HS 853952 Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps
Quick Answer: LED lamps imported under HS 853952 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from free to 20% ad valorem depending on the country of origin. This classification covers light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, which are a type of electric lighting device that produces light using semiconductor diodes. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities across major trading blocs, necessitating careful consideration of sourcing and destination markets. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based preferential rates in the US.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539520000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8539520000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85395200 | 2% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8539520020 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539520040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539520051 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8539520010 | — | — | ["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 8539.52?
Imports of Light-emitting diode (LED) 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 853952 cover?
This subheading covers light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are lamps and lighting fittings incorporating one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the production of visible light. This includes LED bulbs, LED tubes, and integrated LED luminaires where the LED component is not separable. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the inherent light-emitting properties of the diode technology.
What falls outside HS 853952?
The following products are excluded from HS 853952: lamps and lighting fittings that do not primarily utilize light-emitting diodes for visible light production, such as incandescent lamps (HS 853921), halogen lamps (HS 853922), and fluorescent lamps (HS 853931). Also excluded are components of LED lamps that are not complete lamps themselves, such as individual LED chips or LED modules not yet assembled into a functional lighting unit. Lighting devices for specific applications, like signal lamps or automotive headlights, may also fall under different headings depending on their primary function and construction.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853952?
A common error is misclassifying integrated LED luminaires where the LED component is not separable, or conversely, classifying LED modules that are not yet complete lamps. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify LED lamps based on their end-use rather than their inherent characteristics, or fail to distinguish between LED lamps and other types of electric lamps covered by different subheadings within HS 8539.
How should importers classify products under HS 853952?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853952 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications and construction. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the lighting device incorporates one or more light-emitting diodes as the primary source of visible light. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, is crucial. If the product is a complete lamp or lighting fitting designed for illumination and utilizes LED technology, it should be classified here.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853952?
A shipment of 1,000 LED filament bulbs, each declared at a customs value of $1.50 USD, for a total declared value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 15% ad valorem for this product, the calculated duty would be $225.00 USD ($1,500 USD × 15%). This is calculated using the ad valorem rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 8539.52.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853952?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853952, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries. Documentation required to claim preference under USMCA typically includes a certification of origin, while CPTPP may require a certificate of origin issued by an authorized body or a self-declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 853952 (Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps)?
HS code 853952 specifically covers 'Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps'. To be classified under this code, the product must primarily function as a light source and utilize LED technology. This excludes LED components that are not designed to be a complete lamp (e.g., LED chips or strips without a housing and power supply), or lamps using other lighting technologies like incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent. The product must be a self-contained unit intended for general lighting purposes.
What is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for LED lamps (HS 853952) in the United States?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for goods classified under HS code 853952 (Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps) in the United States is 3.70% ad valorem. This rate applies to imports from countries not covered by specific trade agreements or preferential programs. For example, if an importer brings in LED lamps valued at $10,000, the MFN duty would be $10,000 \times 0.0370 = $370.00.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for LED lamps (HS 853952) into the United States?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often resulting in duty-free entry, for LED lamps (HS 853952) into the United States. Notable examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Under these agreements, the duty rate is Free (0.00%). Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required for importing LED lamps (HS 853952) into the EU under TARIC?
When importing LED lamps (HS 853952) into the European Union, importers and customs brokers must ensure accurate classification under the TARIC system. While the standard duty rate for many non-EU countries is 2.7% ad valorem, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. Essential documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin if preferential treatment is claimed. Depending on the specific product and origin, additional certifications related to safety standards (e.g., CE marking) and energy efficiency may be required by national authorities.
How are duties calculated for LED lamps (HS 853952) imported into the UK, and what are the potential preferential rates?
In the United Kingdom, LED lamps (HS 853952) are generally subject to a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.7% ad valorem. However, the UK has established a network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that can reduce or eliminate these duties. For example, under the UK-Australia FTA, goods originating in Australia may benefit from a preferential rate of Free (0.00%). To illustrate a calculation: if LED lamps valued at £5,000 are imported from a country with a 2.7% MFN duty rate, the calculated duty would be £5,000 \times 0.027 = £135.00. Importers must provide valid proof of origin to claim any preferential duty rate.