Quick answer
Classify a flat-panel smart television by tuner, recording/reproducing apparatus, display technology and diagonal; review duty, Chapter 99, FCC, EnergyGuide, marking and entry records.
Classification and import conclusion
Conditional conclusion: a complete colour smart television with an internal television tuner and a direct-view flat-panel screen belongs in HTSUS 8528.72. “Smart TV” is not a ten-digit tariff line. Under 2026 HTSUS Revision 17, large flat-panel branches include 8528.72.64 when incorporating video recording or reproducing apparatus and 8528.72.72 for other qualifying apparatus; statistical suffixes then divide LCD units by diagonal measurement. A tuner-free display, digital-signage panel, projector, set-top box, unfinished assembly or part requires a different analysis. Ordinary new TVs are not categorically prohibited, but admissibility and lawful sale require separate tariff, FCC, energy, origin and state-law review.
Choosing the ten-digit HTSUS line
Apply GRI 1 and 6 to the objective configuration at importation. Confirm the internal TV tuner, colour display, LCD/OLED technology, exact diagonal in centimetres, direct-view construction and whether hardware truly incorporates a video recorder/reproducer. Streaming software, USB playback and HDMI inputs do not automatically answer that last issue. Revision 17 shows 8528.72.64 at 3.9% Column 1 General and 8528.72.72 at 5%; LCD statistical suffixes .20, .30, .40 and .60 correspond respectively to diagonals not exceeding 75 cm, over 75 through 88 cm, over 88 through 113 cm, and over 113 cm. Confirm the current hierarchy in the live HTS before entry.
Base duty and additional tariffs
The final landed duty is not the base rate alone. Search the exact eight-digit line, country of origin and entry date against Chapter 99. Chinese-origin televisions may be affected by Section 301 or later measures, exclusions and product-specific notes; antidumping or countervailing orders must be tested by written scope, manufacturer and component facts rather than product name. Country of shipment does not change origin. MPF applies to formal entries and HMF may apply to ocean imports. A special-program claim requires qualifying origin and records; a “Made in” label or supplier certificate is insufficient by itself.
FCC and radio compliance
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitters are intentional radiators under 47 CFR Part 15 and generally require FCC certification before marketing or importation; the digital host can also be subject to equipment-authorization and labeling/information rules. Obtain the FCC ID for each radio configuration, grant, test reports, antenna list, RF-exposure analysis, user manual and software controls that prevent operation outside authorized U.S. bands. A certified module does not automatically approve the finished TV: verify host integration, simultaneous transmission, permissive-change and end-product labeling conditions. Do not import a foreign-market 6 GHz configuration unless U.S. authorization covers it.
DOE testing and FTC EnergyGuide
DOE defines a television set as a dynamic-video product containing an internal TV tuner and receiving content through broadcast, wired, storage or network sources. Energy-use representations must use the procedure in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix H, with Part 429 compliance records. The FTC Energy Labeling Rule, 16 CFR Part 305, requires EnergyGuide labels for televisions, online disclosures, annual reporting and a report before distributing a new or energy-altered model. The FTC does not pre-approve the label; the manufacturer/importer must substantiate the data and keep the model-specific label available online.
Origin, marking and connected-product risk
Mark the actual country of origin under 19 U.S.C. 1304 and 19 CFR Part 134; final assembly location alone may not establish substantial transformation when panels, tuners and boards come from several countries. Connected TVs collect identifiers, viewing data, voice or account information, so privacy statements, security updates and default settings require FTC Act and applicable state connected-device/privacy review. These are market obligations, not reasons to alter HTS classification. Imported power cords and plugs must match U.S. electrical specifications and retailer safety requirements; ENERGY STAR claims are voluntary but must be valid.
Entry file and recommended description
Maintain invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs bond, valuation file, BOM, manufacturing flow, origin analysis, tuner and panel specifications, diagonal measurement, recording/reproduction analysis, FCC grants/reports, EnergyGuide/DOE files, labels, manuals and trademark authorization. A useful description is “Colour smart television receiver, direct-view LCD flat panel, internal ATSC tuner, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, diagonal ... cm, without incorporated video recorder/reproducer, model ..., country of origin ..., HTSUS candidate ...”. Separate models by size and hardware; “electronics” or “smart display” does not support classification.
Official U.S. sources
Official sources checked 12 September 2026: 2026 HTSUS, DOE Television Sets, FTC EnergyGuide FAQ, FCC equipment authorization and USTR Section 301 search. Recheck the HTS revision, Chapter 99 notes, FCC grant and any AD/CVD scope immediately before entry.
Limits of this guidance
This is conditional general guidance, not a CBP ruling, FCC grant or FTC/DOE certification. A final opinion requires screen technology and diagonal, tuner standard, recording/reproduction hardware, ports, RF bands and antennas, power configuration, model, firmware, manufacturing stages, component origins, seller relationship, value and entry date. If duty or trade-remedy exposure is material, request a CBP binding ruling and scope counsel before shipment.
Pre-shipment checklist
Before loading, reconcile the commercial model with the tested FCC and energy model; lock U.S. radio firmware; verify the HTS suffix and Chapter 99 claim; test origin marking on the TV and retail carton; retain a representative sample; and ensure the EnergyGuide image shown online matches the shipped unit. Purchase contracts should allocate costs for reclassification, additional duties, failed authorization, detention, re-export, software updates and recall.
Official sources to verify
- WCO — HS Nomenclature 2022 and General Rules for Interpretation
- United States International Trade Commission — Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Editorial note
Prepared by the Global HS Code Checker Editorial Team for customs-classification, tariff and import-policy research. The correct code and applicable measures may change with the merchandise's actual characteristics, jurisdiction, entry date and supporting record. Verify the current tariff, governing measures and competent customs authority before filing an entry. A reviewer is identified only after a named expert has completed the review.