Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter of technology-intensive products in the HS classification, including generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, integrated circuits, etc. Tablet computers, as portable data processing devices, are classified in this chapter due to their wireless communication capabilities. Heading 8517 covers telephone sets, including 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). This heading mainly includes telephone sets, smartphones, routers, modems, base stations and other communication equipment. Tablet computers are classified in this heading due to their cellular network communication capabilities. Code 851714 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment). Digits 3-4 '17' represent heading 8517 (telephone sets and communication equipment). Digits 5-6 '14' represent subheading 8517.14, specifically 'tablet computers'. In the HS classification, 8517.14 is a subheading specifically established for tablet computers, distinct from smartphones (8517.12) and other communication equipment. This subheading was added in the 2017 HS revision to accommodate the rapid growth of tablet computer trade. Tablet computers are classified under 851714 because their core function is wireless communication (cellular networks, Wi-Fi, etc.) and they have data processing capabilities, consistent with the description of heading 8517. Differences from adjacent codes: 851712 is smartphones, whose main function is mobile calling; 8471 is automatic data processing machines, but tablet computers are classified under 8517 with priority due to their communication function. If a tablet computer has no communication function, it may be classified under 8471.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter of technology-intensive products in the HS classification, including generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, integrated circuits, etc. Tablet computers, as portable data processing devices, are classified in this chapter due to their wireless communication capabilities.
Heading
Heading 8517 covers telephone sets, including 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). This heading mainly includes telephone sets, smartphones, routers, modems, base stations and other communication equipment. Tablet computers are classified in this heading due to their cellular network communication capabilities.
Digit Breakdown
Code 851714 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment). Digits 3-4 '17' represent heading 8517 (telephone sets and communication equipment). Digits 5-6 '14' represent subheading 8517.14, specifically 'tablet computers'. In the HS classification, 8517.14 is a subheading specifically established for tablet computers, distinct from smartphones (8517.12) and other communication equipment. This subheading was added in the 2017 HS revision to accommodate the rapid growth of tablet computer trade.
Classification Basis
Tablet computers are classified under 851714 because their core function is wireless communication (cellular networks, Wi-Fi, etc.) and they have data processing capabilities, consistent with the description of heading 8517. Differences from adjacent codes: 851712 is smartphones, whose main function is mobile calling; 8471 is automatic data processing machines, but tablet computers are classified under 8517 with priority due to their communication function. If a tablet computer has no communication function, it may be classified under 8471.
📝 Declaration Elements
Brand: Fill in the brand name of the tablet computer, such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, etc. Must be consistent with the product label. Model: Fill in the specific model, such as iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation). Should uniquely identify the product. Cellular Network Capability: Declare whether it supports cellular mobile communication (such as 4G/5G). If yes, classify under 851714; otherwise, it may be classified under 8471. Screen Size: Fill in the screen diagonal size, such as 10.9 inches. Affects classification but is not a determining factor. Operating System: Fill in the operating system name, such as iOS, Android, HarmonyOS. Assists in determining the nature of the product. Processor Model: Fill in the main processor model, such as Apple M2, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Used to confirm product performance. Storage Capacity: Fill in the built-in storage capacity, such as 128GB, 256GB. Affects value but is not key to classification. Customs Regulatory Conditions: Fill in according to actual trade conditions, such as whether 3C certification, network access license, etc. are required. Brand: Apple; Model: iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation); Cellular Network Capability: Yes; Screen Size: 11 inches; Operating System: iPadOS; Processor Model: Apple M2; Storage Capacity: 256GB; Customs Regulatory Conditions: Requires 3C certification, network access license. Mistakenly classifying a Wi-Fi-only tablet computer under 851714, when it should actually be classified under 8471. Failing to declare cellular network capability, leading to classification errors and possible customs questioning. Incomplete brand and model information, such as only writing 'iPad', affecting customs review.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the tablet computer, such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, etc. Must be consistent with the product label.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in the model or series name, such as iPad Pro.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation). Should uniquely identify the product.
⚠️ Only filling in the series name, such as iPad Pro, lacking the specific generation or size.
Cellular Network Capability
Declare whether it supports cellular mobile communication (such as 4G/5G). If yes, classify under 851714; otherwise, it may be classified under 8471.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring a Wi-Fi-only tablet as having cellular capability.
Screen Size
Fill in the screen diagonal size, such as 10.9 inches. Affects classification but is not a determining factor.
⚠️ Not filling in or filling in inaccurately, leading to customs questioning.
Operating System
Fill in the operating system name, such as iOS, Android, HarmonyOS. Assists in determining the nature of the product.
⚠️ Filling in vague descriptions such as 'mobile operating system'.
Processor Model
Fill in the main processor model, such as Apple M2, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Used to confirm product performance.
⚠️ Filling in non-specific descriptions such as 'octa-core processor'.
Storage Capacity
Fill in the built-in storage capacity, such as 128GB, 256GB. Affects value but is not key to classification.
⚠️ Filling in unclear information such as 'standard configuration'.
Customs Regulatory Conditions
Fill in according to actual trade conditions, such as whether 3C certification, network access license, etc. are required.
⚠️ Ignoring regulatory conditions, leading to customs clearance delays.
Mistakenly classifying a Wi-Fi-only tablet computer under 851714, when it should actually be classified under 8471.
Failing to declare cellular network capability, leading to classification errors and possible customs questioning.
Incomplete brand and model information, such as only writing 'iPad', affecting customs review.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core determining basis for classification is whether the tablet computer has cellular network communication capability. According to HS notes, heading 8517 includes communication equipment for wireless networks. If a tablet computer supports cellular networks (such as 4G/5G), it is classified under 851714. If it only supports Wi-Fi, it does not have cellular communication capability and should be classified under 8471 (automatic data processing machines). In addition, the size, weight, and functions of the tablet computer should also be considered, but communication capability is decisive. 851712 Smartphones: The main function of smartphones is mobile calling, and the screen is usually less than 7 inches; tablet computers have larger screens, and their main functions are data processing and multimedia, but they have communication capabilities. 847130 Portable automatic data processing machines: 847130 covers portable computers weighing not more than 10 kg, such as laptop computers. If a tablet computer only supports Wi-Fi, it is classified under 8471; if it has cellular network capability, it is classified under 851714. 847141 Other automatic data processing machines: 847141 includes devices comprising at least a central processing unit and input/output units in the same housing. If a tablet computer does not have communication capability, it may be classified under this code. 851762 Other communication equipment: 851762 covers network communication equipment such as routers and modems, which do not have data processing capabilities. Tablet computers have data processing capabilities, so they are classified under 851714. Confirm whether the tablet computer supports cellular networks (4G/5G). Check whether the screen size is greater than 7 inches. Verify whether the operating system is a mobile operating system. Confirm whether it has data processing capabilities (such as installing applications). Check whether it is equipped with a communication module (such as a SIM card slot).
Basis
The core determining basis for classification is whether the tablet computer has cellular network communication capability. According to HS notes, heading 8517 includes communication equipment for wireless networks. If a tablet computer supports cellular networks (such as 4G/5G), it is classified under 851714. If it only supports Wi-Fi, it does not have cellular communication capability and should be classified under 8471 (automatic data processing machines). In addition, the size, weight, and functions of the tablet computer should also be considered, but communication capability is decisive.
Confused Codes：
851712 - Smartphones
The main function of smartphones is mobile calling, and the screen is usually less than 7 inches; tablet computers have larger screens, and their main functions are data processing and multimedia, but they have communication capabilities.
847130 - Portable automatic data processing machines
847130 covers portable computers weighing not more than 10 kg, such as laptop computers. If a tablet computer only supports Wi-Fi, it is classified under 8471; if it has cellular network capability, it is classified under 851714.
847141 - Other automatic data processing machines
847141 includes devices comprising at least a central processing unit and input/output units in the same housing. If a tablet computer does not have communication capability, it may be classified under this code.
851762 - Other communication equipment
851762 covers network communication equipment such as routers and modems, which do not have data processing capabilities. Tablet computers have data processing capabilities, so they are classified under 851714.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the tablet computer supports cellular networks (4G/5G).
✓ Check whether the screen size is greater than 7 inches.
✓ Verify whether the operating system is a mobile operating system.
✓ Confirm whether it has data processing capabilities (such as installing applications).
✓ Check whether it is equipped with a communication module (such as a SIM card slot).
❓ FAQ
How do I look up the HS code for a tablet computer? First confirm whether the tablet computer has cellular network capability. If yes, classify under 851714; if it only supports Wi-Fi, classify under 8471. You can confirm through customs tariff schedules, HS code lookup websites, or by consulting a customs broker. What is the difference between the HS codes for tablet computers and smartphones? Smartphones are classified under 851712, and tablet computers under 851714. The main differences are screen size and primary function: smartphone screens are usually less than 7 inches, and their main function is calling; tablet computers have larger screens, and their main functions are data processing and multimedia. Which code should a Wi-Fi-only tablet computer be classified under? A Wi-Fi-only tablet computer does not have cellular network communication capability and should be classified under 8471 (automatic data processing machines). The specific subheading may be 847130 or 847141, and further determination is needed based on weight and function. What elements should be noted when declaring a tablet computer? It is necessary to declare the brand, model, whether it has cellular network capability, screen size, operating system, processor model, storage capacity, etc. Ensure the information is accurate to avoid classification errors. Are HS codes for tablet computers consistent across countries? The first six digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but countries may subdivide the last four digits. For example, the U.S. HTSUS may be 8517.14.00, and China may be 8517.14.00, but the specific tariff rates and regulatory conditions differ. What regulatory conditions are required for importing tablet computers? Usually 3C certification (China Compulsory Product Certification) and network access license (if applicable) are required. Specific conditions vary by country; it is recommended to consult local customs or professional agencies. If a tablet computer comes with a keyboard, does it affect classification? Tablet computers with detachable keyboards are usually still classified under 851714, because they are essentially tablet computers. However, if the keyboard is integrated with the tablet computer and non-detachable, it may be regarded as a laptop computer and classified under 8471. How do I look up the tariff rate for HS code 851714? Tariff rates may change. The latest rates can be obtained through national customs official websites, HS code lookup tools, or by consulting a customs broker. In China, you can consult the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China'.
Q: How do I look up the HS code for a tablet computer?
A: First confirm whether the tablet computer has cellular network capability. If yes, classify under 851714; if it only supports Wi-Fi, classify under 8471. You can confirm through customs tariff schedules, HS code lookup websites, or by consulting a customs broker.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for tablet computers and smartphones?
A: Smartphones are classified under 851712, and tablet computers under 851714. The main differences are screen size and primary function: smartphone screens are usually less than 7 inches, and their main function is calling; tablet computers have larger screens, and their main functions are data processing and multimedia.
Q: Which code should a Wi-Fi-only tablet computer be classified under?
A: A Wi-Fi-only tablet computer does not have cellular network communication capability and should be classified under 8471 (automatic data processing machines). The specific subheading may be 847130 or 847141, and further determination is needed based on weight and function.
Q: What elements should be noted when declaring a tablet computer?
A: It is necessary to declare the brand, model, whether it has cellular network capability, screen size, operating system, processor model, storage capacity, etc. Ensure the information is accurate to avoid classification errors.
Q: Are HS codes for tablet computers consistent across countries?
A: The first six digits of the HS code are unified internationally, but countries may subdivide the last four digits. For example, the U.S. HTSUS may be 8517.14.00, and China may be 8517.14.00, but the specific tariff rates and regulatory conditions differ.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for importing tablet computers?
A: Usually 3C certification (China Compulsory Product Certification) and network access license (if applicable) are required. Specific conditions vary by country; it is recommended to consult local customs or professional agencies.
Q: If a tablet computer comes with a keyboard, does it affect classification?
A: Tablet computers with detachable keyboards are usually still classified under 851714, because they are essentially tablet computers. However, if the keyboard is integrated with the tablet computer and non-detachable, it may be regarded as a laptop computer and classified under 8471.
Q: How do I look up the tariff rate for HS code 851714?
A: Tariff rates may change. The latest rates can be obtained through national customs official websites, HS code lookup tools, or by consulting a customs broker. In China, you can consult the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China'.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.