HS 854020 Television camera tubes; image converters and intensifiers; other photocathode tubes
Quick Answer: Television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, and other photocathode tubes imported under HS 854020 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 6% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification covers devices that convert light into electrical signals for imaging or amplify faint light. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings and preferential trade agreements that might alter these rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8540201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8540201010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8540201090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8540208000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8540208010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8540200000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8540201000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8540201010 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8540201090 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8540208000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85402020 | 6% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8540202080 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8540204000 | 3.3% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
| 854020 | — | — | — |
| 8540202040 | — | — | ["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 8540.20?
Imports of Television camera tubes; image converters and intensifiers; other photocathode tubes 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 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 854020 cover?
This subheading covers television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, and other photocathode tubes, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are vacuum tubes or similar devices that convert light into an electrical signal or amplify existing light. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category specifically includes devices like image orthicons, vidicons, and photomultiplier tubes, which are crucial components in imaging systems.
What falls outside HS 854020?
The following products are excluded from HS 854020: solid-state image sensors (such as CCD or CMOS sensors), which are classified under heading 8541. Also excluded are cathode ray tubes for televisions (heading 8540.11) and other vacuum tubes for general use (heading 8540.89). Devices that primarily function as light emitters, rather than light converters or intensifiers, are also classified elsewhere, typically in headings related to lighting equipment.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 854020?
A common error is misclassifying solid-state image sensors, which are semiconductor devices and fall under HS 8541.40, not 8540.20. This mistake often arises from a misunderstanding of the fundamental technology; HS 8540 pertains to vacuum tubes, while HS 8541 covers semiconductor devices. 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 854020?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854020 involves a detailed examination of the product's technical specifications and intended function. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and compare the product's characteristics against the descriptive notes for heading 8540 and subheading 8540.20. Verifying if the product is a vacuum tube-based camera tube, image converter, or intensifier is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854020?
A specific image intensifier tube, model "XX-1000," declared at a customs value of $500 USD and weighing 0.5 kg, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 7.0% of $500 USD = $35.00. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 8540.20.9000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854020?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854020. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating goods may be eligible for Free (0%) duty. Products from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also receive reduced rates, with some GSP beneficiaries achieving Free entry. Documentation such as a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A is typically required to claim these preferential rates, depending on the origin country and the specific agreement.
```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 854020 (Television camera tubes; image converters and intensifiers; other photocathode tubes)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 854020 is 2.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates can significantly reduce or eliminate this. For example, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), certain developing countries may receive duty-free entry. Always consult the latest tariff schedule for the specific country of import and the origin of the goods to determine the applicable rate. Sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU TARIC database provide detailed rate information.
How is the import duty for HS code 854020 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 854020 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 image intensifier tubes valued at $10,000 is imported into the United States and the MFN duty rate of 2.70% applies, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0270 (Duty Rate) = $270.00. It is crucial to ensure accurate valuation and correct application of the duty rate.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 854020?
HS code 854020 covers specific types of vacuum tubes designed to convert light into electrical signals or to amplify light. This includes television camera tubes (like image orthicons or vidicon tubes), image converters (which change the wavelength of light), and image intensifiers (which amplify low light levels). It also includes other photocathode tubes, which are vacuum tubes with a photocathode that emits electrons when struck by light. Exclusions typically include solid-state image sensors (like CCD or CMOS sensors) which fall under different HS codes.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 854020?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 854020. For example, goods originating from countries that are signatories to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the importing country may qualify for reduced or zero duties. Examples include agreements like USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), or various EU Free Trade Agreements. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 854020?
Standard import documentation for HS code 854020 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the goods (e.g., if they contain sensitive technology), additional certifications or licenses might be necessary. Consulting the customs authority of the importing country is recommended.