Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS classification for technology-intensive products, including various types of electrical equipment for power generation, transformation, storage, and use, as well as communications and electronics. Headings within the chapter are arranged by function or use, such as 8501 electric motors, 8504 transformers/static converters/inductors, 8505 electromagnets, etc. Goods of this chapter generally have electrical operating characteristics, but certain specific electrical products are excluded (such as mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84, optical instruments of Chapter 90, etc.). Heading 8504 covers transformers, static converters (such as rectifiers and inverters), and inductors. Specifically, it includes: liquid dielectric transformers, other transformers, static converters, and inductors (such as ballasts and chokes). The core function of goods under this heading is electromagnetic induction or power electronic conversion, used to change voltage, current, frequency, or to provide inductance. It should be noted that inductors under 8504 include ballasts for discharge lamps, i.e., this code 850410. This heading is clearly distinguished from 8505 electromagnets and 8512 lighting devices, and classification must be determined based on the primary function. HS code 850410 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles). Digits 3-4 '04' represent heading 8504 (transformers, static converters, and inductors). Digits 5-6 '10' represent subheading 850410, specifically referring to ballasts for discharge lamps. Further subdivision of this subheading depends on individual national customs tariff schedules, but at the international level there is only this one level. When classifying, it must be confirmed that the goods are ballasts for discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps), rather than other inductors or transformers. Ballasts for discharge lamps are classified under 850410 because their core function is to limit the current of discharge lamps, and they are essentially an inductor or electronic ballast (static converter). They do not belong to other subheadings of 8504 (such as 850431 transformers, 850440 static converters) because their use is dedicated to discharge lamps; they also do not belong to 8512 lighting devices, because ballasts are independent electrical components, not the luminaires themselves; nor do they belong to 8539 discharge lamps, because the latter are the lamp tubes themselves. Therefore, 850410 is the accurate code specifically established for discharge lamp ballasts.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS classification for technology-intensive products, including various types of electrical equipment for power generation, transformation, storage, and use, as well as communications and electronics. Headings within the chapter are arranged by function or use, such as 8501 electric motors, 8504 transformers/static converters/inductors, 8505 electromagnets, etc. Goods of this chapter generally have electrical operating characteristics, but certain specific electrical products are excluded (such as mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84, optical instruments of Chapter 90, etc.).
Heading
Heading 8504 covers transformers, static converters (such as rectifiers and inverters), and inductors. Specifically, it includes: liquid dielectric transformers, other transformers, static converters, and inductors (such as ballasts and chokes). The core function of goods under this heading is electromagnetic induction or power electronic conversion, used to change voltage, current, frequency, or to provide inductance. It should be noted that inductors under 8504 include ballasts for discharge lamps, i.e., this code 850410. This heading is clearly distinguished from 8505 electromagnets and 8512 lighting devices, and classification must be determined based on the primary function.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 850410 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits '85' represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles). Digits 3-4 '04' represent heading 8504 (transformers, static converters, and inductors). Digits 5-6 '10' represent subheading 850410, specifically referring to ballasts for discharge lamps. Further subdivision of this subheading depends on individual national customs tariff schedules, but at the international level there is only this one level. When classifying, it must be confirmed that the goods are ballasts for discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps), rather than other inductors or transformers.
Classification Basis
Ballasts for discharge lamps are classified under 850410 because their core function is to limit the current of discharge lamps, and they are essentially an inductor or electronic ballast (static converter). They do not belong to other subheadings of 8504 (such as 850431 transformers, 850440 static converters) because their use is dedicated to discharge lamps; they also do not belong to 8512 lighting devices, because ballasts are independent electrical components, not the luminaires themselves; nor do they belong to 8539 discharge lamps, because the latter are the lamp tubes themselves. Therefore, 850410 is the accurate code specifically established for discharge lamp ballasts.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods, which should be clearly stated as 'ballast for discharge lamps' or a specific type such as 'electronic ballast' or 'magnetic ballast'. Use: State the type of discharge lamp for which the ballast is intended, such as fluorescent lamp, high-pressure sodium lamp, metal halide lamp, etc. Operating Principle: Distinguish between magnetic or electronic (high-frequency AC); for electronic type, indicate whether it includes an inversion function. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, write 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the product model or specification code for unique identification. Power: Rated power of the ballast, in watts (W), such as '36W'. Voltage: Rated input voltage of the ballast, in volts (V), such as '220V'. Contains Mercury: Electronic ballasts may contain mercury; it is necessary to declare whether they meet environmental requirements. Product Name: Electronic Ballast; Use: For fluorescent lamps; Operating Principle: Electronic high-frequency AC; Brand: PHILIPS; Model: HF-P 236 TL-D; Power: 36W; Voltage: 220-240V; Contains Mercury: No mercury. Failure to distinguish between magnetic and electronic types may lead to disputes over subheading classification. Use declaration is not specific, such as writing only 'lighting', which is easily questioned as not being dedicated to discharge lamps. Ignoring parameters such as voltage and power affects customs determination of product attributes.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods, which should be clearly stated as 'ballast for discharge lamps' or a specific type such as 'electronic ballast' or 'magnetic ballast'.
⚠️ Writing only 'ballast' without indicating the use, or mistakenly writing it as 'transformer'.
Use
State the type of discharge lamp for which the ballast is intended, such as fluorescent lamp, high-pressure sodium lamp, metal halide lamp, etc.
⚠️ Filling in 'for lighting' in general terms without specifying the discharge lamp category.
Operating Principle
Distinguish between magnetic or electronic (high-frequency AC); for electronic type, indicate whether it includes an inversion function.
⚠️ Confusing magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts, leading to classification deviation.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, write 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or incomplete filling.
Model
Fill in the product model or specification code for unique identification.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing model, affecting customs valuation.
Power
Rated power of the ballast, in watts (W), such as '36W'.
⚠️ Not indicating the unit or filling in a range value.
Voltage
Rated input voltage of the ballast, in volts (V), such as '220V'.
⚠️ Not indicating AC/DC when filling in a voltage range.
Contains Mercury
Electronic ballasts may contain mercury; it is necessary to declare whether they meet environmental requirements.
⚠️ Ignoring mercury content declaration, leading to environmental compliance issues.
Failure to distinguish between magnetic and electronic types may lead to disputes over subheading classification.
Use declaration is not specific, such as writing only 'lighting', which is easily questioned as not being dedicated to discharge lamps.
Ignoring parameters such as voltage and power affects customs determination of product attributes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the goods are dedicated to discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, HID lamps); 2. Whether the function of the goods is to limit current or provide starting voltage, i.e., a ballast; 3. Whether the goods are independent electrical components rather than a complete luminaire. If the above conditions are met, classify under 850410. If it is an inductor or transformer for other uses, classify under other subheadings of 8504; if it is a complete luminaire, classify under 8512 or 8539. 850431 Other transformers, rated capacity ≤1kVA: 850431 is a general small-capacity transformer used for voltage transformation; while 850410 is dedicated to discharge lamp current limiting, with a different function. 850440 Static converters: 850440 includes rectifiers, inverters, and other power conversion equipment; although electronic ballasts contain conversion functions, they are dedicated to discharge lamps, so they are classified under 850410. 851220 Other lighting or visual signalling devices: 851220 is a complete luminaire or signalling device; a ballast is a part of a luminaire, and when declared separately, it is classified under 850410. 853931 Fluorescent lamps, hot cathode: 853931 is the fluorescent lamp tube itself; a ballast is a matching component, and the two differ in function and structure. 854370 Electrical equipment not specified elsewhere: 854370 is a residual code; if a ballast does not meet the definition of 850410, it might be mistakenly classified here, but the correct classification should be 850410. Is it dedicated to discharge lamps? Does it have current limiting or starting functions? Is it declared independently of the luminaire? Is it electronic or magnetic? Is it confused with other inductors?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the goods are dedicated to discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, HID lamps); 2. Whether the function of the goods is to limit current or provide starting voltage, i.e., a ballast; 3. Whether the goods are independent electrical components rather than a complete luminaire. If the above conditions are met, classify under 850410. If it is an inductor or transformer for other uses, classify under other subheadings of 8504; if it is a complete luminaire, classify under 8512 or 8539.
Confused Codes：
850431 - Other transformers, rated capacity ≤1kVA
850431 is a general small-capacity transformer used for voltage transformation; while 850410 is dedicated to discharge lamp current limiting, with a different function.
850440 - Static converters
850440 includes rectifiers, inverters, and other power conversion equipment; although electronic ballasts contain conversion functions, they are dedicated to discharge lamps, so they are classified under 850410.
851220 - Other lighting or visual signalling devices
851220 is a complete luminaire or signalling device; a ballast is a part of a luminaire, and when declared separately, it is classified under 850410.
853931 - Fluorescent lamps, hot cathode
853931 is the fluorescent lamp tube itself; a ballast is a matching component, and the two differ in function and structure.
854370 - Electrical equipment not specified elsewhere
854370 is a residual code; if a ballast does not meet the definition of 850410, it might be mistakenly classified here, but the correct classification should be 850410.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it dedicated to discharge lamps?
✓ Does it have current limiting or starting functions?
✓ Is it declared independently of the luminaire?
✓ Is it electronic or magnetic?
✓ Is it confused with other inductors?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire the HS code for discharge lamp ballasts? First confirm that the goods are ballasts dedicated to discharge lamps, then search level by level according to the HS structure: Chapter 85 → heading 8504 → subheading 850410. You may refer to the Import and Export Tariff or customs classification decisions, or use customs advance classification services. Are both electronic ballasts and magnetic ballasts classified under 850410? Yes, as long as they are dedicated to discharge lamps, whether electronic or magnetic, they are classified under 850410. However, if an electronic ballast also has other functions (such as dimming, communication), classification should be determined based on the primary function, and it may still be classified under 850410. What is the difference between 850410 and 850440? 850410 specifically refers to ballasts for discharge lamps, with the function of current limiting; 850440 is for general static converters, such as rectifiers and inverters. Although electronic ballasts contain conversion circuits, they are dedicated to discharge lamps, so they are classified under 850410. How to classify when a ballast is declared together with a luminaire? If the ballast and luminaire are assembled into a complete luminaire, classify according to the luminaire (such as 8512 or 8539); if declared separately, classify under 850410. When declared as a set, classification must be determined based on whether it constitutes an essential character. What key parameters are required for declaration? Product name, use, operating principle, brand, model, power, voltage, whether it contains mercury, etc. are required. These elements help customs confirm product attributes and classification. How to inquire about export tax rebates and tariffs for 850410? Tax rates and rebate rates are dynamic data. It is recommended to check the latest Tariff and Export Tax Rebate Rate Database through the General Administration of Customs website, electronic port, or consult a customs broker. If a ballast is used for LED lamps, which code should it be classified under? LED lamps typically use LED drivers rather than ballasts. If the LED driver is a static converter, it may be classified under 850440; if it is a constant current source, it is also classified under 850440. 850410 only applies to discharge lamp ballasts. What are the consequences of incorrect classification? Incorrect classification may lead to customs supplementary tax, fines, and affect the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended that enterprises use advance classification or consult professional customs affairs personnel to ensure accurate classification.
Q: How to inquire the HS code for discharge lamp ballasts?
A: First confirm that the goods are ballasts dedicated to discharge lamps, then search level by level according to the HS structure: Chapter 85 → heading 8504 → subheading 850410. You may refer to the Import and Export Tariff or customs classification decisions, or use customs advance classification services.
Q: Are both electronic ballasts and magnetic ballasts classified under 850410?
A: Yes, as long as they are dedicated to discharge lamps, whether electronic or magnetic, they are classified under 850410. However, if an electronic ballast also has other functions (such as dimming, communication), classification should be determined based on the primary function, and it may still be classified under 850410.
Q: What is the difference between 850410 and 850440?
A: 850410 specifically refers to ballasts for discharge lamps, with the function of current limiting; 850440 is for general static converters, such as rectifiers and inverters. Although electronic ballasts contain conversion circuits, they are dedicated to discharge lamps, so they are classified under 850410.
Q: How to classify when a ballast is declared together with a luminaire?
A: If the ballast and luminaire are assembled into a complete luminaire, classify according to the luminaire (such as 8512 or 8539); if declared separately, classify under 850410. When declared as a set, classification must be determined based on whether it constitutes an essential character.
Q: What key parameters are required for declaration?
A: Product name, use, operating principle, brand, model, power, voltage, whether it contains mercury, etc. are required. These elements help customs confirm product attributes and classification.
Q: How to inquire about export tax rebates and tariffs for 850410?
A: Tax rates and rebate rates are dynamic data. It is recommended to check the latest Tariff and Export Tax Rebate Rate Database through the General Administration of Customs website, electronic port, or consult a customs broker.
Q: If a ballast is used for LED lamps, which code should it be classified under?
A: LED lamps typically use LED drivers rather than ballasts. If the LED driver is a static converter, it may be classified under 850440; if it is a constant current source, it is also classified under 850440. 850410 only applies to discharge lamp ballasts.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect classification?
A: Incorrect classification may lead to customs supplementary tax, fines, and affect the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended that enterprises use advance classification or consult professional customs affairs personnel to ensure accurate classification.
⚠️ 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.