HS 853931 Discharge lamps, other than ultraviolet lamps
Quick Answer: Discharge lamps, other than ultraviolet lamps, imported under HS 853931 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.4% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification encompasses a broad range of lighting devices that produce light by passing an electric discharge through a gas, such as fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps (including metal halide and sodium vapor lamps), and neon lamps. It specifically excludes lamps that primarily emit ultraviolet radiation. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings within each jurisdiction that might affect the final duty rate. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to aid trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539310000 | — | — | — |
| 8539311000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8539311010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8539319000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8539311090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539310000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539311000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539311010 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539311090 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539319000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85393100 | 2.4% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8539310050 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539310070 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539310040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539310060 | — | — | ["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 8539.31?
Imports of Discharge lamps, other than ultraviolet 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, 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?
What products does HS 853931 cover?
This subheading covers discharge lamps, specifically those that produce light by passing an electric discharge through a gas, but explicitly excludes ultraviolet lamps. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this category includes fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps such as metal halide, mercury vapor, and high-pressure sodium lamps, and neon lamps, provided they are not primarily designed for emitting ultraviolet radiation. These lamps operate by exciting a gas or vapor within a sealed tube, causing it to emit light.
What falls outside HS 853931?
The following products are excluded from HS 853931: ultraviolet lamps, which are classified under HS 853932, and incandescent lamps, which are classified under HS 853921. Additionally, lamps that do not operate on the principle of electrical discharge, such as halogen lamps (classified under HS 853929), are not included. Products that are components of discharge lamps but not complete lamps, like discharge tubes or electrodes, would also be classified separately based on their specific nature and function, often under more general headings within Chapter 85.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853931?
A common error is misclassifying ultraviolet lamps as general discharge lamps under HS 853931, when they should be classified under HS 853932. This often occurs due to a misunderstanding of the primary function or intended use of the lamp. Another mistake can be classifying components of discharge lamps, such as starter units or ballast components, under this heading, when General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 dictates classification based on the essential character of the good, and these components are not complete lamps themselves.
How should importers classify products under HS 853931?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853931 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the lamp operates via electrical discharge and is not primarily an ultraviolet lamp. Consulting the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is crucial. Confirming the absence of ultraviolet emission as the primary function is key to accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853931?
A shipment of 1,000 fluorescent light bulbs, each weighing 0.15 kg (total 150 kg) and declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $375.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($2,500 USD × 0.15 = $375.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 853931.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853931?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853931, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free entry for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a valid origin declaration is required, while for GSP, a GSP Form A is typically needed.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 853931, 'Discharge lamps, other than ultraviolet lamps'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 853931 is typically 2.70% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the duty rate is Free (0.00%). It is crucial for importers to verify the specific rate applicable to their country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. Always consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for definitive rates.
How is the import duty for HS 853931 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 853931 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For instance, if a shipment of discharge lamps valued at $10,000 is imported into the U.S. with an MFN duty rate of 2.70%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.0270 = $270.00. If the goods originate from a country with a preferential duty rate, such as Free, the duty would be $10,000 * 0.00 = $0.00. Ensure accurate valuation and correct application of the duty rate based on origin.
What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 853931?
HS code 853931 covers 'Discharge lamps, other than ultraviolet lamps'. The primary criterion is that the lamp operates by passing an electric discharge through a gas, vapor, or the like. This distinguishes them from incandescent lamps (which produce light by heating a filament) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Examples include fluorescent lamps (including compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs), high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps like metal halide or high-pressure sodium lamps, and neon lamps. The exclusion of 'ultraviolet lamps' means that lamps primarily designed to emit UV radiation, such as germicidal lamps or blacklights, would be classified elsewhere, typically under HS code 8539.49.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 853931?
Standard import documentation is required for HS code 853931. 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. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., KORUS FTA, USMCA), importers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin or a declaration that meets the specific requirements of the agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets if requested by customs to verify classification. Compliance with any applicable safety standards or certifications (e.g., UL listing in the US, CE marking in the EU) may also be necessary.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 853931 into the United States?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 853931 into the United States. For example, under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), these lamps often receive a Free (0.00%) duty rate. Similarly, goods originating from countries party to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may also benefit from reduced or Free rates, depending on the specific rules of origin. Other agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and Singapore (SG), also list Free entry for certain goods within this chapter. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin for the specific agreement to claim these benefits, typically requiring a valid Certificate of Origin.