HS Code 8523.49 : Optical media, Other
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for optical media, other is 8523.49. Under the 2026 United Kingdom (UKGT), the representative MFN general duty rate is 0.00 % [HMRC Trade Tariff 2026].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 85
Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards" and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37
Heading 8523
Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards" and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37
Subheading .49
.49
Optical media, Other
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
United Kingdom (UK Global Tariff / UKGT 2026)
8523499000
MODULE 5: UK IMPORT DUTY & VAT BREAKDOWN
UK Customs De Minimis
£135.00
Duty-free threshold
Notice: UK import duties and VAT are governed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Always verify declarable 10-digit commodity codes and preference eligibility before customs lodgement.
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 8523.49
Receive an automated email notification whenever HMRC publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 8523.49.
MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
AGENCY-CONDITIONAL (PGA)
FDA Prior Notice / USDA Phytosanitary Cert
Rule-derived from verified PGA flag: Mandatory prior notice filing and health certificate.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
ACE PGA Message-Set Flags:
FCC (FCC): FCC Equipment Authorization Form 740 (RF Devices)
Official ACE program code: ACE/PGA [FDA 21 CFR 1.276].
MODULE 8: UK Trade Remedies (TRA) & Safeguards
UK TRA Anti-Dumping Status
Standard UKGT Tariff
UK Steel Safeguards
Exempt (Non-Steel Commodity)
DEFRA / MHRA Control Status
Standard Statutory Clearance
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCA | UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement | Free | Must satisfy UK-EU Statement on Origin and product-specific rules. |
| AUS | UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement | Free | Direct origin proof or tariff shift requirement. |
| CPTPP | Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership | Free | CPTPP Certificate of Origin and regional value content rule. |
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Optical media, Other
MODULE 11: UK Advanced Tariff Rulings (ATaR)
Legally binding classification rulings issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for HS 8523.49.
Query the official HMRC Advanced Tariff Rulings (ATaR) database:
Search HMRC Trade Tariff Database for 8523.49 →UKGT Declarable Commodity Lines (8523.49)
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate | Special (FTA) Rate | Column 2 Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8523.49 | Optical media, Other | Free | Free | Rate on request | — |
| 8523.49.20 | Optical media, Other, For reproducing phenomena other than sound or image | Free | Free | 86.1¢/m2 of recording surface | — |
| 8523.49.20.10 | Optical media, Other, For reproducing phenomena other than sound or image, Prepackaged software for automatic data processing machines, of a kind sold at retail | Free | Free | Rate on request | No. |
| 8523.49.20.20 | Optical media, Other, For reproducing phenomena other than sound or image, Other | Free | Free | Rate on request | No. |
| 8523.49.30.00 | Optical media, Other, For reproducing sound only | Free | Free | 86.1¢/m2 of recording surface | No. |
| 8523.49.40.00 | Optical media, Other, Other, For reproducing representations of instructions, data, sound, and image, recorded in a machine readable binary form, and capable of being manipulated or providing interactivity to a user, by means of an automatic data processing machine; proprietary format recorded discs | Free | Free | 80% | No. |
| 8523.49.50.00 | Optical media, Other, Other, Other | Free | Free | 80% | No. |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8523.21 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.21 → |
| 8523.29 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.29 → |
| 8523.41 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.41 → |
| 8523.51 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.51 → |
| 8523.52 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.52 → |
| 8523.59 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.59 → |
| 8523.80 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.80 → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
HMRC Trade Tariff Service (UKGT 2026) ↗
Official UK 10-digit commodity codes and UKGT MFN duty rates.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Customs Declarations ↗
UK customs entry guidance and CDS procedures.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and United Kingdom (UKGT) general duty for Optical media, Other?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and United Kingdom (UKGT), Optical media, Other is classified under HS 8523.49 (Heading 8523, Chapter 85). The representative UK MFN general duty rate is 0.00 %.
How is HS 8523.49 distinguished within Heading 8523 (Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards" and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37)?
Heading 8523 covers Discs, tapes, solid-state non-volatile storage devices, "smart cards" and other media for the recording of sound or of other phenomena, whether or not recorded, including matrices and masters for the production of discs, but excluding products of Chapter 37. Subheading 8523.49 specifically isolates Optical media, Other. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 8523.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 8523.49?
Related subheadings under Heading 8523 include 8523.21, 8523.29, 8523.41, 8523.51, 8523.52, 8523.59, 8523.80. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Optical media, Other into the United Kingdom?
Importers require a Commercial Invoice (detailing Incoterms and origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) entry declaration (or Single Administrative Document / SAD), active EORI number, and proof of origin.
Can goods under HS 8523.49 enter duty-free under UK Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in EU Member States, US, Japan, Australia, or CPTPP countries enter duty-free or under reduced tariff rates provided they satisfy Rules of Origin with an official Statement on Origin.
What is the UK customs duty de minimis threshold for shipments of Optical media, Other?
Shipments imported into Great Britain with an intrinsic value of £135 or less enter customs duty-free under UKGT rules, though 20.00% import VAT remains payable.
How can an importer obtain an official UK Advanced Tariff Ruling (ATaR) for HS 8523.49?
Importers may apply to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for an Advanced Tariff Ruling (ATaR). An ATaR provides legally binding tariff classification for 3 years across the United Kingdom.
What import VAT rate applies to HS 8523.49 in the United Kingdom?
Standard UK import VAT is 20.00%, calculated on total landed CIF cost (Customs Value + Freight/Insurance + UKGT Import Duty). Reduced or zero rates apply to specific statutory essential goods.
What is the UK EORI registration requirement for commercial imports under HS 8523.49?
All businesses importing goods into Great Britain require a UK EORI number starting with 'GB' (registered via HMRC Government Gateway) for CDS customs entry declarations.
How does UK Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) work for imports of HS 8523.49?
Under UK PVA rules, UK VAT-registered importers can account for and recover import VAT on their standard VAT return rather than paying upfront at the port of entry.
What UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) safeguarding or anti-dumping duties apply?
Importers must verify whether specific trade remedies (anti-dumping or countervailing measures) published by the UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) apply to their originating country.
What prohibited or restricted goods controls apply to HS 8523.49 in the UK?
Certain commodities under HS 8523.49 require import licenses or phytosanitary inspections from DEFRA, MHRA, or the UK Environment Agency prior to UK customs release.
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in the UK?
No. The United Kingdom does not charge additional entry processing fees or harbor taxes beyond standard UKGT customs duties and applicable import VAT. Customs declarations are processed via HMRC CDS.