HS 853661 Lamp holders, plugs and sockets
Quick Answer: Electrical lamp holders, plugs, and sockets imported under HS 853661 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.30% ad valorem, and the US at 2.7% ad valorem (MFN). This classification covers devices designed to connect electrical lamps to a power supply, as well as plugs and sockets for electrical circuits. Importers should note the varying tariff rates across major markets. For instance, the US also offers duty-free entry for certain trading partners under specific agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of checking specific preferential rates and any potential trade barriers for these essential electrical components.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536611000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8536611090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8536619010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8536610000 | — | — | — |
| 8536611010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536610000 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536611000 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536611010 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536611090 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536619000 | 2.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536610000 | 2.7% | Free (18 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 8536.61?
Imports of Lamp holders, plugs and sockets 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 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?
What products does HS 853661 cover?
This subheading covers electrical apparatus for switching, protecting, connecting, or making connections to or in electrical circuits, specifically lamp holders, plugs, and sockets. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these items are designed for the termination and connection of electrical conductors. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this includes components like bayonet and screw-type lamp holders, as well as various types of plugs and sockets for household and industrial use, provided they are designed for circuits not exceeding 1,000 volts.
What falls outside HS 853661?
The following products are excluded from HS 853661: electrical apparatus for circuits exceeding 1,000 volts, which are classified under heading 8535. Also excluded are complete electrical appliances incorporating these components, such as lamps or appliances with integrated plugs. Furthermore, simple connectors not specifically designed as lamp holders, plugs, or sockets, such as terminal blocks for wiring, may fall under other subheadings within 8536, depending on their specific design and function, as per GRI 1 and GRI 6 of the HS.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853661?
A common error is misclassifying electrical connectors that are not specifically lamp holders, plugs, or sockets. For instance, simple terminal blocks or connectors used solely for joining wires within an appliance, rather than for connecting an appliance to the mains supply or a light fixture, might be incorrectly placed here. General Interpretative Rule 1 dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. If an item doesn't fit the specific description of a lamp holder, plug, or socket, it likely belongs elsewhere.
How should importers classify products under HS 853661?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853661 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and electrical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. They should verify that the item is indeed a lamp holder, plug, or socket designed for circuits not exceeding 1,000 volts, and that it is not specifically excluded by a more specific heading or note. Reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes for heading 8536 is also crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853661?
A shipment of 1,000 units of standard European-style Schuko plugs, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($1,500 USD × 10% = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HTS code 853661.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853661?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853661, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted and applicable to this product) or the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (for goods originating from the EU) could also offer preferential rates, potentially Free. To claim these preferences, a valid origin declaration or certificate, such as a USMCA certificate of origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK trade, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 853661 (Lamp holders, plugs and sockets)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 853661 in the United States is 2.7% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods imported from countries with which the U.S. has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). For example, goods from Australia (AU) may enter duty-free under certain conditions. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current and specific rates applicable to your country of origin. The EU TARIC database and the UK Trade Tariff provide similar detailed duty rate information for those regions.
How is the import duty for HS 853661 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 853661 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if you import lamp holders valued at $10,000 USD and the MFN duty rate is 2.7%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.027 (Duty Rate) = $270.00 USD. Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared, including all elements required by customs regulations, such as cost of goods, insurance, and freight.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 853661?
HS code 853661 covers 'Lamp holders, plugs and sockets'. The primary criterion for classification under this code is the function of the item. It applies to electrical apparatus designed to connect electrical equipment to an electrical power supply system. This includes components like bulb holders for lighting fixtures, electrical plugs (male connectors), and electrical sockets (female connectors) intended for use with voltages not exceeding 1,000 V. Items that are part of a larger assembly or have a different primary function would be classified elsewhere. For definitive guidance, refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (HS) provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 853661, and what documentation is needed?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 853661. For instance, the United States has FTAs with countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and others listed as 'Free' under the HTSUS. The EU and UK also have various trade agreements. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the exporter, proving that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. This documentation must be accurate and available for customs inspection.
Are there specific documentation requirements beyond the Certificate of Origin for importing items under HS code 853661?
Yes, in addition to potential Certificates of Origin for preferential duty claims, standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the transaction, a packing list specifying the contents of each package, and a bill of lading or air waybill as proof of shipment. Depending on the importing country and the specific product, compliance with electrical safety standards and certifications (e.g., UL listing in the U.S., CE marking in the EU) may also be necessary. Importers and customs brokers should verify these requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.