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, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, transmission, and application of electrical energy, including electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, lighting devices, electronic components, etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by function and application field, with 8539 specifically for various electric light source products. Heading 8539 covers various electric filament lamps, electric discharge lamps and similar articles, including incandescent lamps, discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, sodium lamps), light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, halogen tungsten lamps, etc., as well as parts specialized therefor. This heading is further subdivided by light source type and technical principle, with compact fluorescent lamps as a type of discharge lamp classified under heading 8539. First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, belonging to the broad category of electrical machinery and equipment. Digits 3-4: 39 indicates heading 8539, specifically "Electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps; light-emitting diode (LED) lamps; parts thereof." Digits 5-6: 66 indicates subheading 853966, further subdivided under 8539, referring to "Compact fluorescent lamps" (CFL), commonly known as energy-saving lamps, which are a type of discharge lamp, having self-ballasted or non-self-ballasted construction, with the tube bent or folded to reduce volume. Compact fluorescent lamps are gas discharge lamps, and their light-emitting principle is that mercury vapor discharge generates ultraviolet light, which excites phosphors to emit light, therefore classified under 8539 (discharge lamps), rather than incandescent lamp subheadings under 8539 (such as 8539.21) or LED lamp subheadings (such as 8539.50). At the same time, because they have a compact structure (such as spiral type, U-shape), distinguishing them from straight tube fluorescent lamps (8539.31), they are classified under 8539.66.
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, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, transmission, and application of electrical energy, including electric motors, generators, transformers, batteries, household appliances, lighting devices, electronic components, etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by function and application field, with 8539 specifically for various electric light source products.
Heading
Heading 8539 covers various electric filament lamps, electric discharge lamps and similar articles, including incandescent lamps, discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, sodium lamps), light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, halogen tungsten lamps, etc., as well as parts specialized therefor. This heading is further subdivided by light source type and technical principle, with compact fluorescent lamps as a type of discharge lamp classified under heading 8539.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, belonging to the broad category of electrical machinery and equipment. Digits 3-4: 39 indicates heading 8539, specifically "Electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps; light-emitting diode (LED) lamps; parts thereof." Digits 5-6: 66 indicates subheading 853966, further subdivided under 8539, referring to "Compact fluorescent lamps" (CFL), commonly known as energy-saving lamps, which are a type of discharge lamp, having self-ballasted or non-self-ballasted construction, with the tube bent or folded to reduce volume.
Classification Basis
Compact fluorescent lamps are gas discharge lamps, and their light-emitting principle is that mercury vapor discharge generates ultraviolet light, which excites phosphors to emit light, therefore classified under 8539 (discharge lamps), rather than incandescent lamp subheadings under 8539 (such as 8539.21) or LED lamp subheadings (such as 8539.50). At the same time, because they have a compact structure (such as spiral type, U-shape), distinguishing them from straight tube fluorescent lamps (8539.31), they are classified under 8539.66.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, should use standardized names such as "Compact fluorescent lamp" or "Self-ballasted fluorescent lamp", avoiding colloquial names such as "energy-saving lamp". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model of the product, such as spiral type, U-shape, π-shape, etc., as well as parameters such as power and lamp cap model. Type: Indicate whether it is self-ballasted (with ballast) or non-self-ballasted (requires external ballast). Power: Fill in the rated power of the lamp, in watts (W). Lamp Cap Model: Fill in the lamp cap standard, such as E27, E14, GU10, etc. Use: Fill in the main use, such as household lighting, commercial lighting, etc. Product Name: Compact fluorescent lamp (self-ballasted); Brand: Philips; Model: Spiral type 23W E27 6500K; Type: Self-ballasted; Power: 23W; Lamp Cap Model: E27; Use: Household lighting. Misreporting self-ballasted fluorescent lamps as non-self-ballasted, leading to classification errors. Ignoring the declaration of tube shape (spiral, U-shape, etc.), affecting subheading determination. Incomplete brand and model filling, leading to customs questioning intellectual property rights or classification.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, should use standardized names such as "Compact fluorescent lamp" or "Self-ballasted fluorescent lamp", avoiding colloquial names such as "energy-saving lamp".
⚠️ Declaring "energy-saving lamp" as the product name, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting the brand leading to infringement risks.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the product, such as spiral type, U-shape, π-shape, etc., as well as parameters such as power and lamp cap model.
⚠️ Only filling in power without specifying tube shape and lamp cap type.
Type
Indicate whether it is self-ballasted (with ballast) or non-self-ballasted (requires external ballast).
⚠️ Ignoring the difference between self-ballasted and non-self-ballasted, affecting classification.
Power
Fill in the rated power of the lamp, in watts (W).
⚠️ Incorrect power unit or not filled in.
Lamp Cap Model
Fill in the lamp cap standard, such as E27, E14, GU10, etc.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect lamp cap model.
Use
Fill in the main use, such as household lighting, commercial lighting, etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as "lighting".
Misreporting self-ballasted fluorescent lamps as non-self-ballasted, leading to classification errors.
Ignoring the declaration of tube shape (spiral, U-shape, etc.), affecting subheading determination.
Incomplete brand and model filling, leading to customs questioning intellectual property rights or classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: 1. The product is a gas discharge lamp, with the light-emitting principle of mercury vapor discharge exciting phosphors; 2. The tube structure is compact, not straight; 3. Whether self-ballasted affects subheading division. According to HS notes, 8539.66 specifically refers to compact fluorescent lamps, including both self-ballasted and non-self-ballasted. If it is an LED lamp, it should be classified under 8539.50; if it is a straight tube fluorescent lamp, it should be classified under 8539.31. 853931 Straight tube fluorescent lamp: Straight tube fluorescent lamps are long straight tubes, usually requiring external ballast, while compact fluorescent lamps have bent or folded tubes, small volume, and are often self-ballasted. 853950 Light-emitting diode (LED) lamp: LED lamps are based on semiconductor light emission, while compact fluorescent lamps are based on gas discharge; the principles and structures are different. 853921 Halogen tungsten lamp: Halogen tungsten lamps are a type of incandescent lamp, improving lifespan through halogen cycle, while compact fluorescent lamps are discharge lamps with higher luminous efficiency. 853929 Other incandescent lamps: Other incandescent lamps include ordinary incandescent lamps, not discharge lamps, while compact fluorescent lamps are discharge lamps. 853939 Other discharge lamps: Other discharge lamps include high-pressure mercury lamps, sodium lamps, etc., while compact fluorescent lamps specifically refer to small fluorescent lamps. Is it a gas discharge lamp? Is the tube compact (not straight)? Is it self-ballasted? Does it use phosphors? Is it classified under 8539.66?
Basis
Core classification basis: 1. The product is a gas discharge lamp, with the light-emitting principle of mercury vapor discharge exciting phosphors; 2. The tube structure is compact, not straight; 3. Whether self-ballasted affects subheading division. According to HS notes, 8539.66 specifically refers to compact fluorescent lamps, including both self-ballasted and non-self-ballasted. If it is an LED lamp, it should be classified under 8539.50; if it is a straight tube fluorescent lamp, it should be classified under 8539.31.
Confused Codes：
853931 - Straight tube fluorescent lamp
Straight tube fluorescent lamps are long straight tubes, usually requiring external ballast, while compact fluorescent lamps have bent or folded tubes, small volume, and are often self-ballasted.
853950 - Light-emitting diode (LED) lamp
LED lamps are based on semiconductor light emission, while compact fluorescent lamps are based on gas discharge; the principles and structures are different.
853921 - Halogen tungsten lamp
Halogen tungsten lamps are a type of incandescent lamp, improving lifespan through halogen cycle, while compact fluorescent lamps are discharge lamps with higher luminous efficiency.
853929 - Other incandescent lamps
Other incandescent lamps include ordinary incandescent lamps, not discharge lamps, while compact fluorescent lamps are discharge lamps.
853939 - Other discharge lamps
Other discharge lamps include high-pressure mercury lamps, sodium lamps, etc., while compact fluorescent lamps specifically refer to small fluorescent lamps.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it a gas discharge lamp?
✓ Is the tube compact (not straight)?
✓ Is it self-ballasted?
✓ Does it use phosphors?
✓ Is it classified under 8539.66?
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for compact fluorescent lamps? First determine that the product is a gas discharge lamp, then based on the tube shape and whether it is self-ballasted, look up 8539.66 in the HS code. It can be confirmed through customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consulting a customs broker. Are the HS codes for self-ballasted and non-self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps the same? Yes, both are classified under 8539.66, but the type must be indicated when declaring, as customs may conduct statistics or supervision based on the type. What is the difference in classification between compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps? Compact fluorescent lamps are classified under 8539.66, while LED lamps are classified under 8539.50. The light-emitting principles are different: CFL is gas discharge, LED is semiconductor light emission, therefore the classification is different. What declaration elements are required when declaring compact fluorescent lamps? Usually requires product name, brand, model, type (self-ballasted/non-self-ballasted), power, lamp cap model, use, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs. How to query the tax rate for compact fluorescent lamps? Tax rates may change; the latest tax rates can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website, tariff query platforms, or consulting a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different tax rates. If a compact fluorescent lamp has an electronic ballast, does the classification change? If the electronic ballast is integrated with the tube (self-ballasted), it is still classified under 8539.66. If the ballast is declared separately, it should be classified under 8504.10. How to distinguish compact fluorescent lamps from ordinary fluorescent lamps in classification? Ordinary fluorescent lamps usually refer to straight tube fluorescent lamps, classified under 8539.31; compact fluorescent lamps have compact tubes, classified under 8539.66. What certifications need to be noted when exporting compact fluorescent lamps to the EU? Need to pay attention to CE certification, RoHS directive, energy efficiency labels, etc. Specifics can be consulted with professional institutions.
Q: How to query the HS code for compact fluorescent lamps?
A: First determine that the product is a gas discharge lamp, then based on the tube shape and whether it is self-ballasted, look up 8539.66 in the HS code. It can be confirmed through customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consulting a customs broker.
Q: Are the HS codes for self-ballasted and non-self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps the same?
A: Yes, both are classified under 8539.66, but the type must be indicated when declaring, as customs may conduct statistics or supervision based on the type.
Q: What is the difference in classification between compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps?
A: Compact fluorescent lamps are classified under 8539.66, while LED lamps are classified under 8539.50. The light-emitting principles are different: CFL is gas discharge, LED is semiconductor light emission, therefore the classification is different.
Q: What declaration elements are required when declaring compact fluorescent lamps?
A: Usually requires product name, brand, model, type (self-ballasted/non-self-ballasted), power, lamp cap model, use, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: How to query the tax rate for compact fluorescent lamps?
A: Tax rates may change; the latest tax rates can be obtained through the General Administration of Customs website, tariff query platforms, or consulting a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different tax rates.
Q: If a compact fluorescent lamp has an electronic ballast, does the classification change?
A: If the electronic ballast is integrated with the tube (self-ballasted), it is still classified under 8539.66. If the ballast is declared separately, it should be classified under 8504.10.
Q: How to distinguish compact fluorescent lamps from ordinary fluorescent lamps in classification?
A: Ordinary fluorescent lamps usually refer to straight tube fluorescent lamps, classified under 8539.31; compact fluorescent lamps have compact tubes, classified under 8539.66.
Q: What certifications need to be noted when exporting compact fluorescent lamps to the EU?
A: Need to pay attention to CE certification, RoHS directive, energy efficiency labels, etc. Specifics can be consulted with professional institutions.
⚠️ 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.