8523.51.00.00 - Solid-state non-volatile storage devices

This HTS category, 8523.51.00.00, specifically covers solid-state non-volatile storage devices. These are electronic components designed to store digital data persistently, meaning the data remains even when power is removed. Examples include NAND flash memory, commonly found in USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD), solid-state drives (SSDs) used in computers, and embedded flash memory used in mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. The key characteristic is their reliance on semiconductor technology for data storage and their non-volatile nature.

This heading is distinguished from its sibling, 8523.52.00, which classifies "smart cards." While smart cards also utilize semiconductor technology for data storage and often contain non-volatile memory, their primary defining characteristic for classification purposes is their physical form factor and integrated circuitry designed for secure transactions and identification, often incorporating an electrical interface for communication.

As 8523.51.00.00 is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification focuses on the inherent nature of the solid-state, non-volatile storage medium itself. Classification within this category hinges on whether the product is fundamentally a device designed for the purpose of storing digital data electronically and persistently, without the specific transactional or identification features that would categorize it as a smart card.