HS 851210 Lighting or visual signalling equipment of a kind used on bicycles

Quick Answer: Bicycle lighting and visual signalling equipment imported under HS 851210 enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US at 2.7% (MFN). This category encompasses headlamps, taillights, and turn signals specifically designed for use on bicycles, enhancing rider visibility and safety. Importers should be aware of potential variations in preferential duty rates for the US, with certain trade agreements offering duty-free entry. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin rules for optimal tariff application.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8512100000 2.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8512100000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
851210 — — —
8512104000 2.7% Free (17 programs) ["No."]
8512102000 Free — ["No."]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8512.10?

Imports of Lighting or visual signalling equipment of a kind used on bicycles may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 851210 cover?

This subheading covers lighting or visual signalling equipment specifically designed for use on bicycles. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes front and rear lights, reflectors, and turn signals intended to enhance visibility and safety for cyclists. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are typically battery-powered or dynamo-driven devices, such as LED or incandescent bicycle lamps and flashing safety lights.

What falls outside HS 851210?

The following products are excluded from HS 851210: general-purpose lighting equipment not specifically designed for bicycles, such as household lamps or work lights; vehicle lighting for motor vehicles (classified under other headings); and safety equipment not related to visual signalling, like helmets or reflective clothing. For instance, a portable flashlight for general use would not fall under this subheading, nor would a bicycle bell, which is classified under HS 851290 as parts and accessories.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 851210?

A common error is misclassifying combined bicycle accessories. For example, a bicycle computer with an integrated light might be incorrectly classified solely as lighting equipment. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3, if goods are classifiable under two or more headings, the heading which provides the most specific description shall be preferred. If no such heading exists, the heading which occurs latest in numerical order shall be considered. Importers must consider the principal function of the combined article.

How should importers classify products under HS 851210?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851210 involves a thorough examination of the product's design and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the lighting or signalling equipment is specifically manufactured for attachment to and operation on a bicycle. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing explanatory notes from the WCO are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851210?

A set of two LED bicycle lights, weighing 0.2 kg and declared at a customs value of $15.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5% ad valorem applied to the customs value ($15.00 × 0.05 = $0.75). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 851210.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851210?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required by customs authorities.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 851220 HS 851230 HS 853120 HS 851310 HS 851240 HS 853910

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 851210 (bicycle lighting and signaling equipment)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 851210 can vary. For example, under the US tariff schedule, the MFN rate is often 2.7% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available for goods originating from countries with trade agreements. For instance, goods from Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free under specific trade agreements. Always verify the specific origin and applicable trade agreement to determine the correct duty rate.

How is the import duty for bicycle lights calculated under HS 851210?

Import duties for HS 851210 are typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if bicycle lights are valued at $1,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 2.7% ad valorem, the duty would be $1,000 * 0.027 = $27.00 USD. In some cases, specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties may apply, depending on the importing country's tariff schedule and the specific product.

What are the classification criteria for goods under HS code 851210?

HS code 851210 covers 'Lighting or visual signalling equipment of a kind used on bicycles.' This includes headlamps, taillights, and turn signals specifically designed for mounting on bicycles. The key criterion is that the equipment is intended for use on a bicycle. Equipment that could be used on other vehicles or for general lighting purposes, but is not specifically designed or marketed for bicycles, may be classified elsewhere.

Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 851210?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 851210. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) that may grant duty-free or reduced-duty entry for qualifying bicycle lighting and signaling equipment. The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list preferential rates under various agreements. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these benefits.

What documentation is typically required when importing bicycle lighting and signaling equipment under HS 851210?

Standard import documentation for HS 851210 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or other acceptable proof of origin documentation is mandatory. This document must be issued by the exporter and certified by the relevant authorities in the exporting country, confirming that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the trade agreement. Compliance with any specific product safety or electrical standards may also be required by the importing country.