HS 851310 Lamps

Quick Answer: Portable electric lamps imported under HS 851310 enter the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.70%, and the US with a range of rates including 3.5% ad valorem and Free for certain trade agreements, with a potential 40% rate. This classification primarily covers portable electric lamps, including those powered by their own source of energy, such as dry-cell batteries or accumulators, and are not designed to be fixed to a particular place. Significant trade considerations include the varying preferential duty rates available in the US market based on origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific trade agreement benefits for importers.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8513100000 4.00 %

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8513100000 5.70 %

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8513104000 3.5% Free (17 programs) ["No."]
851310
8513102000 12.5% Free (17 programs) ["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 8513.10?

Imports of Lamps 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, and 15 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 851310 cover?

This subheading covers portable electric lamps designed for lighting purposes, powered by a self-contained source of energy, such as dry-cell batteries or accumulators. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes items like electric torches (flashlights), headlamps, and lanterns that are not designed for permanent installation. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that these are portable lighting devices, distinct from fixed installations or lamps powered by mains electricity.

What falls outside HS 851310?

The following products are excluded from HS 851310: lamps powered by mains electricity, such as household table lamps or ceiling fixtures, which are typically classified under Chapter 94. Also excluded are lighting devices that are integral parts of other machines or apparatus, like the lights on a sewing machine or a vehicle's headlights, which are classified with the main product. Furthermore, decorative or novelty lighting strings, even if battery-powered, are generally classified elsewhere, often under Chapter 94 or 95 depending on their primary function.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 851310?

A common error is misclassifying battery-powered work lights or inspection lamps that are designed for specific professional use and may have features beyond simple illumination, potentially leading them to be classified under machinery or tools. Another mistake involves confusing portable lamps with those intended for permanent installation. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) for composite goods and General Interpretative Rule 1 for the Section and Chapter Notes is crucial to avoid misclassification.

How should importers classify products under HS 851310?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851310 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and power source. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Key considerations include whether the lamp is portable, self-contained in its power source, and primarily for lighting, ensuring it meets the specific criteria outlined in the nomenclature.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851310?

A portable LED flashlight 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) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($15.00 × 0.05 = $0.75). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 8513.10.2000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851310?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851310, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.

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FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 851310 (Lamps)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 851310, covering electric lamps and lighting fittings, can vary. For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists a rate of 4.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are often available under various trade agreements. For instance, rates can be as low as Free (0.00%) for imports from countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) under specific agreements. Always consult the relevant tariff schedule for the importing country to determine the precise rate applicable to your origin country.

How is the import duty for HS code 851310 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS code 851310 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and you import lamps valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.04 (Duty Rate) = $400 USD. Some specific types of lamps might have additional duties or be subject to specific unit duties, so it's crucial to verify the exact tariff description and any applicable duties in the importing country's tariff schedule.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 851310?

HS code 851310 specifically covers portable electric lamps designed to be carried or moved by hand, powered by a separate source of electricity (such as batteries or accumulators). This includes items like flashlights, hand-held lanterns, and headlamps. The key distinction is their portability and self-contained power source. Lamps that are permanently fixed or designed for installation in vehicles, buildings, or machinery are generally classified under different HS codes (e.g., Chapter 85, headings 8539 for light-emitting diodes (LED) and discharge lamps, or 8541 for semiconductor devices).

What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 851310?

When importing goods classified under HS code 851310, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the lamps; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transport. Depending on the country of origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Additionally, importers should be aware of any specific safety or compliance certifications required by the importing country, such as CE marking for the EU or FCC compliance for the US, especially for electrical products.

Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 851310?

Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 851310. For example, the United States has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR) that can result in duty-free entry for eligible goods. The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with various countries also offer reduced or zero duties. Similarly, the UK benefits from trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers should always verify the specific origin of their goods and consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to confirm eligibility and claim preferential treatment.