Unrecorded Blu-ray Discs (BD-R)
Blank rewritable Blu-ray discs designed for high-definition video and data storage, meeting optical media specifications for laser-readable data layers. These fall under HTS 8523.49.50.00 as unrecorded optical media other than CDs or DVDs. They are used for burning movies, backups, or large files with capacities up to 100GB per disc.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| šØš³China | Free | +17.5% | 17.5% |
| š²š½Mexico | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
| šØš¦Canada | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
| š©šŖGermany | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
| šÆšµJapan | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If solid-state non-volatile storage like USB flash drives
Solid-state devices with flash memory on PCB fall under 8523.59, not optical media heading.
If imported in bulk plastic reels before coating
Unfinished plastic substrates without recording layer are plastic articles, not optical media.
If pre-recorded with sound or data
Recorded optical media shifts to 8523.80 regardless of format.
Not sure which classification is right?
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Import Tips & Compliance
ā¢ Verify discs meet optical media standards (e.g
ā¢ ISO 11649) and declare as unrecorded to avoid recorded media duties
ā¢ Provide certificates of origin for preferential tariff treatment; common pitfall is misclassifying as Chapter 37 photosensitive goods
ā¢ Label shipments clearly as 'unrecorded optical media' to prevent customs reclassification
Related Products under HTS 8523.49.50.00
Recordable DVD-RW Discs (4.7GB)
Rewritable DVD discs for data, video, or audio recording, featuring phase-change recording layer for multiple rewrites. Classified under HTS 8523.49.50.00 as other unrecorded optical media excluding standard CDs/DVDs. Ideal for archival backups or video editing workflows.
M-DISC Archival Grade Blu-ray Discs
High-durability unrecorded Blu-ray M-DISCs with inorganic recording layer for 1000-year archival life. Fits HTS 8523.49.50.00 as specialized other optical media for permanent data preservation. Used in professional archiving for photos, videos, and documents.
Unrecorded Holographic Optical Discs
Advanced optical media using holographic storage for petabyte-scale data density, unrecorded for user writing. Under HTS 8523.49.50.00 as other optical media beyond traditional formats. Primarily for research and enterprise data centers.
Recordable Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs (100GB)
Triple-layer unrecorded UHD Blu-ray discs for 4K video recording and high-capacity storage. Classified in HTS 8523.49.50.00 as other optical media. Supports professional video production and home archiving.
Professional Grade DVD+R DL Discs (8.5GB)
Dual-layer recordable DVD+R discs for extended data storage in professional duplication systems. HTS 8523.49.50.00 covers these as other optical media. Used in CD/DVD production houses for mastering.
Blank Optical Discs for Data Archiving (50-pack Spindle)
50-pack spindle of unrecorded optical discs optimized for long-term data retention with gold reflective layer. Under HTS 8523.49.50.00 as other unrecorded optical media. Common in office and library archiving.