Chapter 85 is the core category of electrical machinery and electronic equipment in the HS classification system, covering electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, recording and reproducing equipment, integrated circuits, and electronic components. The core determining logic of this chapter is that goods must have 'electrical' or 'electronic' functional attributes, that is, their basic use is achieved through electric current, electromagnetic fields, or electronic circuits. The headings within the chapter are divided by function and application field, forming a complete chain from power generation and transmission to terminal consumer electronic products. Television receivers, as typical terminal consumer electronic products, fall under this chapter. Heading 8528 covers television receivers (including televisions with built-in or external displays), video monitors, and video projectors. This heading is subdivided by display technology, color type, and whether they include broadcast reception functionality. The core determining criterion is whether the device has the functions of receiving television signals and displaying images. 8528 includes both traditional CRT televisions and television receivers using new display technologies such as LCD, plasma, and OLED, as well as monitors and projection equipment that do not contain television tuners. Code 852873 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and electronic equipment), indicating that the goods belong to the electrical and electronic product category; digits 3-4 '28' represent heading 8528, namely television receivers, monitors, and projectors, which is the core level divided by product function; digits 5-6 '73' are the subheading. Under the international HS system, heading 8528 is subdivided by color type and display technology, and 852873 corresponds to 'black-and-white or other monochrome television receivers,' distinguishing it from subheadings such as 8528.72 (color television receivers). This subheading is relatively rare in actual trade, mainly involving monochrome display devices for special industrial uses or specific markets. This product is classified under 852873 rather than 852872, with the core difference being the display color type. 852872 specifically refers to color television receivers, while 852873 is expressly limited to black-and-white or other monochrome (such as green or amber monochrome display) television receivers. In addition, if the device does not contain a television tuner (that is, it cannot receive broadcast television signals), it should be classified under the monitor subheadings under heading 8528 (such as 8528.42, 8528.52, etc.), rather than 852873. The key to classification is that both conditions of 'monochrome display + television reception capability' are satisfied simultaneously.
Chapter
Chapter 85 is the core category of electrical machinery and electronic equipment in the HS classification system, covering electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, communication equipment, recording and reproducing equipment, integrated circuits, and electronic components. The core determining logic of this chapter is that goods must have 'electrical' or 'electronic' functional attributes, that is, their basic use is achieved through electric current, electromagnetic fields, or electronic circuits. The headings within the chapter are divided by function and application field, forming a complete chain from power generation and transmission to terminal consumer electronic products. Television receivers, as typical terminal consumer electronic products, fall under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8528 covers television receivers (including televisions with built-in or external displays), video monitors, and video projectors. This heading is subdivided by display technology, color type, and whether they include broadcast reception functionality. The core determining criterion is whether the device has the functions of receiving television signals and displaying images. 8528 includes both traditional CRT televisions and television receivers using new display technologies such as LCD, plasma, and OLED, as well as monitors and projection equipment that do not contain television tuners.
Digit Breakdown
Code 852873 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and electronic equipment), indicating that the goods belong to the electrical and electronic product category; digits 3-4 '28' represent heading 8528, namely television receivers, monitors, and projectors, which is the core level divided by product function; digits 5-6 '73' are the subheading. Under the international HS system, heading 8528 is subdivided by color type and display technology, and 852873 corresponds to 'black-and-white or other monochrome television receivers,' distinguishing it from subheadings such as 8528.72 (color television receivers). This subheading is relatively rare in actual trade, mainly involving monochrome display devices for special industrial uses or specific markets.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 852873 rather than 852872, with the core difference being the display color type. 852872 specifically refers to color television receivers, while 852873 is expressly limited to black-and-white or other monochrome (such as green or amber monochrome display) television receivers. In addition, if the device does not contain a television tuner (that is, it cannot receive broadcast television signals), it should be classified under the monitor subheadings under heading 8528 (such as 8528.42, 8528.52, etc.), rather than 852873. The key to classification is that both conditions of 'monochrome display + television reception capability' are satisfied simultaneously.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: It should be declared as 'black-and-white television receiver' or 'monochrome television receiver,' clearly indicating the display color type, and should not be generally written as 'television.' Brand (Chinese and foreign language): Fill in the equipment manufacturer or sales brand name; if there is no brand, declare 'no brand' and do not leave it blank. Model: Fill in the specific product model code, which should be consistent with the product nameplate and instruction manual, used to distinguish products of the same brand with different specifications. Display method: Indicate the display technology type, such as CRT cathode ray tube, LCD liquid crystal, OLED, etc., as well as the screen size. Screen size: Declare according to the screen diagonal length, in inches or centimeters, accurate to one decimal place. Whether it contains a television tuner: Clearly state whether the device has a built-in television signal reception tuner, which is the key element distinguishing television receivers from monitors. Use: Explain the specific usage scenario of the device, such as industrial monitoring, medical display, special industry use, etc. Brand type: Declare as foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, or no brand, used for trade statistics and intellectual property verification. Customs declaration example: Product name: Monochrome LCD television receiver; Brand: Panasonic; Model: BT-M1500; Display method: LCD liquid crystal display, monochrome (green); Screen size: 15 inches; Whether it contains a television tuner: Yes; Use: Dedicated display terminal for industrial monitoring room; Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM production); HS code: 8528730000; Declared quantity: 50 units; Declared total price: USD 12,500. Mistakenly classifying a monochrome monitor without a tuner under 852873, when it should actually be classified under the monitor subheadings under heading 8528. Misreporting a color television receiver as monochrome in an attempt to evade higher tax rates or regulatory conditions, which constitutes false declaration. Failing to indicate the display technology type at the time of declaration, causing customs to be unable to accurately determine subheading attribution, which may result in rejection or inspection. Ignoring brand type declaration, with OEM products failing to indicate the OEM relationship, which may trigger customs intellectual property protection issues.
Product name
It should be declared as 'black-and-white television receiver' or 'monochrome television receiver,' clearly indicating the display color type, and should not be generally written as 'television.'
⚠️ Writing only 'television' without indicating monochrome, resulting in erroneous classification under the color television subheading.
Brand (Chinese and foreign language)
Fill in the equipment manufacturer or sales brand name; if there is no brand, declare 'no brand' and do not leave it blank.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or incorrectly filling in the OEM brand and own brand.
Model
Fill in the specific product model code, which should be consistent with the product nameplate and instruction manual, used to distinguish products of the same brand with different specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Display method
Indicate the display technology type, such as CRT cathode ray tube, LCD liquid crystal, OLED, etc., as well as the screen size.
⚠️ Not indicating the display technology, writing only 'monochrome,' which cannot fully reflect the product characteristics.
Screen size
Declare according to the screen diagonal length, in inches or centimeters, accurate to one decimal place.
⚠️ Confusing screen size with the overall unit dimensions.
Whether it contains a television tuner
Clearly state whether the device has a built-in television signal reception tuner, which is the key element distinguishing television receivers from monitors.
⚠️ Misreporting a device with a tuner as not containing one, leading to classification errors.
Use
Explain the specific usage scenario of the device, such as industrial monitoring, medical display, special industry use, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as writing only 'for display.'
Brand type
Declare as foreign brand (OEM production), domestic brand, or no brand, used for trade statistics and intellectual property verification.
⚠️ OEM products failing to truthfully declare the brand type.
Example： Customs declaration example: Product name: Monochrome LCD television receiver; Brand: Panasonic; Model: BT-M1500; Display method: LCD liquid crystal display, monochrome (green); Screen size: 15 inches; Whether it contains a television tuner: Yes; Use: Dedicated display terminal for industrial monitoring room; Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM production); HS code: 8528730000; Declared quantity: 50 units; Declared total price: USD 12,500.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying a monochrome monitor without a tuner under 852873, when it should actually be classified under the monitor subheadings under heading 8528.
Misreporting a color television receiver as monochrome in an attempt to evade higher tax rates or regulatory conditions, which constitutes false declaration.
Failing to indicate the display technology type at the time of declaration, causing customs to be unable to accurately determine subheading attribution, which may result in rejection or inspection.
Ignoring brand type declaration, with OEM products failing to indicate the OEM relationship, which may trigger customs intellectual property protection issues.
🎯 Classification Logic
There are three core determining bases for classification: First, the device must have television signal reception capability, that is, a built-in television tuner capable of receiving and demodulating broadcast television signals; second, the display color must be black-and-white or other monochrome (such as green or amber), rather than color display; third, the device should be a complete television receiver, not merely a monitor serving as a display component. Only when all three conditions are satisfied simultaneously is it classified under 852873. If it lacks a tuner, even if it is a monochrome display, it should be classified under the monitor subheading; if it is a color display, it should be classified under 852872. Classification should also refer to the definitions of 'television receiver' in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. 852872 Color television receivers: The core difference lies in display color: 852872 is color display, while 852873 is black-and-white or monochrome display. In current trade, color televisions are absolutely dominant, and monochrome television receivers have become a special category; when classifying, be sure to verify the display color parameters. 852842 Cathode ray tube monitors: 852842 refers to CRT monitors without a television tuner, used only for receiving video signals from computers or other devices; 852873 must contain a television tuner. The key distinguishing point is whether it has broadcast television signal reception capability. 852852 Other monitors: 852852 covers flat-panel display monitors such as LCD and OLED, without television tuners. The difference from 852873 is that the former has no tuner and is used for data or video monitoring display; the latter contains a tuner and is used for receiving television broadcasts. 852862 Projectors: 852862 refers to video projectors, which display images by projection, differing from the direct display method of 852873. If the device is a projection-type monochrome display and contains a tuner, classification should be determined based on specific functions. 852990 Parts of television receivers: 852990 refers to dedicated parts for equipment under heading 8528, such as display screen modules, tuner modules, etc. The difference from 852873 is that 852873 is a complete unit, while 852990 is a component; the classification level and regulatory conditions of the two are completely different. Confirm whether the device has a built-in television tuner (capable of receiving broadcast television signals) Confirm whether the display color is black-and-white or monochrome, rather than color Confirm whether the screen size and display technology type have been accurately declared Confirm whether the brand and model are consistent with the physical nameplate information Confirm whether OEM production is involved and whether the brand type declaration is accurate
Basis
There are three core determining bases for classification: First, the device must have television signal reception capability, that is, a built-in television tuner capable of receiving and demodulating broadcast television signals; second, the display color must be black-and-white or other monochrome (such as green or amber), rather than color display; third, the device should be a complete television receiver, not merely a monitor serving as a display component. Only when all three conditions are satisfied simultaneously is it classified under 852873. If it lacks a tuner, even if it is a monochrome display, it should be classified under the monitor subheading; if it is a color display, it should be classified under 852872. Classification should also refer to the definitions of 'television receiver' in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.
Confused Codes：
852872 - Color television receivers
The core difference lies in display color: 852872 is color display, while 852873 is black-and-white or monochrome display. In current trade, color televisions are absolutely dominant, and monochrome television receivers have become a special category; when classifying, be sure to verify the display color parameters.
852842 - Cathode ray tube monitors
852842 refers to CRT monitors without a television tuner, used only for receiving video signals from computers or other devices; 852873 must contain a television tuner. The key distinguishing point is whether it has broadcast television signal reception capability.
852852 - Other monitors
852852 covers flat-panel display monitors such as LCD and OLED, without television tuners. The difference from 852873 is that the former has no tuner and is used for data or video monitoring display; the latter contains a tuner and is used for receiving television broadcasts.
852862 - Projectors
852862 refers to video projectors, which display images by projection, differing from the direct display method of 852873. If the device is a projection-type monochrome display and contains a tuner, classification should be determined based on specific functions.
852990 - Parts of television receivers
852990 refers to dedicated parts for equipment under heading 8528, such as display screen modules, tuner modules, etc. The difference from 852873 is that 852873 is a complete unit, while 852990 is a component; the classification level and regulatory conditions of the two are completely different.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the device has a built-in television tuner (capable of receiving broadcast television signals)
✓ Confirm whether the display color is black-and-white or monochrome, rather than color
✓ Confirm whether the screen size and display technology type have been accurately declared
✓ Confirm whether the brand and model are consistent with the physical nameplate information
✓ Confirm whether OEM production is involved and whether the brand type declaration is accurate
❓ FAQ
Is code 852873 still actually used now? Haven't monochrome televisions already been phased out? Although monochrome televisions have basically been phased out of the consumer market, 852873 is still valid, mainly for special industrial scenarios (such as old industrial monitoring systems, display terminals supporting medical equipment), some developing country markets, and monochrome display devices in specific fields such as military/aviation. In addition, some retro electronic products and specialized testing equipment still use monochrome television reception technology. Therefore, this code still has practical significance in specific trade scenarios. How do you determine whether a device is a television receiver or a monitor? The core criterion is whether the device has a built-in television tuner (TV Tuner). Television receivers contain a tuner and can directly receive and demodulate broadcast television signals (such as DTMB, DVB-T, etc.); monitors do not contain a tuner and can only receive video signals from computers, cameras, or other devices. When declaring, you can check the 'tuner' parameter in the product specification sheet, or check whether the device has an antenna interface and channel search function. If a monochrome display contains a tuner but is mainly used for industrial monitoring, should it be classified under 852873 or 852852? It should be classified under 852873. HS classification is based on the objective technical characteristics of the device, not actual use. As long as the device simultaneously satisfies the two conditions of 'contains a television tuner' and 'monochrome display,' it should be classified under 852873, regardless of whether it is actually used for industrial monitoring or home viewing. Use serves only as an auxiliary reference and cannot change the classification conclusion based on technical characteristics. What are the export regulatory conditions for 852873? What procedures need to be handled? Exports under 852873 generally have no special regulatory certificate requirements and belong to ordinary trade goods. However, note that if military use is involved or export is to sanctioned countries/regions, export control review may be triggered; if the product contains encryption functions or special technology, a dual-use item export license may be required. Specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest 'Import and Export Tariff' and 'Regulatory Certificate Code Table' issued by customs. It is recommended to verify through the 'Single Window' before declaration. How do you distinguish between 'black-and-white' and 'other monochrome' at the time of declaration? 'Black-and-white' refers to monochrome display showing only black, white, and grayscale; 'other monochrome' refers to images displaying a single color (such as green, amber, or blue), typically like old green CRT terminal displays. The two are not further distinguished under 852873; simply indicate the specific display color at the time of declaration. However, note that if the device can switch between multiple display color modes, even if currently set to monochrome, it should be classified as a color television receiver. For cross-border e-commerce retail export of monochrome television receivers, can code 852873 be used? Yes, but note that the declaration requirements for cross-border e-commerce retail export (such as 9610, 9710, 9810 modes) differ from general trade. First confirm that the goods are indeed monochrome television receivers; second, accurately fill in the HS code, product name, specifications and model, and other elements in the cross-border e-commerce declaration list; finally, note that the destination country's customs import requirements for monochrome televisions may differ from those for color televisions, and it is recommended to verify the destination country's tariffs and market access conditions in advance. If 852873 is mistakenly declared as 852872 at customs, what consequences will there be? Misdeclaring the HS code constitutes inaccurate declaration. If the coding error results in underpayment of taxes, customs may impose a fine and recover the taxes; if export tax refund is involved, it may be determined as tax refund fraud, facing more severe penalties. In addition, coding errors will also affect the accuracy of trade statistics. It is recommended to carefully verify the product's technical parameters before declaration, and if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification to obtain a legally effective classification decision. How can I check the latest tax rate and regulatory conditions corresponding to 852873? You can check through the following channels: 1) Log in to China Customs' 'Single Window' platform and use the 'Tariff Query' function to enter the HS code; 2) Consult the latest 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' issued by the General Administration of Customs; 3) Use the official 'China Customs HS Code Query' app or website; 4) Consult a professional customs broker or the customs classification center. Note that tax rates may be adjusted annually, and rates under different trade agreements differ (such as RCEP, China-Korea FTA, etc.), so the latest official release should prevail.
Q: Is code 852873 still actually used now? Haven't monochrome televisions already been phased out?
A: Although monochrome televisions have basically been phased out of the consumer market, 852873 is still valid, mainly for special industrial scenarios (such as old industrial monitoring systems, display terminals supporting medical equipment), some developing country markets, and monochrome display devices in specific fields such as military/aviation. In addition, some retro electronic products and specialized testing equipment still use monochrome television reception technology. Therefore, this code still has practical significance in specific trade scenarios.
Q: How do you determine whether a device is a television receiver or a monitor?
A: The core criterion is whether the device has a built-in television tuner (TV Tuner). Television receivers contain a tuner and can directly receive and demodulate broadcast television signals (such as DTMB, DVB-T, etc.); monitors do not contain a tuner and can only receive video signals from computers, cameras, or other devices. When declaring, you can check the 'tuner' parameter in the product specification sheet, or check whether the device has an antenna interface and channel search function.
Q: If a monochrome display contains a tuner but is mainly used for industrial monitoring, should it be classified under 852873 or 852852?
A: It should be classified under 852873. HS classification is based on the objective technical characteristics of the device, not actual use. As long as the device simultaneously satisfies the two conditions of 'contains a television tuner' and 'monochrome display,' it should be classified under 852873, regardless of whether it is actually used for industrial monitoring or home viewing. Use serves only as an auxiliary reference and cannot change the classification conclusion based on technical characteristics.
Q: What are the export regulatory conditions for 852873? What procedures need to be handled?
A: Exports under 852873 generally have no special regulatory certificate requirements and belong to ordinary trade goods. However, note that if military use is involved or export is to sanctioned countries/regions, export control review may be triggered; if the product contains encryption functions or special technology, a dual-use item export license may be required. Specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest 'Import and Export Tariff' and 'Regulatory Certificate Code Table' issued by customs. It is recommended to verify through the 'Single Window' before declaration.
Q: How do you distinguish between 'black-and-white' and 'other monochrome' at the time of declaration?
A: 'Black-and-white' refers to monochrome display showing only black, white, and grayscale; 'other monochrome' refers to images displaying a single color (such as green, amber, or blue), typically like old green CRT terminal displays. The two are not further distinguished under 852873; simply indicate the specific display color at the time of declaration. However, note that if the device can switch between multiple display color modes, even if currently set to monochrome, it should be classified as a color television receiver.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail export of monochrome television receivers, can code 852873 be used?
A: Yes, but note that the declaration requirements for cross-border e-commerce retail export (such as 9610, 9710, 9810 modes) differ from general trade. First confirm that the goods are indeed monochrome television receivers; second, accurately fill in the HS code, product name, specifications and model, and other elements in the cross-border e-commerce declaration list; finally, note that the destination country's customs import requirements for monochrome televisions may differ from those for color televisions, and it is recommended to verify the destination country's tariffs and market access conditions in advance.
Q: If 852873 is mistakenly declared as 852872 at customs, what consequences will there be?
A: Misdeclaring the HS code constitutes inaccurate declaration. If the coding error results in underpayment of taxes, customs may impose a fine and recover the taxes; if export tax refund is involved, it may be determined as tax refund fraud, facing more severe penalties. In addition, coding errors will also affect the accuracy of trade statistics. It is recommended to carefully verify the product's technical parameters before declaration, and if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification to obtain a legally effective classification decision.
Q: How can I check the latest tax rate and regulatory conditions corresponding to 852873?
A: You can check through the following channels: 1) Log in to China Customs' 'Single Window' platform and use the 'Tariff Query' function to enter the HS code; 2) Consult the latest 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' issued by the General Administration of Customs; 3) Use the official 'China Customs HS Code Query' app or website; 4) Consult a professional customs broker or the customs classification center. Note that tax rates may be adjusted annually, and rates under different trade agreements differ (such as RCEP, China-Korea FTA, etc.), so the latest official release should prevail.
⚠️ 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.