HS 854012 Monochrome
Quick Answer: Monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes imported under HS 854012 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 7.50% ad valorem, and the US at 3.6% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This HS code specifically covers cathode-ray television picture tubes that display images in a single color, typically black and white. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate difference between the EU and the US. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates based on origin and any applicable trade agreements.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8540120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8540120010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8540120090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8540120000 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 8540120010 | 7.50 % | — | — |
| 8540120090 | 7.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8540121000 | 3.6% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
| 854012 | — | — | — |
| 8540122000 | 3.6% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
| 85401250 | 3.3% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8540125040 | — | — | ["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 8540.12?
Imports of Monochrome 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 16 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 854012 cover?
This subheading covers monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes, specifically those designed for the reception of monochrome signals. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes tubes where the image is displayed in a single color, typically black and white. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further define this by excluding color tubes and focusing on the fundamental monochrome display technology, often used in older television sets or specialized industrial monitors.
What falls outside HS 854012?
The following products are excluded from HS 854012: color cathode-ray television picture tubes, which are classified under HS 854011. Also excluded are cathode-ray tubes not designed for television reception, such as those used in oscilloscopes or radar displays, which fall under other headings within Chapter 85. Furthermore, modern flat-panel display technologies like LCD, LED, or OLED screens, regardless of whether they display in monochrome, are classified separately and do not fall under this heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 854012?
A common error is misclassifying monochrome cathode-ray tubes intended for non-television applications, such as scientific or industrial equipment, under this subheading. General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 are crucial here; Rule 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a tube is not specifically for television reception, it should be classified elsewhere, often under HS 854089 for "other cathode-ray tubes."
How should importers classify products under HS 854012?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854012 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use and technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the cathode-ray tube is specifically designed for monochrome television reception. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 8540 is essential to confirm the correct classification and avoid discrepancies.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854012?
A monochrome cathode-ray television picture tube weighing 5 kg and declared at a customs value of $150 USD would attract a US duty of $7.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($150 USD × 0.05 = $7.50). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically for subheading 854012.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854012?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854012, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, preferential rates may be available under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries, potentially offering a reduced rate or Free entry. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 854012 (Monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes)?
Import duty rates for HS code 854012 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. In the European Union, under TARIC, the rate is also often 0.00%. However, other countries may have different rates; for instance, some countries might apply rates around 7.50% or even higher. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is HS code 854012 defined, and what are its classification criteria?
HS code 854012 specifically covers 'Monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes'. The key classification criterion is that the cathode-ray tube must be designed for displaying monochrome (black and white) images and intended for use in television receivers. Tubes designed for other applications, such as computer monitors (which may fall under different HS codes) or medical imaging, would not be classified here. The presence of a phosphor coating designed for monochrome display is essential.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 854012?
Standard import documentation for HS code 854012 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or product literature that confirms the monochrome nature of the cathode-ray tubes if requested by customs authorities for verification.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 854012, and how do they affect duties?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties on goods classified under HS code 854012. For instance, the US has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Canada (CA - though often covered by USMCA), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Dominican Republic (D), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Mexico (MX - often covered by USMCA), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and South Korea (KR). Under these agreements, goods originating from these partner countries may enter the US duty-free. Similarly, the EU and UK have various trade agreements that can provide preferential treatment. To claim these benefits, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin for the specific agreement and possess the required proof of origin documentation.
Can you provide a numerical example of how import duty for HS code 854012 might be calculated?
Let's assume an importer brings 1,000 monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes (HS 854012) into a country where the standard duty rate is 7.50% ad valorem, and the declared value of the shipment is $50,000 USD. The duty calculation would be: Duty = Declared Value × Duty Rate. In this case, Duty = $50,000 × 7.50% = $50,000 × 0.075 = $3,750. If there were also a specific duty component, such as $1.00 per unit, the total duty would be the sum of the ad valorem duty and the specific duty: Total Duty = ($50,000 × 0.075) + (1,000 units × $1.00/unit) = $3,750 + $1,000 = $4,750. Always verify the applicable duty structure (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the importing country's tariff.