HS Code: 847510
Bulb assembly machine
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 84 is one of the broadest chapters in the HS classification, covering various machines, mechanical appliances, nuclear reactors, boilers, engines, pumps, fans, refrigeration equipment, machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, and various industrial and household machinery other than electrical equipment. The core characteristic of this chapter is that goods have mechanical motion or energy conversion functions and are usually assembled from multiple parts. Heading 8475 belongs to the more specific category of industrial special-purpose equipment within this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8475 covers machines specifically for manufacturing or assembling bulbs, electronic tubes, picture tubes, cathode ray tubes and similar electric light source devices, as well as special equipment for manufacturing or assembling glass envelopes, bulb sealing, exhausting, gas filling, etc. Machines under this heading are typically used in automated production lines of the electric light source industry, such as bulb assembly machines, filament welding machines, envelope sealing machines, exhaust tables, etc., excluding general-purpose assembly machinery or glass processing machinery.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 847510 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits 84 indicate Chapter 84, i.e., machines, mechanical appliances, nuclear reactors, boilers, etc.; digits 3-4, 75, indicate heading 8475, i.e., machines for manufacturing or assembling bulbs, electronic tubes, picture tubes, cathode ray tubes and similar electric light source devices; digits 5-6, 10, indicate subheading 847510, specifically referring to bulb assembly machines, i.e., special equipment for automatically assembling bulb components (such as filaments, envelopes, bases, etc.) into complete bulbs. This subheading is not further subdivided, and all bulb assembly machines are classified under this code.
Classification Basis
Bulb assembly machines are automated equipment specifically used for electric light source manufacturing, whose function is to assemble filaments, envelopes, bases and other components into bulbs, conforming to the description of heading 8475 'machines for manufacturing or assembling bulbs, electronic tubes and other electric light source devices.' They should not be classified under 8479 (other machinery not elsewhere specified) or 8486 (machines for manufacturing semiconductor devices), because 8479 is a residual heading, while 8486 targets semiconductors, integrated circuits, etc., and is unrelated to bulb manufacturing.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the function of the machine, such as '灯泡组装机' or 'Bulb assembly machine.'
⚠️ Mistakenly written as 'bulb production equipment' or 'bulb manufacturing machine,' which is too broad and may lead to classification disputes.
Use
Explain that the machine is specifically used for bulb assembly, for example, 'used for assembling filaments, envelopes, and bases into complete bulbs.'
⚠️ Only writing 'used for bulb production' without specifying the assembly function may lead to misclassification as other bulb manufacturing equipment.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the assembly method of the machine, such as 'using a robotic arm to grasp components and automatically complete processes such as filament insertion, envelope sealing, and base fixing.'
⚠️ The description is too simple, such as 'automatic assembly,' lacking key process descriptions, which affects classification determination.
Brand
Declare the brand of the machine (such as Philips, GE, etc.); if no brand, fill in 'no brand.'
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand resulting in incomplete declaration.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the machine, such as 'BA-2000.'
⚠️ Incorrect model or inconsistency with the actual item may trigger customs inspection.
Power
Declare the rated power of the machine (such as 5kW), used to assist in determining the machine type.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit or omission affects technical parameter review.
CNC or Not
Indicate whether the machine is CNC or fully automatic, such as 'fully automatic.'
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting fully automatic as CNC, or vice versa, may affect classification.
Year of Manufacture
Declare the year of manufacture of the machine, such as '2020.'
⚠️ Vague year entry, such as 'recent years,' does not meet declaration requirements.
Example:
Product Name: Bulb assembly machine; Use: Used for automatically assembling filaments, envelopes, and bases into complete bulbs; Working Principle: Using a robotic arm to grasp components and complete processes such as filament insertion, envelope sealing, and base fixing; Brand: Philips; Model: BA-2000; Power: 5kW; CNC or Not: Fully automatic; Year of Manufacture: 2020.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core criterion for classification lies in the specificity of the machine: it must be specifically used for assembling bulbs, electronic tubes and other electric light source devices. 847510 explicitly covers bulb assembly machines, i.e., machines for assembling filaments, envelopes, bases and other components into complete bulbs. If the machine is general-purpose and can assemble multiple products, it should not be classified under this code. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether the machine has automatic assembly functions, rather than performing only a single process (such as sealing or exhausting). Classification should refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for heading 8475, as well as relevant classification decisions of the General Administration of Customs.
Confused Codes:
847529 - Other machines for manufacturing or assembling bulbs, electronic tubes, etc.
847529 is another subheading under 8475, covering other electric light source manufacturing machines (such as sealing machines, exhaust machines) that are not bulb assembly machines, while 847510 specifically refers to bulb assembly machines.
847989 - Other machinery not elsewhere specified
847989 is a residual heading; if a machine cannot be clearly classified under 8475, it may be classified here. However, bulb assembly machines should be preferentially classified under 847510 due to their specificity.
848620 - Machines for manufacturing semiconductor devices or integrated circuits
848620 targets semiconductor and integrated circuit manufacturing, while bulb assembly machines are used in the electric light source industry; the two have different uses and technical fields.
846490 - Other glass processing machinery
846490 is used for glass processing (such as cutting, grinding), while bulb assembly machines are assembly equipment and do not involve glass forming processing.
847510 - Bulb assembly machine
This code itself; attention should be paid to distinguishing it from 847529, which covers other electric light source manufacturing machines, not assembly machines.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to distinguish bulb assembly machines from bulb sealing machines in HS codes?
A: Bulb assembly machines are classified under 847510, specifically used for assembling filaments, envelopes, bases, etc. into complete bulbs; while bulb sealing machines are classified under 847529 (other machines for manufacturing or assembling bulbs), only completing the envelope sealing process. The two have different functions, and classification should be determined based on the actual use of the machine.
Q: If a bulb assembly machine is also used for assembling other electric light source devices, how should it be classified?
A: If the machine can assemble multiple electric light source devices (such as electronic tubes, picture tubes), it may still be classified under heading 8475, but classification should be determined based on the primary function. If the primary function is bulb assembly, it is classified under 847510; if the functions are diverse, it may be classified under 847529 or 8479. Detailed technical descriptions are recommended.
Q: When importing used bulb assembly machines, is the HS code the same as for new machines?
A: Yes, the HS code is mainly determined based on the function, use, and principle of the machine, regardless of whether it is new or used. Used bulb assembly machines are still classified under 847510, but the declaration must indicate 'used' and the year of manufacture; customs may have additional regulatory requirements for used mechanical and electrical products.
Q: Under which HS code should parts of bulb assembly machines be classified?
A: Special parts of bulb assembly machines (such as robotic arms, fixtures) that are clearly dedicated to that machine should be classified under 847590 (parts under heading 8475); if they are general-purpose parts, they should be classified according to material or as general-purpose parts. It is recommended to refer to the Tariff and classification decisions.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for bulb assembly machines?
A: The MFN rate, general rate, etc. for 847510 can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China.' Tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to rely on customs system data at the time of declaration or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: Are special documents required for exporting bulb assembly machines?
A: Generally, exports require basic documents such as contracts, invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations. If the machine involves technology export controls, an export license may be required. Specific requirements can be consulted with local customs or commerce departments.
Q: Are the HS codes for bulb assembly machines and LED assembly machines the same?
A: LED assembly machines are typically used for assembling LED bulbs or modules. If their function is to assemble electric light source devices, they may be classified under 8475; but if they are for semiconductor device assembly, they may be classified under 8486. Classification should be determined based on the specific assembly object and principle.
Q: How to describe the working principle of a bulb assembly machine during declaration to avoid classification errors?
A: The assembly processes should be described in detail, such as 'feeding through a vibration bowl, a robotic arm grasping filaments and inserting them into envelopes, then performing sealing, gas filling, base installation, etc.,' emphasizing its automatic assembly characteristics to avoid confusion with single-function machines.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.