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 one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment, including communication equipment, consumer electronics, semiconductor devices, etc. As an electronic navigation device, the vehicle navigation system relies on electronic signal processing and display for its core functions, and is therefore classified under this chapter. Heading 8517 covers telephone sets (including telephones for cellular networks or other wireless networks) and 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 includes not only traditional telephone sets but also network communication equipment such as routers, switches, and modems. Vehicle navigation systems receive satellite signals via GPS and process data, falling within the scope of communication equipment for receiving and transmitting data. Code 851762 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (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). Digits 3-4 "17" represent heading 8517 (telephone sets and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data). Digits 5-6 "62" represent subheading 851762, specifically "apparatus for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus." Vehicle navigation devices have the functions of receiving GPS signals, processing data, and outputting navigation information, which conforms to the description of this subheading. Vehicle navigation devices are classified under 851762 rather than 8708 (parts of motor vehicles) or 8527 (radio reception equipment) because their core function is receiving and processing satellite navigation signals, which belongs to communication equipment. 8708 covers mechanical or electrical parts of vehicles, whereas navigation devices are independent information processing devices. 8527 covers radio broadcast reception, but navigation devices primarily rely on GPS communication, not broadcast reception. Therefore, 851762 is the most accurate.
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 one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment, including communication equipment, consumer electronics, semiconductor devices, etc. As an electronic navigation device, the vehicle navigation system relies on electronic signal processing and display for its core functions, and is therefore classified under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8517 covers telephone sets (including telephones for cellular networks or other wireless networks) and 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 includes not only traditional telephone sets but also network communication equipment such as routers, switches, and modems. Vehicle navigation systems receive satellite signals via GPS and process data, falling within the scope of communication equipment for receiving and transmitting data.
Digit Breakdown
Code 851762 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (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). Digits 3-4 "17" represent heading 8517 (telephone sets and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data). Digits 5-6 "62" represent subheading 851762, specifically "apparatus for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus." Vehicle navigation devices have the functions of receiving GPS signals, processing data, and outputting navigation information, which conforms to the description of this subheading.
Classification Basis
Vehicle navigation devices are classified under 851762 rather than 8708 (parts of motor vehicles) or 8527 (radio reception equipment) because their core function is receiving and processing satellite navigation signals, which belongs to communication equipment. 8708 covers mechanical or electrical parts of vehicles, whereas navigation devices are independent information processing devices. 8527 covers radio broadcast reception, but navigation devices primarily rely on GPS communication, not broadcast reception. Therefore, 851762 is the most accurate.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product function, such as "vehicle navigation device" or "vehicle GPS navigation system." Brand: Fill in the brand name of the product; if there is no brand, write "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model or specification code of the product to distinguish different configurations. Function: Briefly describe the main functions of the product, such as "satellite navigation, route planning, voice prompts," etc. Signal Reception Type: Indicate the type of signals the device receives, such as GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, etc. Whether Equipped with Communication Module: Declare whether it has cellular network or other wireless communication functions (such as 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). Screen Size: Fill in the display screen size (in inches), which affects product specification determination. Brand Type: Choose "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic brand," or "no brand." Product Name: Vehicle Navigation Device; Brand: GARMIN; Model: DriveSmart 65; Function: GPS satellite navigation, route planning, voice prompts, Bluetooth hands-free; Signal Reception Type: GPS/GLONASS; Whether Equipped with Communication Module: Yes (supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth); Screen Size: 6.95 inches; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production). Failure to distinguish whether a communication module is included; if cellular communication is included, it may be classified under a different subheading of 851762 or 851769. Function description does not mention satellite navigation, which may lead to misclassification under 8527 (radio reception equipment). Incorrect brand type declaration, such as declaring a foreign brand as a domestic brand, leading to intellectual property issues.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product function, such as "vehicle navigation device" or "vehicle GPS navigation system."
⚠️ Writing only "navigation device" without indicating vehicle-mounted, or mistakenly writing it as "car audio."
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the product; if there is no brand, write "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification code of the product to distinguish different configurations.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Function
Briefly describe the main functions of the product, such as "satellite navigation, route planning, voice prompts," etc.
⚠️ Function description is too general, such as "navigation," without mentioning other functions.
Signal Reception Type
Indicate the type of signals the device receives, such as GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, etc.
⚠️ Writing only "satellite signal" without specifying the system.
Whether Equipped with Communication Module
Declare whether it has cellular network or other wireless communication functions (such as 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
⚠️ Ignoring the communication module leading to classification errors.
Screen Size
Fill in the display screen size (in inches), which affects product specification determination.
⚠️ Incorrect unit of measurement or failure to fill in.
Brand Type
Choose "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic brand," or "no brand."
⚠️ Incorrect brand type selection, affecting intellectual property declaration.
Example： Product Name: Vehicle Navigation Device; Brand: GARMIN; Model: DriveSmart 65; Function: GPS satellite navigation, route planning, voice prompts, Bluetooth hands-free; Signal Reception Type: GPS/GLONASS; Whether Equipped with Communication Module: Yes (supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth); Screen Size: 6.95 inches; Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production).
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish whether a communication module is included; if cellular communication is included, it may be classified under a different subheading of 851762 or 851769.
Function description does not mention satellite navigation, which may lead to misclassification under 8527 (radio reception equipment).
Incorrect brand type declaration, such as declaring a foreign brand as a domestic brand, leading to intellectual property issues.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the product's function, working principle, and primary use. Vehicle navigation devices perform positioning and navigation by receiving satellite signals (such as GPS), belonging to communication equipment for receiving and transmitting data, which conforms to the description of heading 8517. Meanwhile, according to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, 8517 includes "apparatus for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data," and vehicle navigation devices conform to this definition. If the product only has a radio function, it is classified under 8527; if it is a purely mechanical navigation device (such as a compass), it is classified under other chapters. 8527 Radio broadcast reception equipment: 8527 covers radio broadcast reception, whereas vehicle navigation devices primarily rely on satellite communication, not broadcast reception. If the device also has a radio function, it should be classified according to its primary function. 8708 Parts of motor vehicles: 8708 covers mechanical or electrical parts of motor vehicles, but navigation devices are independent information processing devices and are not inherent parts of vehicles. 8526 Radar and radio navigation equipment: 8526 covers radar and radio navigation equipment, but vehicle navigation devices typically use GPS satellite signals and belong to communication equipment, not radio navigation. 8517 Other communication equipment: 851762 specifically refers to apparatus for receiving, converting and transmitting data, while 851769 covers other communication equipment such as telephone sets, fax machines, etc. 8471 Automatic data processing equipment: 8471 covers data processing equipment such as computers, but vehicle navigation devices are dedicated to navigation and do not have general-purpose data processing functions. Is the product's primary function satellite navigation? Does it have the capability to receive and transmit data? Does it have a cellular communication module? Is it used only in vehicles? Does it include radio broadcast reception functionality?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the product's function, working principle, and primary use. Vehicle navigation devices perform positioning and navigation by receiving satellite signals (such as GPS), belonging to communication equipment for receiving and transmitting data, which conforms to the description of heading 8517. Meanwhile, according to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, 8517 includes "apparatus for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data," and vehicle navigation devices conform to this definition. If the product only has a radio function, it is classified under 8527; if it is a purely mechanical navigation device (such as a compass), it is classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes：
8527 - Radio broadcast reception equipment
8527 covers radio broadcast reception, whereas vehicle navigation devices primarily rely on satellite communication, not broadcast reception. If the device also has a radio function, it should be classified according to its primary function.
8708 - Parts of motor vehicles
8708 covers mechanical or electrical parts of motor vehicles, but navigation devices are independent information processing devices and are not inherent parts of vehicles.
8526 - Radar and radio navigation equipment
8526 covers radar and radio navigation equipment, but vehicle navigation devices typically use GPS satellite signals and belong to communication equipment, not radio navigation.
8517 - Other communication equipment
851762 specifically refers to apparatus for receiving, converting and transmitting data, while 851769 covers other communication equipment such as telephone sets, fax machines, etc.
8471 - Automatic data processing equipment
8471 covers data processing equipment such as computers, but vehicle navigation devices are dedicated to navigation and do not have general-purpose data processing functions.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product's primary function satellite navigation?
✓ Does it have the capability to receive and transmit data?
✓ Does it have a cellular communication module?
✓ Is it used only in vehicles?
✓ Does it include radio broadcast reception functionality?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle navigation devices and mobile phone navigation? Mobile phone navigation is typically classified under 851712 (cellular network telephones), while vehicle navigation devices as independent devices are classified under 851762. If a mobile phone has navigation functionality, it is still classified according to its primary function (communication). If a vehicle navigation device has a DVD playback function, how should it be classified? If DVD playback is the primary function, it may be classified under 8521; if navigation is the primary function, it is classified under 851762. Classification should be determined based on the primary function, generally according to the product's design purpose. How to determine whether a vehicle navigation device belongs to 851762? The key is whether it has the capability to receive satellite signals and process data. If it only receives broadcast signals, it is classified under 8527; if it has a communication module (such as 4G), it is still classified under 851762. What are common errors in declaration elements for vehicle navigation devices during customs declaration? Common errors include: failure to indicate brand type, overly simple function descriptions, and failure to distinguish whether a communication module is included. It is recommended to fill in the function, signal type, and module details in detail. What certifications are required for exporting vehicle navigation devices to the United States? Typically FCC certification (electromagnetic compatibility), FDA certification (if equipped with laser), and possibly intellectual property authorization are required. The specifics depend on product functions. How to check the tax rate for HS code 851762? You can visit the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs tariff inquiry tool, enter the code to view the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, etc. Tax rates may change, and it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements. Is there a difference in classification between vehicle navigation devices and portable navigation devices (PNDs)? The two have similar functions and are typically both classified under 851762. However, if a PND has other functions (such as Wi-Fi), classification should be determined based on the primary function. If a vehicle navigation device is only used to receive GPS signals without a communication module, is it still classified under 851762? Yes, because GPS reception belongs to data receiving equipment and conforms to the description of 851762. However, if it only receives broadcast signals, it is classified under 8527.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between vehicle navigation devices and mobile phone navigation?
A: Mobile phone navigation is typically classified under 851712 (cellular network telephones), while vehicle navigation devices as independent devices are classified under 851762. If a mobile phone has navigation functionality, it is still classified according to its primary function (communication).
Q: If a vehicle navigation device has a DVD playback function, how should it be classified?
A: If DVD playback is the primary function, it may be classified under 8521; if navigation is the primary function, it is classified under 851762. Classification should be determined based on the primary function, generally according to the product's design purpose.
Q: How to determine whether a vehicle navigation device belongs to 851762?
A: The key is whether it has the capability to receive satellite signals and process data. If it only receives broadcast signals, it is classified under 8527; if it has a communication module (such as 4G), it is still classified under 851762.
Q: What are common errors in declaration elements for vehicle navigation devices during customs declaration?
A: Common errors include: failure to indicate brand type, overly simple function descriptions, and failure to distinguish whether a communication module is included. It is recommended to fill in the function, signal type, and module details in detail.
Q: What certifications are required for exporting vehicle navigation devices to the United States?
A: Typically FCC certification (electromagnetic compatibility), FDA certification (if equipped with laser), and possibly intellectual property authorization are required. The specifics depend on product functions.
Q: How to check the tax rate for HS code 851762?
A: You can visit the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs tariff inquiry tool, enter the code to view the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, etc. Tax rates may change, and it is recommended to refer to the latest announcements.
Q: Is there a difference in classification between vehicle navigation devices and portable navigation devices (PNDs)?
A: The two have similar functions and are typically both classified under 851762. However, if a PND has other functions (such as Wi-Fi), classification should be determined based on the primary function.
Q: If a vehicle navigation device is only used to receive GPS signals without a communication module, is it still classified under 851762?
A: Yes, because GPS reception belongs to data receiving equipment and conforms to the description of 851762. However, if it only receives broadcast signals, it is classified under 8527.
⚠️ 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.