HS 853932 Mercury or sodium vapour lamps; metal halide lamps
Quick Answer: Mercury or sodium vapour lamps and metal halide lamps imported under HS 853932 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.4% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This classification covers discharge lamps utilizing mercury vapor, sodium vapor, or metal halide compounds to produce light. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings and preferential trade agreements that might affect final duty liability. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539320000 | — | — | — |
| 8539322000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8539329000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8539329010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8539329090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539320000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539322000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539329000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539329010 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8539329090 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539320020 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539320090 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 85393200 | 2.4% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8539320040 | — | — | ["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 8539.32?
Imports of Mercury or sodium vapour lamps; metal halide 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?
What products does HS 853932 cover?
This subheading covers electric lamps specifically designed to operate using mercury vapor, sodium vapor, or metal halide gas discharge technologies. 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's TARIC database, these lamps are characterized by the excitation of gases within a sealed envelope to produce light, often requiring a ballast to regulate current. Examples include high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps used in street lighting, industrial settings, and sports arenas.
What falls outside HS 853932?
The following products are excluded from HS 853932: incandescent lamps (HS 853921-853929), fluorescent lamps (HS 853931), and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (HS 853951). Also excluded are lamps that do not utilize mercury vapor, sodium vapor, or metal halide technology, such as halogen lamps (HS 853921) or specialized lamps for medical or photographic purposes if they have distinct classifications. The key differentiator is the specific gas discharge mechanism employed.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853932?
A common error is misclassifying lamps based solely on their application rather than their technological principle. For instance, a high-pressure sodium lamp used for street lighting should be classified under 853932, but if it were an LED street light, it would fall under 853951. Another mistake involves confusing metal halide lamps with other types of discharge lamps. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 853932?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853932 involves a thorough examination of the lamp's technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must verify the type of gas discharge technology used (mercury vapor, sodium vapor, or metal halide) and confirm that the lamp is not a type covered by a more specific heading or subheading, such as fluorescent or LED lamps. Reviewing manufacturer's specifications and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853932?
A 400W High-Pressure Sodium Lamp, declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the declared value (0.05 × $50.00 = $2.50). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 853932. If the lamp were imported in bulk, a per-unit duty might apply, requiring weight or quantity verification.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853932?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853932, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying lamps originating from Canada or Mexico can achieve a duty rate of Free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from designated developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A. The specific preferential rate and documentation depend on the origin country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 853932 (Mercury or sodium vapour lamps; metal halide lamps)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for goods classified under HS code 853932 is generally 2.70% ad valorem in many major markets like the United States. However, preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), originating goods may receive preferential treatment. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. Always refer to official sources such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff for precise rates.
How is the import duty for HS 853932 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 853932 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of metal halide lamps is valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 2.70%, the import duty would be calculated as follows: $10,000 (value) × 0.027 (duty rate) = $270.00 USD. If the tariff also specifies a per-unit duty (e.g., $0.50 per lamp), the importer would pay the higher of the two calculations. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 853932, and what distinguishes these lamps from others?
HS code 853932 specifically covers 'Mercury or sodium vapour lamps; metal halide lamps.' The key classification criterion is the type of gas discharge used to produce light. Mercury vapour lamps utilize mercury vapor, sodium vapour lamps use sodium vapor, and metal halide lamps contain a mixture of metal halides, metal iodides, and sometimes metal iodides, along with mercury and a noble gas. These differ from incandescent lamps (which heat a filament) or fluorescent lamps (which use a phosphor coating excited by UV radiation from a mercury discharge). Importers must ensure their product's technical specifications align with the description of these specific gas-discharge lamps to ensure correct classification.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 853932?
When importing goods under HS code 853932, 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. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries may also require specific product safety certifications or compliance declarations related to electrical equipment. It is advisable for importers and customs brokers to consult the importing country's customs regulations for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 853932, and how can importers benefit?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 853932. For example, goods originating from countries party to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) or specific bilateral FTAs (like those between the EU and Canada, or the US and South Korea) may qualify for reduced or zero duties. To benefit, importers must ensure the lamps are 'originating goods' according to the rules of origin specified in the relevant trade agreement. This typically requires obtaining a Certificate of Origin from the exporter and submitting it to customs authorities at the time of import. Verifying eligibility and compliance with the agreement's rules is crucial for duty savings.