HS Code 8523.59 : Semiconductor media, Other
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for semiconductor media, other is 8523.59. Under the 2026 Kenya (KRA Customs), the representative MFN general duty rate is 10% [Kenya Revenue Authority].
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 .59
.59
Semiconductor media, Other
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean UnionCanadaMexicoChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaSouth KoreaGermanyBrazilTürkiyeChinese TaipeiVietnamThailandIndonesiaMalaysiaSingaporeSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesSouth AfricaEgyptIsraelChileColombiaPeruPhilippinesPakistanNew ZealandNorwayNigeriaKenyaMoroccoArgentinaEcuadorBangladeshUkraineKazakhstanQatarKuwaitOmanJordanBahrainSri LankaTunisiaGhanaCôte d'IvoireGeorgiaCambodiaPanamaCosta RicaDominican Republic
Kenya (KRA Customs)
8523.59
MODULE 5: KENYA IMPORT DUTY & VAT BREAKDOWN
Notice: Kenyan customs clearance, EAC CET tariff classification, MFN duty rates, and 16% VAT are governed by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Always verify declarable lines with KRA prior to import.
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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: Trade Remedies (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD)
China Section 301 Tariff Status
7.5% – 25% Additional Duty (China Origin)
Section 232 Steel/Aluminum Status
Exempt (Non-Metal Commodity)
EU CBAM Carbon Alert
Not in Scope
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
Browse all preferential trade calculators & compliance tools in our Customs Tools Hub ↗.
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) | Free | Must meet USMCA Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff shift rules. |
| KR | U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) | Free | Direct shipment from South Korea with KORUS Certificate of Origin. |
| AU | U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement | Free | Wholly obtained or tariff shift rule under US-Australia FTA. |
| A / D | GSP / African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) | Free | 35% local value-add requirement for beneficiary country origin. |
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 Semiconductor media, Other
MODULE 11: KRA Customs Advance Ruling System
Legally binding advance tariff rulings issued by Kenya Revenue Authority for HS 8523.59.
Query official KRA portal:
Search KRA Portal for 8523.59 →Kenya KRA Tariff Schedule (8523.59)
National line-level (8/10-digit) detail for Kenya (KRA Customs): coverage in progress.
Universal 6-digit WCO backbone applied rate: 10%. Confirm the full national commodity code at the official source (Kenya Revenue Authority).
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 → |
| 8523.49 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.49 → |
| 8523.51 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.51 → |
| 8523.52 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.52 → |
| 8523.80 | Subheading under Heading 8523 | Compare Subheading 8523.80 → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
Kenya Revenue Authority Customs (KRA) ↗
Official Kenya KRA tariff schedule, 16% VAT, and EAC CET rules.
KRA Customs Advance Ruling System ↗
Kenya Revenue Authority official binding advance classification rulings database.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and United States (USITC HTS) general duty for Semiconductor media, Other?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and United States (USITC HTS), Semiconductor media, Other is classified under HS 8523.59 (Heading 8523, Chapter 85). The representative KE MFN general duty rate is 10%.
How is HS 8523.59 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 8523.59 specifically isolates Semiconductor 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 8523.59?
Related subheadings under Heading 8523 include 8523.21, 8523.29, 8523.41, 8523.49, 8523.51, 8523.52, 8523.80. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Semiconductor media, Other?
Commercial Invoice (detailing Incoterms, currency, and origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary, and a continuous customs bond are required for formal entries.
Can goods under HS 8523.59 enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in Mexico, Canada, South Korea, or Australia enter duty-free under preference SPI codes (P, KR, AU) provided they satisfy Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff-shift rules with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the US formal entry threshold for shipments of Semiconductor media, Other?
Commercial shipments of Semiconductor media, Other with a customs value exceeding $2,500 USD require formal customs entry (CBP Form 7501) and a continuous entry bond. Informal entry applies to lower values.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP classification ruling for HS 8523.59?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling request under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) to obtain a legally binding tariff classification ruling prior to importation.
What import VAT or sales tax applies to HS 8523.59 in Kenya?
Commercial imports of Semiconductor media, Other under HS 8523.59 into Kenya are subject to 16% VAT, assessed on the entered customs value plus applicable duties.
What is the customs duty de minimis threshold in Kenya?
The customs de minimis threshold for import shipments into Kenya is KES threshold. Consignments under this value may qualify for duty-free or simplified entry under local regulations.
Which authority regulates customs entry and tariff classification in Kenya?
Customs declarations, import duty assessments, and KRA Customs Advance Ruling System for HS 8523.59 are administered by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
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