8523.41.00.00 - Unrecorded

This HTS category, 8523.41.00.00, specifically covers unrecorded optical media. This includes blank discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays, as well as other optical storage devices designed for recording sound or other phenomena. The key characteristic is that these media have not yet had any data, audio, video, or other information permanently impressed upon them for playback or reproduction. This distinguishes them from recorded optical media which would fall under a different classification.

The primary distinction within this level of classification lies between "Unrecorded" (8523.41) and "Other" (8523.49) optical media. While 8523.41 exclusively addresses blank media, the "Other" category is a residual one that would encompass any optical media not classified as unrecorded. This implies that if an optical medium is intended for a specific pre-recorded purpose or has other distinguishing features not covered by the "unrecorded" definition, it would be directed to 8523.49.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories that subdivide this specific classification. Therefore, the practical application of this code relies on a thorough understanding of what constitutes "unrecorded" optical media versus recorded media or other non-optical storage solutions. Classification hinges on whether the optical medium is presented for initial recording of user-generated or factory-applied content.