HS Code Category

HS Code Candidates for HS Code for Bluetooth Earphones — Common Candidates

Use this page to prepare candidate HS headings, product facts, material and function variants, invoice descriptions, ecommerce catalog fields, and risk flags before official review.

Answer summary
Product facts to verify
  • Main material and fiber or chemical composition
  • Construction: knitted, woven, molded, assembled
  • Function and intended use
  • Whether it includes electronics, battery, magnets, leather, or textile
  • Country of origin and destination market
Source note

Candidates are preparation aids only. Verify final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Last reviewed

2026-07-07

Candidate headings table

Review candidates

The table below lists candidate HS headings for hs code for bluetooth earphones — common candidates. Each row is a starting point, not a final classification; verify in the destination tariff database before filing.

CodeHeadingUse when
8518.30Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakersThe article is a pair of headphones or earphones, with or without a microphone, and uses Bluetooth for wireless audio. Primary candidate for Bluetooth earphones and Bluetooth headphones in most destinations.
8517.62Machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of voice, images, or other data, including routers and switchesSome destinations may classify Bluetooth-enabled communication devices with a primary data function under 8517. Verify destination practice; many destinations still use 8518.30 for earphones.
8504.40Static converters; other inductorsWhen a separate AC adapter or charger is bundled with the earphones and reviewed as a component, 8504.40 may apply. The bundled charger is described but does not decide the earphone heading.
8507Electric accumulators (lithium-ion cells)When the lithium-ion battery inside the earphones or charging case is reviewed separately, 8507 may apply. Verify the import documentation for the battery.

National extensions after the 6-digit heading vary by destination market. Verify the full national code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff before filing.

Decision tree

How to classify hs code for bluetooth earphones — common candidates

Step 1: Confirm audio function

Headphones, earphones, or headset (with microphone).

Step 2: Confirm wireless protocol

Bluetooth vs RF vs wired does not change the heading but should be described.

Step 3: Check destination practice

Some destinations use 8517.62 for Bluetooth communication device emphasis. Verify the national tariff before filing.

Step 4: Document the battery

Lithium-ion battery inside the unit; record watt-hour and UN number on shipping documents.

Step 5: Identify bundled accessories

Charging case, AC adapter, cables; check set or component rules.

Step 6: Verify Section 301 for China origin

If origin is China, check the USTR Section 301 list for 8518 products.

Step 7: Write the invoice line

Use product type + audio format + wireless protocol + microphone + battery fact. Avoid brand-only words.

Material variants

How material changes the code

MaterialTypical headingNotes
Plastic body with silicone tips8518.30Most consumer Bluetooth earphones use plastic with silicone ear tips; material does not change the heading.
Plastic body with memory foam tips8518.30Memory foam tips are described on the invoice; heading follows the audio function.
Aluminium or metal body earphones8518.30Metal-bodied earphones still use 8518.30; material does not change the heading.
Function and use-case variants

How function changes the code

FunctionTypical headingNotes
True wireless earbuds (TWS) with charging case8518.30The earbuds are headphones; the charging case is supporting accessory. Set rules may apply where the case is sold separately as a replacement.
Bluetooth in-ear earphones (with neckband)8518.30Neckband earphones fall under 8518.30.
Bluetooth over-ear headphones8518.30Over-ear wireless headphones fall under the same heading.
Bluetooth earphones bundled with charger8518.30 + 8504.40Bundled with a wall charger; describe the charger on the invoice; verify set rules if import documentation treats them as one item.
Bluetooth gaming headset8518.30Bluetooth gaming headsets fall under 8518.30 when the primary function is headphone audio.
Risk flags

Source-check required

FlagImpact on classificationWhere to verify
Heading 8518 vs 8517
Lithium-ion battery
Bundled charger
Brand, chipset, or ANC function
China origin

Risk flags signal the need for official review before the candidate code is used on customs documents.

Invoice description examples

Strong descriptions

Strong invoice descriptions include material, function, product type, and key components (battery, electronics, magnet, leather, textile). Avoid generic words such as gift, sample, accessory, or product. The descriptions below are examples only, not final classifications.

  • Bluetooth true wireless earbuds with charging case, lithium-ion battery inside, audio headset
  • Bluetooth in-ear earphones, neckband, lithium-ion battery, microphone included
  • Bluetooth over-ear headphones, active noise cancelling, lithium-ion battery, audio headset
  • Bluetooth earphones with bundled USB-C wall charger, retail set
  • Bluetooth gaming headset, microphone included, lithium-ion battery, audio headset

Use these descriptions on the commercial invoice line item, with the candidate HS code and country of origin declared per line.

Ecommerce catalog fields

Shopify, WooCommerce, and CSV fields to check

Before labels and invoices are generated, prepare these fields in your ecommerce catalog. The CSV Catalog Checker scans Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or custom CSV exports for missing customs fields locally in your browser.

FieldWhy it matters
HS code candidate8518.30 is the primary candidate for Bluetooth earphones and headphones.
Audio functionEarphones, headphones, or headset function drives the 8518 review.
Wireless typeBluetooth, RF, or wired operation should be described.
MicrophoneBuilt-in microphone supports 8518.30 (combined with microphone).
Battery presenceLithium-ion inside the earphones and the charging case; record watt-hour capacity.
Charging case or adapterBundled accessories may need component review or set rules.
Country of originDrives Section 301 review for China-origin Bluetooth earphones.
Brand or chipsetAvoid brand-only descriptions; describe function, format, and audio features.

Pair this with the Commercial Invoice Generator, the HS Code Finder, and the CSV Catalog Checker.

Worked example

Ecommerce seller importing TWS Bluetooth earbuds from China to the US

Scenario: A Shopify seller imports 3,000 true wireless earbuds with charging cases from China. Each unit contains lithium-ion battery inside both the earbuds and the case. ANC is supported. Microphone included.

  1. Step 1: identify product facts. Product type: Bluetooth true wireless earbuds. Audio function: stereo headphones with microphone. Battery: lithium-ion inside earbuds and case.
  2. Step 2: select the candidate family. Bluetooth earphones with microphone usually fall under 8518.30 in the US HTS.
  3. Step 3: confirm the destination practice. Verify whether the destination places weight on the Bluetooth communication function (8517.62) or the audio function (8518.30).
  4. Step 4: document the battery. Lithium-ion battery inside the unit. Record watt-hour capacity and UN number on shipping documents.
  5. Step 5: write the invoice description. Use "Bluetooth true wireless earbuds with charging case, lithium-ion battery inside, audio headset with microphone."
  6. Step 6: catalog fields. HS code candidate = 8518.30 (or destination equivalent), COO = CN, battery capacity watt-hour = per spec.

The candidate is preparation aid only. Bluetooth earphone classification depends on product function and destination rules, not just on Bluetooth as a technology. Verify the destination tariff and lithium battery transport rules before filing.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

  • Writing "Bluetooth" alone as the heading driver without verifying the audio function.
  • Ignoring the lithium-ion battery documentation for transport and customs purposes.
  • Treating a charging case as a separate commodity without checking set rules.
  • Using only the brand name on the commercial invoice instead of function, audio format, and battery facts.
  • Assuming all destinations classify Bluetooth earphones under 8517.62 because of the Bluetooth protocol.
  • Skipping Section 301 review for China-origin Bluetooth earphones.
Related Tools

Continue the workflow

Editorial

About this category page

Written by the TariffCatalog Editorial Team. Maintained by Ryan Cole and reviewed for candidate-only customs-data workflow clarity.

This page follows TariffCatalog's methodology for candidate-only classification, estimate-only calculators, and document draft workflows. Candidates are preparation aids, not binding classifications.

Maintainer

Reviewed by Ryan Cole

Ryan Cole maintains TariffCatalog from the perspective of a long-time ecommerce operator with 15+ years of experience in product catalog, international shipping, and pre-shipment data workflows. This page is reviewed for candidate-only HS code preparation, source-check clarity, and estimate-only or candidate-only wording.

TariffCatalog is a preparation aid, not a customs broker, legal, tax, or freight-forwarding service. Verify final classifications, rates, documents, and filing treatment with official sources or qualified professionals.

Last reviewed: · Maintainer entity: Ryan Cole · Source policy: verified against official customs and tariff sources

Official Source Note

Check final codes

FAQ

Common questions

What is the HS code for Bluetooth earphones?

Bluetooth earphones marketed as headphones and earphones usually fall under heading 8518.30 (headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone). Classification depends on product function and destination rules, not just the presence of Bluetooth; verify the national tariff before filing.

What is the HS code for Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth over-ear and on-ear headphones fall under the same heading 8518.30 as Bluetooth earphones. The function is headphone audio. The wireless protocol (Bluetooth, RF) and ANC function are described on the invoice but do not change the heading.

Are Bluetooth earphones classified under 8517 or 8518?

Classification depends on product function and destination rules. Most destinations place Bluetooth earphones under 8518 (audio equipment) because the function is audio reproduction. Some destinations or rulings emphasise the wireless communication function and may use 8517.62. Verify the destination tariff before filing.

What is the HS code for true wireless earbuds (TWS)?

True wireless earbuds (TWS) with a charging case are commonly classified under 8518.30 because the function is headphone audio. The charging case is a supporting accessory; some destinations apply set rules when the case is sold separately.

Do lithium-ion batteries in Bluetooth earphones affect the heading?

The lithium-ion battery inside the earphones and the charging case triggers transport and customs documentation requirements. The battery fact is recorded separately and on shipping documents. The heading still follows the audio function (8518.30 in most destinations).

How should I describe Bluetooth earphones on the commercial invoice?

Write product type + audio format + wireless protocol + microphone + battery fact. For example: "Bluetooth true wireless earbuds with charging case, lithium-ion battery inside, audio headset with microphone."

Do Bluetooth earphones face Section 301 tariffs from China?

Yes. Section 301 additional tariffs may apply to Bluetooth earphones under 8518 from China. Check the USTR Section 301 list for the current rate on 8518 products from China.

When should I ask for professional review?

Ask for review when the destination tariff places weight on the wireless communication function, the battery capacity triggers transport limits, the shipment is high value, or the article has separable components that may need a different heading.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-07

Disclaimer

TariffCatalog provides candidate HS code suggestions, estimate-only calculators, and document drafts. Verify final classifications, duty rates, document requirements, and filing obligations with official sources, carriers, brokers, or destination authorities before filing or shipping.

Candidate headings on this page are preparation aids, not binding classifications. Final classification depends on exact product facts and the destination tariff rules in effect on the entry date.