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 for technology-intensive products in the HS classification, including power generation, transformation, and consumption equipment as well as electronic components. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), as semiconductor light-emitting devices, their related products can be classified under multiple headings in this chapter depending on function, such as 8539 (electric light sources) or 8541 (semiconductor devices), etc. Heading 8539 covers various electric light sources (including incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, LED lamps, etc.) and parts thereof. Specifically includes: electric bulbs, tubes, arc lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires, etc. However, note that this heading mainly targets complete luminaires or bulbs, while LED chips (unpackaged semiconductor devices) should be classified under 8541. Under 8539, further subdivisions include 8539.10 for sealed beam lamp units, 8539.2 for incandescent lamps, 8539.3 for discharge lamps, 8539.4 for other electric light sources, 8539.5 for LED lamps, etc. Code 853952 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4, 39, indicate heading 8539 (electric light sources); digits 5-6, 52, indicate subheading 8539.52, namely light-emitting diode (LED) lamp modules. According to HS classification, 8539.5 is LED lamps, under which 8539.51 is LED bulbs and 8539.52 is LED lamp modules. This subheading specifically refers to modules assembled from multiple LED chips or lamp beads, usually including circuit boards, heat sinks, etc., but not mounted into final luminaire housings, for subsequent assembly into lighting luminaires. This commodity is an LED lamp module, which is a component of an LED light source, has independent light-emitting function, but does not constitute a complete luminaire. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, its core characteristics conform to the description of heading 8539 'electric light sources', and subheading 8539.52 explicitly lists 'light-emitting diode lamp modules'. While LED chips under 8541 are unpackaged semiconductor devices, and luminaires under 9405 are complete lighting fixtures, classification under 8539.52 is the most accurate.
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 for technology-intensive products in the HS classification, including power generation, transformation, and consumption equipment as well as electronic components. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), as semiconductor light-emitting devices, their related products can be classified under multiple headings in this chapter depending on function, such as 8539 (electric light sources) or 8541 (semiconductor devices), etc.
Heading
Heading 8539 covers various electric light sources (including incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, LED lamps, etc.) and parts thereof. Specifically includes: electric bulbs, tubes, arc lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires, etc. However, note that this heading mainly targets complete luminaires or bulbs, while LED chips (unpackaged semiconductor devices) should be classified under 8541. Under 8539, further subdivisions include 8539.10 for sealed beam lamp units, 8539.2 for incandescent lamps, 8539.3 for discharge lamps, 8539.4 for other electric light sources, 8539.5 for LED lamps, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 853952 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4, 39, indicate heading 8539 (electric light sources); digits 5-6, 52, indicate subheading 8539.52, namely light-emitting diode (LED) lamp modules. According to HS classification, 8539.5 is LED lamps, under which 8539.51 is LED bulbs and 8539.52 is LED lamp modules. This subheading specifically refers to modules assembled from multiple LED chips or lamp beads, usually including circuit boards, heat sinks, etc., but not mounted into final luminaire housings, for subsequent assembly into lighting luminaires.
Classification Basis
This commodity is an LED lamp module, which is a component of an LED light source, has independent light-emitting function, but does not constitute a complete luminaire. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, its core characteristics conform to the description of heading 8539 'electric light sources', and subheading 8539.52 explicitly lists 'light-emitting diode lamp modules'. While LED chips under 8541 are unpackaged semiconductor devices, and luminaires under 9405 are complete lighting fixtures, classification under 8539.52 is the most accurate.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'light-emitting diode lamp module' or 'LED lamp module'. Use: Explain the final use of the module, such as for manufacturing LED bulbs, LED luminaires, or as a component of lighting sources. Material: Main material composition, such as substrate material (aluminum substrate, ceramic substrate), light-emitting chip material (GaN, InGaN), packaging material, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Model: The product's model or specification code, used to distinguish products with different technical parameters. Power: The rated power of the module, in watts (W), reflecting its electrical characteristics. With or without circuit board: Indicate whether the module integrates a drive circuit, control circuit, etc., affecting its function determination. Package type: Such as COB (chip-on-board), SMD (surface mount device), etc., describing the LED packaging process. Product name: light-emitting diode lamp module; Use: for assembling LED downlights; Material: aluminum substrate, GaN chip, silicone packaging; Brand: no brand; Model: LM-2835-12W; Power: 12W; With or without circuit board: yes; Package type: SMD. Confusing LED lamp modules with LED bulbs; the latter are complete bulbs and should be classified under 8539.51. Failure to declare power and package type, making it impossible for customs to determine the subheading, possibly leading to classification under other codes. Ignoring brand and model, affecting customs intellectual property protection and subsequent audits.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'light-emitting diode lamp module' or 'LED lamp module'.
⚠️ Writing only 'LED lamp' or 'LED module' without specifying 'lamp module', leading to classification disputes.
Use
Explain the final use of the module, such as for manufacturing LED bulbs, LED luminaires, or as a component of lighting sources.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'for lighting', without specifying whether it is for assembly or direct use.
Material
Main material composition, such as substrate material (aluminum substrate, ceramic substrate), light-emitting chip material (GaN, InGaN), packaging material, etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'plastic' or 'metal' without mentioning semiconductor materials, making it impossible to determine whether it is an LED module.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Missing or incomplete brand information, affecting customs valuation and intellectual property verification.
Model
The product's model or specification code, used to distinguish products with different technical parameters.
⚠️ Model filled as 'none' or inconsistent with the actual product, causing inspection difficulties.
Power
The rated power of the module, in watts (W), reflecting its electrical characteristics.
⚠️ Power not filled in or unit error, such as writing 'W' as 'V'.
With or without circuit board
Indicate whether the module integrates a drive circuit, control circuit, etc., affecting its function determination.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring a module without a circuit board as having one, or vice versa.
Package type
Such as COB (chip-on-board), SMD (surface mount device), etc., describing the LED packaging process.
⚠️ Non-standard package type entry, such as writing only 'surface mount' without specifying SMD.
Example： Product name: light-emitting diode lamp module; Use: for assembling LED downlights; Material: aluminum substrate, GaN chip, silicone packaging; Brand: no brand; Model: LM-2835-12W; Power: 12W; With or without circuit board: yes; Package type: SMD.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing LED lamp modules with LED bulbs; the latter are complete bulbs and should be classified under 8539.51.
Failure to declare power and package type, making it impossible for customs to determine the subheading, possibly leading to classification under other codes.
Ignoring brand and model, affecting customs intellectual property protection and subsequent audits.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is an electric light source; 2) whether it is a module composed of multiple LED chips or lamp beads; 3) whether it does not constitute a complete luminaire. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 8539.52 specifically lists 'light-emitting diode lamp modules', referring to semi-finished products assembled from multiple LED chips on a circuit board, with heat dissipation devices, but not mounted into luminaire housings. If mounted into a housing to become a complete luminaire, it is classified under 9405; if it is a single LED chip, it is classified under 8541. 853951 Light-emitting diode bulbs: 8539.51 is a complete LED bulb, usually with a base (such as E27, GU10), ready for direct installation and use; while 8539.52 is a module requiring further assembly. 854140 Light-emitting diode chips: 8541.40 is unpackaged semiconductor LED chips, raw materials for manufacturing modules; 8539.52 is a finished product that has been packaged and assembled into a module. 940540 Electric light source luminaires: 9405.40 is a complete luminaire, such as pendant lights, desk lamps, already having lighting function; 8539.52 is only the core light-emitting component of a luminaire. 853929 Other electric light sources: 8539.29 includes other electric light sources such as incandescent lamps, excluding LEDs; 8539.52 specifically refers to LED modules. Is it a module composed of multiple LED chips or lamp beads? Is it not mounted into a final luminaire housing? Does it have a circuit board and heat dissipation device? Is it used for lighting or signal indication? Is it not a single LED chip (8541)?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is an electric light source; 2) whether it is a module composed of multiple LED chips or lamp beads; 3) whether it does not constitute a complete luminaire. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 8539.52 specifically lists 'light-emitting diode lamp modules', referring to semi-finished products assembled from multiple LED chips on a circuit board, with heat dissipation devices, but not mounted into luminaire housings. If mounted into a housing to become a complete luminaire, it is classified under 9405; if it is a single LED chip, it is classified under 8541.
Confused Codes：
853951 - Light-emitting diode bulbs
8539.51 is a complete LED bulb, usually with a base (such as E27, GU10), ready for direct installation and use; while 8539.52 is a module requiring further assembly.
854140 - Light-emitting diode chips
8541.40 is unpackaged semiconductor LED chips, raw materials for manufacturing modules; 8539.52 is a finished product that has been packaged and assembled into a module.
940540 - Electric light source luminaires
9405.40 is a complete luminaire, such as pendant lights, desk lamps, already having lighting function; 8539.52 is only the core light-emitting component of a luminaire.
853929 - Other electric light sources
8539.29 includes other electric light sources such as incandescent lamps, excluding LEDs; 8539.52 specifically refers to LED modules.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it a module composed of multiple LED chips or lamp beads?
✓ Is it not mounted into a final luminaire housing?
✓ Does it have a circuit board and heat dissipation device?
✓ Is it used for lighting or signal indication?
✓ Is it not a single LED chip (8541)?
❓ FAQ
How to check the tariff rate for HS code 853952? You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff' to query; enter code 853952 to view the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Note that rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the latest version. You may also consult a professional customs broker. What is the difference between LED lamp modules and LED bulbs when declaring? LED bulbs (8539.51) are complete, independently usable bulbs, usually with a base; LED lamp modules (8539.52) are semi-finished products that need to be assembled into luminaires. When declaring, information such as use and whether they have a base must be provided; incorrect classification may lead to rejection or penalties. If an LED module has a drive circuit, is it still classified under 853952? Yes, as long as the module is still an LED light-emitting module, even if it integrates a drive circuit, it is still classified under 8539.52. However, if it already constitutes a complete luminaire (such as with a housing, bracket), it may be classified under 9405. It is recommended to judge based on the actual form. Does exporting LED lamp modules to the EU require CE certification? Yes. As lighting components, LED modules usually need to comply with the LVD (Low Voltage Directive) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive) in CE certification, and may also require RoHS testing. For specifics, consult a certification body. How to fill in 'package type' in the declaration elements for HS code 853952? Package type refers to the LED packaging process, commonly including SMD (surface mount device), COB (chip-on-board), DIP (dual in-line package), etc. It should be filled in according to the actual product and must not be fabricated. How to determine the HS code for cross-border e-commerce sales of LED modules? First confirm whether the commodity is an LED lamp module (8539.52), a complete luminaire (9405), or an LED chip (8541). You may refer to customs classification decisions or consult professional classifiers to ensure compliance. What is the classification boundary between 853952 and 854140? 8541.40 is unpackaged LED chips, belonging to semiconductor devices; 8539.52 is an LED light-emitting component that has been packaged and assembled into a module. If a module consists only of chips and a substrate but is not packaged, it may still be classified under 8541. What customs clearance documents are required for importing LED lamp modules? Usually, a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration form, declaration elements, etc. are required. If a brand is involved, an authorization letter is required; if within the scope of 3C certification, a 3C certificate is required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for HS code 853952?
A: You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Customs Import and Export Tariff' to query; enter code 853952 to view the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Note that rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the latest version. You may also consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What is the difference between LED lamp modules and LED bulbs when declaring?
A: LED bulbs (8539.51) are complete, independently usable bulbs, usually with a base; LED lamp modules (8539.52) are semi-finished products that need to be assembled into luminaires. When declaring, information such as use and whether they have a base must be provided; incorrect classification may lead to rejection or penalties.
Q: If an LED module has a drive circuit, is it still classified under 853952?
A: Yes, as long as the module is still an LED light-emitting module, even if it integrates a drive circuit, it is still classified under 8539.52. However, if it already constitutes a complete luminaire (such as with a housing, bracket), it may be classified under 9405. It is recommended to judge based on the actual form.
Q: Does exporting LED lamp modules to the EU require CE certification?
A: Yes. As lighting components, LED modules usually need to comply with the LVD (Low Voltage Directive) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive) in CE certification, and may also require RoHS testing. For specifics, consult a certification body.
Q: How to fill in 'package type' in the declaration elements for HS code 853952?
A: Package type refers to the LED packaging process, commonly including SMD (surface mount device), COB (chip-on-board), DIP (dual in-line package), etc. It should be filled in according to the actual product and must not be fabricated.
Q: How to determine the HS code for cross-border e-commerce sales of LED modules?
A: First confirm whether the commodity is an LED lamp module (8539.52), a complete luminaire (9405), or an LED chip (8541). You may refer to customs classification decisions or consult professional classifiers to ensure compliance.
Q: What is the classification boundary between 853952 and 854140?
A: 8541.40 is unpackaged LED chips, belonging to semiconductor devices; 8539.52 is an LED light-emitting component that has been packaged and assembled into a module. If a module consists only of chips and a substrate but is not packaged, it may still be classified under 8541.
Q: What customs clearance documents are required for importing LED lamp modules?
A: Usually, a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration form, declaration elements, etc. are required. If a brand is involved, an authorization letter is required; if within the scope of 3C certification, a 3C certificate is required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
⚠️ 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.