Microcassette Audio Tape

Microcassette tapes are miniature magnetic tapes narrower than 4 mm, originally developed for dictation recorders and portable voice recording devices. Classified under HTS 8523.29.40 for other magnetic tapes of ≤4 mm width, they record audio phenomena and remain popular for archival voice memos. Their compact size enables discreet, portable audio capture.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+17.5%17.5%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

More Specific Codes

This product may fall under a more specific subheading:

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

8523.29.50Same rate: 17.5%

If tape width exceeds 4 mm

The width threshold strictly separates subheadings within magnetic tape classifications.

8519.89Lower: 10% vs 17.5%

If imported as complete recording machine cassette

Assembled sound recording apparatus with tape moves to heading 8519, not separate media.

3926.90.99Higher: 22.8% vs 17.5%

If primarily plastic housing without magnetic layer

Pure plastic articles without recording functionality fall under Chapter 39 plastics.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Provide technical drawings confirming tape width ≤4 mm to differentiate from wider cassette formats

Check for pre-recorded content; unrecorded tapes import differently than those with embedded audio

Use anti-static packaging to prevent magnetic degradation during ocean freight transit

Related Products under HTS 8523.29.40

Betacam SP Nano Tape

Betacam SP nano tapes feature metal particle magnetic coating on ≤4 mm width for broadcast studio data transfer. Classified HTS 8523.29.40 as other narrow magnetic tapes recording professional video phenomena. They maintain compatibility with global broadcast standards.

MiniDV Cassette Tape

MiniDV tapes are narrow magnetic tapes with a width not exceeding 4 mm, used primarily for recording digital video in consumer camcorders. They fall under HTS 8523.29.40 as 'other magnetic tapes of a width not exceeding 4 mm' that are unrecorded or pre-recorded for sound or video phenomena. These compact cassettes revolutionized home video recording with high-quality digital storage.

8mm Video Tape Cassette

8mm video tapes feature magnetic tape strips narrower than 4 mm within compact cassettes for consumer Hi8 and Digital8 camcorders. HTS 8523.29.40 covers these as 'other' magnetic tapes not exceeding 4 mm width for video phenomena recording. They provided affordable analog-to-digital video transition for home users.

Dictaphone Nano Tape

Dictaphone nano tapes are ultra-narrow magnetic tapes under 4 mm width designed for professional voice recording in journalism and legal transcription. Under HTS 8523.29.40 as other narrow magnetic tapes, they offer high-fidelity audio capture in miniature format. These tapes maintain relevance for secure, tamper-evident recording needs.

Hi8 Data Tape Cartridge

Hi8 data cartridges contain narrow magnetic tape ≤4 mm for data backup in legacy professional video editing systems. HTS 8523.29.40 applies to these other magnetic tapes recording digital phenomena in narrow format. They bridge analog video workflows with early digital storage solutions.

Professional Dictation Micro Tape

Designed for legal and medical professionals, these micro tapes feature premium magnetic coating on ≤4 mm width for clear voice reproduction. HTS 8523.29.40 classifies them as other narrow magnetic tapes for sound recording phenomena. Extended play duration supports full patient consultations or court proceedings.