Harmonized System
U.S. exports of Magnetic Tape-Type Video Recording or Reproducing Apparatus (HS 852110) totaled $545K in August 2026.
Importers of Magnetic Tape-Type Video Recording or Reproducing Apparatus paid $38K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 11.04% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Magnetic Tape-Type Video Recording or Reproducing Apparatus imports of $344K in August 2026 ran 171% above the year-to-date monthly average of $127K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataMagnetic tape-based video recording apparatus — VHS, Betamax, and similar cassette or cartridge formats — represents a legacy technology category that nonetheless continues to generate US import entries for archival, broadcast, and specialty applications. Japan leads supply under this heading, a reflection of its historical dominance in consumer VCR manufacturing, with China as a secondary source. The heading's four tariff lines distinguish color cassette/cartridge player-only units (8521103000), color cassette and cartridge recorder/players (8521106000), and non-color video tape equipment (8521109000). Importers of professional broadcast-grade tape machines should confirm that the apparatus does not incorporate features — such as integrated tuners or disc drives — that would shift classification to a different heading.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
20 import shipments a month
A standalone magnetic tape-type video recorder or player designed for professional broadcast or archival use generally classifies under 8521.10, provided it does not incorporate a video tuner or other features that would make a different heading more appropriate. The key is that the apparatus's primary function is recording or reproducing video via magnetic tape. If the device is integrated into a larger broadcast system as a subassembly, classification as a part under a different heading may be considered.
The US tariff schedule under 8521.10 separates color cassette/cartridge player-only units (8521103000) and color recorder/players (8521106000) from non-color video tape equipment (8521109000). The color/non-color split reflects the original tariff structure from the era of active VCR trade and can carry different duty rates. Importers of monochrome or black-and-white video tape equipment — rare today but still used in some industrial or archival contexts — must use the non-color line rather than defaulting to the color provisions.
Subheading 2 of 2 in heading 8521
Subheading 852110 · $545K of $15.6M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 852110 — Magnetic Tape-Type Video Recording or Reproducing Apparatus, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
ImportsExports
Imports
$344KYoY · free account
Exports
$545KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.7M of Magnetic Tape-Type Video Recording or Reproducing Apparatus and exported $26.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8521109000 | Video Tape Recording or Playing Equip, Exc Color | $234K | 10.00% | 100.00% | $23K |
| 8521106000 | Video Cassette & Cartridge Recorder/Players, Color | $105K | 12.96% | 100.00% | $14K |
| 8521103000 | Video Cassette/ Cartridge Player Only, Color | $5K | 20.00% | 100.00% | $900 |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8521100000 | Video Recording or Reproducing App, Magnetic Tape | $545K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Exports · August 2026
destination
United Kingdom and Netherlands together take 71% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 11.04% of imports for consumption.