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 most concentrated chapter for mechanical and electrical products in the HS classification, covering a wide range of commodities from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment. Metal halide lamps, as electric light source products, fall within the scope of electrical lighting equipment of this chapter. Heading 8539 covers incandescent lamps, discharge lamps (including metal halide lamps), arc lamps, and parts thereof. This heading specifically covers various types of electric light source products, including general lighting lamps, special-purpose lamps, and lamp components for luminaires, but does not include luminaires themselves (classified under 8539 or 9405, etc.). Metal halide lamps are a type of discharge lamp and are therefore classified under this heading. First 2 digits 85: Chapter 85, representing electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 39: Heading 8539, representing incandescent lamps, discharge lamps (including metal halide lamps), arc lamps, and parts thereof. Digits 5-6, 62: Subheading 853962, specifically referring to metal halide lamps. Among these, 8539.6 is the subheading level for metal halide lamps, and 853962 is the specific six-digit code used to distinguish other discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, etc.). A metal halide lamp is a type of high-intensity gas discharge lamp, and its light-emitting principle is based on metal halides evaporating and radiating a spectrum under the action of an electric arc. It does not belong to incandescent lamps (8539.10), fluorescent lamps (8539.31), sodium lamps (8539.40), etc., because its fill is metal halide, so it is specifically classified under 8539.62. This code is explicitly listed in the HS classification to avoid confusion with other discharge lamps.
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 most concentrated chapter for mechanical and electrical products in the HS classification, covering a wide range of commodities from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment. Metal halide lamps, as electric light source products, fall within the scope of electrical lighting equipment of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8539 covers incandescent lamps, discharge lamps (including metal halide lamps), arc lamps, and parts thereof. This heading specifically covers various types of electric light source products, including general lighting lamps, special-purpose lamps, and lamp components for luminaires, but does not include luminaires themselves (classified under 8539 or 9405, etc.). Metal halide lamps are a type of discharge lamp and are therefore classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: Chapter 85, representing electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 39: Heading 8539, representing incandescent lamps, discharge lamps (including metal halide lamps), arc lamps, and parts thereof. Digits 5-6, 62: Subheading 853962, specifically referring to metal halide lamps. Among these, 8539.6 is the subheading level for metal halide lamps, and 853962 is the specific six-digit code used to distinguish other discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, etc.).
Classification Basis
A metal halide lamp is a type of high-intensity gas discharge lamp, and its light-emitting principle is based on metal halides evaporating and radiating a spectrum under the action of an electric arc. It does not belong to incandescent lamps (8539.10), fluorescent lamps (8539.31), sodium lamps (8539.40), etc., because its fill is metal halide, so it is specifically classified under 8539.62. This code is explicitly listed in the HS classification to avoid confusion with other discharge lamps.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "metal halide lamp" or "Metal halide lamp". Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the lamp; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model or specification code of the lamp, such as "MH-150W". Power: Fill in the rated power of the lamp in watts (W), such as "150W". Voltage: Fill in the operating voltage of the lamp in volts (V), such as "220V". Use: Fill in the main use of the lamp, such as "for outdoor lighting", "for projectors", etc. Base Type: Fill in the lamp base specification, such as "E27", "G12", etc. Contains Mercury: According to environmental protection requirements, declare whether the lamp contains mercury and its content. Product Name: Metal halide lamp; Brand: Philips; Model: MH-150W; Power: 150W; Voltage: 220V; Use: Outdoor road lighting; Base Type: E27; Contains Mercury: Contains mercury, content approximately 20mg. Misclassifying metal halide lamps under 8539.40 (sodium lamps) or 8539.31 (fluorescent lamps), resulting in differences in tax rates and errors in regulatory conditions. Ignoring "contains mercury" information during declaration. Metal halide lamps usually contain mercury and must comply with environmental protection regulations; failure to report may result in penalties. Incorrect power unit entry, such as filling 150W as 0.15kW, causing customs to question the accuracy of the declaration.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "metal halide lamp" or "Metal halide lamp".
⚠️ Misreporting as "halogen lamp" or "high-pressure sodium lamp", resulting in incorrect classification.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the lamp; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the model, or omitting the brand, making identification impossible.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification code of the lamp, such as "MH-150W".
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry, affecting customs document review.
Power
Fill in the rated power of the lamp in watts (W), such as "150W".
⚠️ Incorrectly filling the power unit as kilowatts or omitting it, resulting in inaccurate declaration.
Voltage
Fill in the operating voltage of the lamp in volts (V), such as "220V".
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in or failing to fill in the voltage range, affecting safety review.
Use
Fill in the main use of the lamp, such as "for outdoor lighting", "for projectors", etc.
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as "for lighting", without distinguishing the specific scenario.
Base Type
Fill in the lamp base specification, such as "E27", "G12", etc.
⚠️ Incorrect base type entry, resulting in inconsistency with the actual product.
Contains Mercury
According to environmental protection requirements, declare whether the lamp contains mercury and its content.
Example： Product Name: Metal halide lamp; Brand: Philips; Model: MH-150W; Power: 150W; Voltage: 220V; Use: Outdoor road lighting; Base Type: E27; Contains Mercury: Contains mercury, content approximately 20mg.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying metal halide lamps under 8539.40 (sodium lamps) or 8539.31 (fluorescent lamps), resulting in differences in tax rates and errors in regulatory conditions.
Ignoring "contains mercury" information during declaration. Metal halide lamps usually contain mercury and must comply with environmental protection regulations; failure to report may result in penalties.
Incorrect power unit entry, such as filling 150W as 0.15kW, causing customs to question the accuracy of the declaration.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the lamp's light-emitting principle and fill. Metal halide lamps are high-intensity gas discharge lamps, and their arc tube is filled with metal halides (such as sodium iodide, scandium iodide, etc.), which is fundamentally different from fluorescent lamps (low-pressure mercury vapor discharge), sodium lamps (sodium vapor discharge), and incandescent lamps (tungsten filament heating). HS classification must be determined based on the Tariff and its notes, combined with the product attributes. 853931 Fluorescent Lamp: Fluorescent lamps use low-pressure mercury vapor discharge, with mercury and inert gas as fill, while metal halide lamps use high-pressure discharge and are filled with metal halides, with different luminous efficacy and spectrum. 853940 Sodium Lamp: Sodium lamps are filled with sodium vapor and emit yellow light, mainly used for road lighting; metal halide lamps are filled with metal halides, and their light color is closer to natural light with better color rendering. 853910 Incandescent Lamp: Incandescent lamps emit light by heating a tungsten filament, with no gas discharge process; metal halide lamps are gas discharge lamps and require a ballast to start. 853990 Lamp Parts: 853990 covers dedicated parts of lamps, such as bases, wicks, etc.; metal halide lamps are complete lamps and should be classified under 853962. 940540 Luminaire: 940540 covers lighting luminaires, including complete luminaire assemblies; metal halide lamps are only light sources. If declared together with luminaires, they must be classified separately. Has it been confirmed that the lamp fill is metal halide? Have the lamp power, voltage, and other parameters been checked? Has whether it contains mercury been checked and an environmental declaration prepared? Has the classification of lamps and luminaires been distinguished? Has the latest tariff been consulted to confirm that the subheading has not been adjusted?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the lamp's light-emitting principle and fill. Metal halide lamps are high-intensity gas discharge lamps, and their arc tube is filled with metal halides (such as sodium iodide, scandium iodide, etc.), which is fundamentally different from fluorescent lamps (low-pressure mercury vapor discharge), sodium lamps (sodium vapor discharge), and incandescent lamps (tungsten filament heating). HS classification must be determined based on the Tariff and its notes, combined with the product attributes.
Confused Codes：
853931 - Fluorescent Lamp
Fluorescent lamps use low-pressure mercury vapor discharge, with mercury and inert gas as fill, while metal halide lamps use high-pressure discharge and are filled with metal halides, with different luminous efficacy and spectrum.
853940 - Sodium Lamp
Sodium lamps are filled with sodium vapor and emit yellow light, mainly used for road lighting; metal halide lamps are filled with metal halides, and their light color is closer to natural light with better color rendering.
853910 - Incandescent Lamp
Incandescent lamps emit light by heating a tungsten filament, with no gas discharge process; metal halide lamps are gas discharge lamps and require a ballast to start.
853990 - Lamp Parts
853990 covers dedicated parts of lamps, such as bases, wicks, etc.; metal halide lamps are complete lamps and should be classified under 853962.
940540 - Luminaire
940540 covers lighting luminaires, including complete luminaire assemblies; metal halide lamps are only light sources. If declared together with luminaires, they must be classified separately.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the lamp fill is metal halide?
✓ Have the lamp power, voltage, and other parameters been checked?
✓ Has whether it contains mercury been checked and an environmental declaration prepared?
✓ Has the classification of lamps and luminaires been distinguished?
✓ Has the latest tariff been consulted to confirm that the subheading has not been adjusted?
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for metal halide lamps? The HS code for metal halide lamps is 853962. This code falls under heading 8539 of Chapter 85 and specifically refers to metal halide lamps. When declaring, elements such as product name, brand, model, and power must be provided to ensure accurate classification. How do you distinguish metal halide lamps from high-pressure sodium lamps? Metal halide lamps are filled with metal halides, have a whitish light color, and a high color rendering index; high-pressure sodium lamps are filled with sodium vapor, have a yellowish light color, and a low color rendering index. For classification, metal halide lamps are classified under 853962, and high-pressure sodium lamps under 853940. This can be confirmed through lamp markings or spectral analysis. What environmental protection requirements should be noted when declaring metal halide lamps? Metal halide lamps usually contain mercury and are hazardous substances. When declaring, mercury content information must be truthfully filled in, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury and domestic environmental protection regulations must be complied with. Some countries require mercury content test reports, so it is advisable to prepare them in advance. If a metal halide lamp is used for a projector, does the classification change? Classification is based on the attributes of the lamp itself, not its use. Whether used for lighting or projectors, as long as it is a metal halide lamp, it is still classified under 853962. However, if it is a projector-specific lamp and has other characteristics, it may be necessary to consider whether it should be classified under another heading; it is advisable to consult customs. How can the tariff rate for metal halide lamps be checked? The tariff rate must be determined based on the importing country and country of origin. You can consult China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or check through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Note that rates may change due to trade agreements, anti-dumping, and other factors, so the latest tariff should prevail. What are the declaration elements for metal halide lamps during customs declaration? Common declaration elements include: product name, brand, model, power, voltage, use, base type, and whether it contains mercury. Different customs authorities may have slightly different requirements; it is advisable to fill them in according to the PRC Customs Specification for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities. What is the difference in HS codes between metal halide lamps and LED lamps? Metal halide lamps are classified under 853962, while LED lamps are usually classified under 853950 (light-emitting diode lamps). The two have different light-emitting principles, and classification must accurately distinguish them by lamp type to avoid confusion. If metal halide lamps are imported together with luminaires, how should they be declared? If the lamp and luminaire are assembled together, they should be classified as a luminaire under 9405; however, if the lamp is packaged separately and placed apart from the luminaire, they must be declared separately: the lamp under 853962 and the luminaire under 9405. The specific treatment shall be based on the actual state at the time of inspection.
Q: What is the HS code for metal halide lamps?
A: The HS code for metal halide lamps is 853962. This code falls under heading 8539 of Chapter 85 and specifically refers to metal halide lamps. When declaring, elements such as product name, brand, model, and power must be provided to ensure accurate classification.
Q: How do you distinguish metal halide lamps from high-pressure sodium lamps?
A: Metal halide lamps are filled with metal halides, have a whitish light color, and a high color rendering index; high-pressure sodium lamps are filled with sodium vapor, have a yellowish light color, and a low color rendering index. For classification, metal halide lamps are classified under 853962, and high-pressure sodium lamps under 853940. This can be confirmed through lamp markings or spectral analysis.
Q: What environmental protection requirements should be noted when declaring metal halide lamps?
A: Metal halide lamps usually contain mercury and are hazardous substances. When declaring, mercury content information must be truthfully filled in, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury and domestic environmental protection regulations must be complied with. Some countries require mercury content test reports, so it is advisable to prepare them in advance.
Q: If a metal halide lamp is used for a projector, does the classification change?
A: Classification is based on the attributes of the lamp itself, not its use. Whether used for lighting or projectors, as long as it is a metal halide lamp, it is still classified under 853962. However, if it is a projector-specific lamp and has other characteristics, it may be necessary to consider whether it should be classified under another heading; it is advisable to consult customs.
Q: How can the tariff rate for metal halide lamps be checked?
A: The tariff rate must be determined based on the importing country and country of origin. You can consult China Customs' Import and Export Tariff or check through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Note that rates may change due to trade agreements, anti-dumping, and other factors, so the latest tariff should prevail.
Q: What are the declaration elements for metal halide lamps during customs declaration?
A: Common declaration elements include: product name, brand, model, power, voltage, use, base type, and whether it contains mercury. Different customs authorities may have slightly different requirements; it is advisable to fill them in according to the PRC Customs Specification for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between metal halide lamps and LED lamps?
A: Metal halide lamps are classified under 853962, while LED lamps are usually classified under 853950 (light-emitting diode lamps). The two have different light-emitting principles, and classification must accurately distinguish them by lamp type to avoid confusion.
Q: If metal halide lamps are imported together with luminaires, how should they be declared?
A: If the lamp and luminaire are assembled together, they should be classified as a luminaire under 9405; however, if the lamp is packaged separately and placed apart from the luminaire, they must be declared separately: the lamp under 853962 and the luminaire under 9405. The specific treatment shall be based on the actual state at the time of inspection.
⚠️ 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.