HS 853941 Ultraviolet or infra-red lamps; arc lamps
Quick Answer: Ultraviolet or infra-red lamps and arc lamps imported under HS 853941 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 2.6% ad valorem (with preferential rates available for certain trading partners). This classification specifically covers lamps that emit ultraviolet or infra-red radiation, as well as arc lamps, which produce light through an electric arc. Importers should be aware of the varying duty rates across major markets and verify eligibility for any preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539410000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539410000 | 2.6% | 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 8539.41?
Imports of Ultraviolet or infra-red lamps; arc 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 853941 cover?
This subheading covers ultraviolet or infra-red lamps and arc lamps, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. These are specialized lighting devices designed to emit specific wavelengths of light for various applications, including sterilization, medical treatment, and industrial processes. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses lamps that produce light primarily in the UV or IR spectrum, or through an electric arc, distinct from general illumination lamps.
What falls outside HS 853941?
The following products are excluded from HS 853941: general lighting service incandescent lamps (HS 853921), halogen incandescent lamps (HS 853929), discharge lamps other than arc lamps (e.g., fluorescent, mercury vapor, sodium vapor, metal halide lamps, typically classified under HS 85393), and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (HS 853951). These exclusions are based on the specific light-emitting mechanism and intended primary function, ensuring accurate classification according to the WCO's structure.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853941?
A common error is misclassifying general lighting discharge lamps, such as fluorescent or HID lamps, under HS 853941. These lamps, while emitting light, do not operate via an electric arc and are typically classified under HS 85393. Another mistake involves classifying specialized LED lamps that emit UV or IR light under this heading; these should be classified under HS 853951 if they meet the criteria for LED lamps. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which prioritizes Section and Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 853941?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853941 involves a thorough examination of the lamp's technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the lamp's primary function is to emit ultraviolet or infra-red radiation, or if it operates as an arc lamp. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is essential to verify the product's characteristics against the subheading's description.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853941?
A specialized UV germicidal lamp weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $150.00 USD would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($150.00 × 10% = $15.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8539.41.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853941?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853941. For instance, under the USMCA, qualifying lamps originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a duty rate of Free. Similarly, preferential rates may apply for goods originating from countries benefiting from the EU's GSP scheme, potentially reducing duties to Free. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 853941 (Ultraviolet or infra-red lamps; arc lamps) into the United States?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 853941 into the United States is currently 2.70% ad valorem. This rate is applied to the declared customs value of the imported goods. For example, if goods valued at $10,000 are imported, the duty would be $10,000 * 0.0270 = $270. It's crucial to consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) published by the USITC for the most up-to-date rates, as these can change.
Are there preferential duty rates available for HS code 853941 under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may be available for HS code 853941 under various trade agreements. For instance, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods meeting the rules of origin may qualify for duty-free entry (0.00%). Other agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or South Korea (KR), may also offer reduced or free entry, indicated by codes like 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' in tariff schedules. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key criteria for classifying lamps under HS code 853941?
HS code 853941 specifically covers ultraviolet (UV) or infra-red (IR) lamps, and arc lamps. Classification hinges on the primary function and type of radiation emitted. UV lamps are designed to emit radiation primarily in the ultraviolet spectrum, used in applications like sterilization or curing. IR lamps emit radiation in the infrared spectrum, used for heating or therapeutic purposes. Arc lamps produce light through an electric arc between two electrodes. Lamps that do not primarily emit UV or IR radiation, or are not arc lamps, would be classified elsewhere in Chapter 85.
What documentation is typically required for importing ultraviolet or infra-red lamps (HS 853941)?
Standard import documentation for HS code 853941 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the goods, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the specific product, additional documentation may be required. For instance, if claiming preferential treatment under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin is mandatory. Safety certifications or compliance with specific electrical standards might also be necessary, particularly for lamps intended for consumer or medical use.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 853941 if the rate is 2.6% ad valorem and the goods are also subject to an additional specific duty?
While HS code 853941 primarily has ad valorem rates, some countries may apply additional specific duties or taxes. Assuming a hypothetical scenario where the duty rate is 2.6% ad valorem and there's a specific duty of $0.50 per unit, for an import of 100 lamps valued at $50 each: The ad valorem duty would be (100 lamps * $50/lamp) * 0.026 = $5,000 * 0.026 = $130. The specific duty would be 100 lamps * $0.50/lamp = $50. The total duty would be $130 + $50 = $180. Always verify the exact duty structure, including any specific duties or taxes, from the official tariff schedule of the importing country.