HS Code for Television
Televisions are classified under HTS heading 8528. A color TV — reception apparatus for television with a built-in display — points toward subheading 8528.72, where the 10-digit code depends on whether the set incorporates video recording or playback, the screen size, and the display technology. General rates range from free to about 5%. Two close neighbors are worth keeping separate: a tuner or set-top box without a display points toward 8528.71, and a monitor not principally for television toward 8528.59.
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8528.72.04.00 | Reception apparatus for television, color — incorporating video recording or reproducing apparatus Color TV that also records/plays back video | Free |
| 8528.72.08.00 | Reception apparatus for television, color — other (no recording function) Color TV without recording (specific display category) | Free |
| 8528.72.12.00 | Reception apparatus for television, color — with a video display diagonal not exceeding 34.29 cm (13.5 in) Small-screen color TV (<= ~13.5 inch diagonal) | Free |
| 8528.72.16.00 | Reception apparatus for television, color — other (display over 34.29 cm) Larger-screen color TV, specific display category | 3.9% |
| 8528.72.24.00 | Reception apparatus for television, color — other Color TV, other display category | 5% |
| 8528.72.32.00 | Reception apparatus for television, color — other Color TV, other display category | 5% |
Televisions are associated with heading 8528 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which covers monitors and projectors not incorporating television reception apparatus, and reception apparatus for television. A finished color TV — a set that both receives a television signal and has its own display — points toward subheading 8528.72 (color), and that is where most consumer TVs are reviewed.
Within 8528.72, the statistical structure separates sets that incorporate video recording or reproducing apparatus from those that do not, and then distinguishes sets by the screen size (for example, a video display diagonal not exceeding 34.29 cm versus larger) and by display technology. These distinctions drive the rate, which ranges from free for some categories to around 3.9% or 5% for others. Because the breakouts hinge on screen size and display type, it is worth reviewing those specifications for a particular model to land on the exact 10-digit code.
Two neighboring provisions are commonly confused with TVs. Reception apparatus for television that is not designed to incorporate a video display — a set-top box, tuner or similar receiver — points toward 8528.71 rather than 8528.72. And a monitor whose principal function is display (a computer or signage monitor) rather than receiving television broadcasts points toward 8528.59. Confirming that the product is a true television set with an integrated display and a tuner is the first step before working through the 8528.72 breakouts.
Duty rates for color televisions under subheading 8528.72 range from free to about 5%, depending on whether the set incorporates recording or playback, the screen size, and the display technology. Some categories — including certain smaller-screen sets and sets incorporating recording apparatus — are duty-free, while other display categories carry roughly 3.9% or 5%. Preferential rates under free trade agreements may reduce or eliminate these duties for qualifying origins. Reviewing the screen size and display type is the key to identifying both the code and the rate, and separate trade measures can apply to televisions from certain origins independent of the regular rate.