver to produce sound. Meanwhile, a multi-driver speaker they have combination configuration of low and high frequencies. 
• Power connectivity: Speakers are electronic devices that have to be connected to the power sources. There are wired speakers that need to be connected to the power outlets through wire, otherwise, there are wireless speakers that do not need to connect directly with the power socket, but through WIFI or Bluetooth. 
• Type of size: Speakers have distinct sizes, which are often divided by their diameter. Speaker diameter is mostly measured in inches, and the larger diameter typically produces a higher-pitched sound than the smaller one. 

List of HS Codes for Audio Equipments

HS code for speakers must be accommodated when we intend to transfer goods across the border. Nonetheless, we need to recognize that obtaining an HS code is required for international trade. Without the declaration or misclassification of the HS code, the products will be rejected or seized as a penalty. No surprise that exporters or importers must check and ensure the classification of goods thoroughly before determining the HS code for their products. 

HS code for speakers is behind Chapter 85, which covers all electronic products and electrical machinery and equipment. Then, loudspeakers can be distinguished into more specific categories under Heading 8518 that also mention the headphones and earphones. This Heading can be classified further into a two-digit subheading, which is differentiated by the type of loudspeakers and the type of electronic music products. Those HS codes for speakers and related products can be seen in the table below. 

These HS codes for speakers based on the WCO are only the initial code. For the international trade process, it is supposed to follow the national code in the destination country. The declaration of the national code cannot be ignored and should follow the initial HS code and align with the classification based on the regulations of the recipient country. 

Top Major International Loudspeaker Trade Lanes

For a comprehensive understanding of the HS code for speakers and the international code for speakers, we may need to know the major trade lanes of speakers. We can narrow the HS code for multiple loudspeakers under HS code 8518.22. These are the five biggest exporting countries of multiple loudspeakers in the world in 2024.  

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed March 16. 2026

From the table above, China has emerged as the leader of multiple loudspeaker exports in 2024, with a value of more than 4 billion USD. This value is almost eight times the total export value from the United States, with a value of more than 500 million USD. Then, the remaining largest exporting countries are Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Then, we should know where those products are destined. Here are the five largest importing countries of multiple loudspeakers in the world in 2024. 

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed March 16. 2026

The data from the table above shows that the United States is the biggest exporter of multiple loudspeakers in 2024, with an amount of more than 2.2 billion USD. The second position is Germany, with a value of more than one-fourth of what the United States buys in multiple loudspeakers. The other largest importers of products are Canada, the Netherlands, and China, respectively. 

Finding an Accurate HS Code for Speaker

Before declaring the HS code for the speaker using the lists above, it is important to know how important the accurate HS code is. The declaration of the HS code must be accompanied by the goods, and it is compulsory to send the goods across the border. The accuracy of the HS code will be assessed by the customs officers to determine whether the products can enter the country seamlessly, as well as avoid penalties. 

Since we grasp how essential the HS code is, you must ensure that your tariff classification code is accurate. Despite the difficulty in classifying the HS code, some applications are giving their service to help you match the HS code with your specific products instantly. One of the great applications you can use is HSCodeMatch. Without further ado, we will give instructions to find the HS code for speakers using HSCodeMatch. 

• First step: Access the HSCodeMatch application by tapping hscodematch.com on a browser and choosing the HS Code Search tool. Then, set the product’s name or HS code (if you know the code), origin, and destination countries. For this example, we can use trade lanes from China to Canada. 

• Second step: After submitting the HS code and countries, HSCodeMatch will give the list of HS codes for the speaker under the code 851822 instantly. According to the result, there is only one HS code under 8518220000. 

• Third step: Click View Details or HS code to open the HS Code Details page. Then, you will find the regulation, tariff, and AI Assistant. The system instantly provides the summary for the exportation of multiple loudspeakers from China to Canada. 

• Fourth step: Scrolling to the lower side of the page, you will find the latest regulations. You can also use the AI Assistant on HS Code Details to ease your confusion and quickly find the insights from the assembled regulation documents. 

For more understanding of the AI Assistant, we provide the example of questions and answers about exporting multiple loudspeakers from China to Canada below. 

Are there any additional duties or taxes applicable to HS code 8518220000 imports into Canada?

Based on the answer from our application, the additional tariff rate for exporting loudspeakers under HS code 8518220000 to Canada is subject to a tariff rate of 7%. This tariff applies to all countries, a non-preferential tariff, or Most Favored Nation (MFN). There are additional tariff rates for exporting loudspeakers, such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%, which applies to all imports, excluding the products under specific programs. 

Recently, Canada imposed new compliance requirements for these products, especially for the wireless-enabled or radiofrequency-emitting devices. Based on the WTO on August 29, 2025, Canada proposed an amendment to the radiocommunication regulations to make it stricter on the specific absorption rate (SAR) test procedure of electronic devices operating near the human body. The amendments are effectively enforced on October 6, 2025, and all imported electronic products, particularly wireless modules, including Bluetooth, must be accompanied by the SAR compliance reports under RSS-102. 

What documentation is required for importing professional audio equipment under HS code 8518220000?

Exporting the audio equipment products under the HS code 8518220000 requires assembling some important documents. Those documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, a certificate of origin, and a compliance certificate specifically needed for technical standard procedure. Moreover, the importers need to provide proof of conformity, such as ICES-GEN issues 2, which applies to the equipment. In addition, the electronic equipment must include the radio transmitting capabilities and import declaration, and also the certificate of the country. 

Are there exemptions for temporary imports of professional audio equipment under HS code 8518220000 in Canada?

Yes, there is an exemption of imported audio equipment for products under HS code 8518220000 in Canada. The exemption is based on Canada’s Customs Tariff and Temporary Importation, which allows the duty and tax-free entry for these products if they meet the non-alteration and re-export criteria within 12 months. This regulation discloses that the import or entry of products into a country is permitted for a limited duration for permanent or re-export. However, the condition of this regime includes proof of ownership, a bond or guarantee, and restriction of modification before sale. These are the tables about the common usage of the product under HS code 8518220000 

Conclusion 

HS codes cannot be ignored as essential components of international trade. Without an HS code, the process of transferring goods between countries is challenging due to the complex classification and identification. Meanwhile, the identification of the HS code for speakers emphasizes the type of loudspeaker itself. Since it is categorized under the HS Heading 8518, the importers or exporters can quickly recognize it, and you need to identify the subheading classification based on the size and type, such as multiple and single loudspeakers. However, you still need to find the extended code based on the country-specific national code standard before sending the speaker products to another country. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HS Code for Speaker and Audio Equipments

1. What is the tariff rate for exporting speakers under the HS code 8518220000 to Canada? 

The tariff rate for exporting speakers and audio equipment to Canada is free or 0%. Thus, we do not need to pay an extra fee for exporting these products into Canada. 

2. How important is the declaration of the HS code for transferring goods across the border? 

A declaration of HS code to transfer goods is a requirement, which means it is a part of the international trade process. Without the declaration of the HS code, there will be penalties, from fines, seizure, to criminal charges.  

3. What is the main factor to identify the HS code for the speaker? 

The main factor for identifying a speaker with an HS code is the type of audio equipment or speaker. Because most of the audio equipment is classified under HS Heading 8518. 

4. What is the HS code for small speakers or single loudspeakers? 

The HS code for single loudspeakers is under Chapter 85 and Heading 8518. Then, it was classified more into a single loudspeaker with a Subheading 851821. 

5. Do we need to verify the HS code for speaker box and audio equipment? 

Yes, it is important to verify the HS code for speakers to ensure accuracy and seamless entry of the products in a destination country. You can follow the WCO and use a third-party application for assisting in finding the HS code, such as HSCodeMatch. 

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