Headphones and earphones from India
India exported $215 million of headphones and earphones (HS 8518.30) in FY2025-26, up 355% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% US import duty, against 12.5% to 20% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 12.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $215MUp 355.0% on last year
- HS code
- 8518.30Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 2.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 2 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8518.30.10.00 | Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers: Line telephone handsets | Free | 10% | 20% |
| 8518.30.20.00 | Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers: Other | Free | 10% | 12.5% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of headphones and earphones
India's exports to all countries under HS 8518.30, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- United States
- FCC equipment authorization. Electronics that emit radio-frequency energy need FCC authorization before sale: a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity for most LED lighting, and certification for Bluetooth and other radio transmitters. 47 CFR Part 15
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 8518.30 is 0%, from 2021 data. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 0.7% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on headphones and earphones from India?
10% on the 2 US tariff lines under HS 8518.30, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 12.5% to 20%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for headphones and earphones?
8518.30, under heading 8518 (Microphones and stands therefor; loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency electric amplifiers; electric sound amplifier sets; parts thereof). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export headphones and earphones?
Yes. India exported $215 million under HS 8518.30 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.