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 has an extremely broad scope, ranging from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment, with the core characteristic being involvement in electrical energy conversion, electrical functions, or electronic technology. Ultraviolet bulbs, as electric light source products, utilize electrical energy to excite ultraviolet radiation and are typical electrical equipment, thus classified under Chapter 85. Heading 8539 covers various electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps, and parts thereof, including incandescent bulbs, discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps), light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, ultraviolet lamps, and infrared lamps. This heading includes not only complete lamps but also unassembled bulbs and semi-finished lamp tubes. Ultraviolet bulbs, as a type of discharge lamp, utilize gas discharge to produce ultraviolet radiation, fully conforming to the description of this heading. Code 853970 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "39" represent heading 8539 (electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps); digits 5-6 "70" represent subheading 853970, specifically referring to ultraviolet lamps or infrared lamps. Therefore, 853970 specifically refers to ultraviolet bulbs or infrared bulbs, excluding other types of electric light sources. This subheading is generally not further subdivided, but some countries may extend to 8-10 digits for statistical purposes. Ultraviolet bulbs are classified under 853970 because their core function is to produce ultraviolet radiation, falling under "ultra-violet or infra-red lamps" explicitly listed in heading 8539. The adjacent code 853931 is for fluorescent lamps (hot cathode), 853932 is for mercury vapor lamps, and 853939 is for other discharge lamps. However, ultraviolet bulbs do not have lighting as their primary purpose, and 853970 specifically covers ultraviolet/infrared lamps, so this code is given priority.
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 has an extremely broad scope, ranging from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment, with the core characteristic being involvement in electrical energy conversion, electrical functions, or electronic technology. Ultraviolet bulbs, as electric light source products, utilize electrical energy to excite ultraviolet radiation and are typical electrical equipment, thus classified under Chapter 85.
Heading
Heading 8539 covers various electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps, and parts thereof, including incandescent bulbs, discharge lamps (such as fluorescent lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps), light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, ultraviolet lamps, and infrared lamps. This heading includes not only complete lamps but also unassembled bulbs and semi-finished lamp tubes. Ultraviolet bulbs, as a type of discharge lamp, utilize gas discharge to produce ultraviolet radiation, fully conforming to the description of this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 853970 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "85" represent Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4 "39" represent heading 8539 (electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps); digits 5-6 "70" represent subheading 853970, specifically referring to ultraviolet lamps or infrared lamps. Therefore, 853970 specifically refers to ultraviolet bulbs or infrared bulbs, excluding other types of electric light sources. This subheading is generally not further subdivided, but some countries may extend to 8-10 digits for statistical purposes.
Classification Basis
Ultraviolet bulbs are classified under 853970 because their core function is to produce ultraviolet radiation, falling under "ultra-violet or infra-red lamps" explicitly listed in heading 8539. The adjacent code 853931 is for fluorescent lamps (hot cathode), 853932 is for mercury vapor lamps, and 853939 is for other discharge lamps. However, ultraviolet bulbs do not have lighting as their primary purpose, and 853970 specifically covers ultraviolet/infrared lamps, so this code is given priority.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product type, such as "ultraviolet bulb" or "UV lamp tube". Use: Explain the specific application scenario of the bulb, such as sterilization and disinfection, light curing, counterfeit detection, insect trapping, etc. Material: Main material composition, such as quartz glass, hard glass, ceramic ends, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Product model or specification code, facilitating identification of specific parameters. Power: Rated power of the bulb, in watts (W), affecting its radiation intensity. Wavelength Range: The main radiation wavelength of the ultraviolet bulb, such as UVA (315-400nm), UVB (280-315nm), UVC (100-280nm). Contains Mercury: Declare whether the bulb contains mercury, involving environmental regulations and tariffs. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Ultraviolet sterilization lamp tube; Use: For water treatment sterilization; Material: Quartz glass; Brand: Philips; Model: TUV 36W; Power: 36W; Wavelength Range: UVC 254nm; Contains Mercury: Yes.
Remarks: This commodity is a cold cathode ultraviolet lamp tube, utilizing low-pressure mercury vapor discharge to produce 254nm ultraviolet, used for disinfection equipment. Mistakenly classifying ultraviolet bulbs under 8539.31 (fluorescent lamps), but fluorescent lamps are mainly used for lighting, and ultraviolet lamps should be classified under 8539.70. Failure to declare wavelength range, making it impossible to determine whether it is an ultraviolet lamp, possibly classified under other tariff codes. Failure to declare mercury content information, possibly violating the Minamata Convention on Mercury and customs regulatory requirements.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product type, such as "ultraviolet bulb" or "UV lamp tube".
⚠️ Writing only "bulb" without indicating ultraviolet, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Explain the specific application scenario of the bulb, such as sterilization and disinfection, light curing, counterfeit detection, insect trapping, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "industrial use" without specifying the specific function.
Material
Main material composition, such as quartz glass, hard glass, ceramic ends, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the difference between quartz glass and ordinary glass, affecting classification.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, incomplete filling.
Model
Product model or specification code, facilitating identification of specific parameters.
⚠️ Incorrect model filling or inconsistency with the actual product.
Power
Rated power of the bulb, in watts (W), affecting its radiation intensity.
⚠️ Power unit mistakenly filled as kilowatts or horsepower.
Wavelength Range
The main radiation wavelength of the ultraviolet bulb, such as UVA (315-400nm), UVB (280-315nm), UVC (100-280nm).
⚠️ Failure to distinguish UVA/UVB/UVC, leading to incorrect applicable standards.
Contains Mercury
Declare whether the bulb contains mercury, involving environmental regulations and tariffs.
⚠️ Concealing the fact of mercury content, violating customs and environmental regulations.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Ultraviolet sterilization lamp tube; Use: For water treatment sterilization; Material: Quartz glass; Brand: Philips; Model: TUV 36W; Power: 36W; Wavelength Range: UVC 254nm; Contains Mercury: Yes.
Remarks: This commodity is a cold cathode ultraviolet lamp tube, utilizing low-pressure mercury vapor discharge to produce 254nm ultraviolet, used for disinfection equipment.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying ultraviolet bulbs under 8539.31 (fluorescent lamps), but fluorescent lamps are mainly used for lighting, and ultraviolet lamps should be classified under 8539.70.
Failure to declare wavelength range, making it impossible to determine whether it is an ultraviolet lamp, possibly classified under other tariff codes.
Failure to declare mercury content information, possibly violating the Minamata Convention on Mercury and customs regulatory requirements.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) Whether the commodity function is to produce ultraviolet radiation; 2) Whether it falls under "ultra-violet or infra-red lamps" listed in heading 8539; 3) Whether it is excluded from 8543 (electrical equipment not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter). If the bulb's primary use is lighting, even with incidental ultraviolet, it should be classified under other subheadings of 8539; if it is a dedicated ultraviolet generating device, 853970 takes priority. 853931 Fluorescent lamps (hot cathode): Fluorescent lamps are mainly used for lighting, converting ultraviolet to visible light through phosphors; ultraviolet bulbs directly output ultraviolet without phosphor coating. 853932 Mercury vapor lamps: Mercury vapor lamps include high-pressure mercury lamps, used for lighting or ultraviolet curing, but 853970 specifically refers to ultraviolet lamps; if clearly for ultraviolet use, classify under 853970. 853939 Other discharge lamps: Other discharge lamps such as sodium lamps and metal halide lamps are mainly used for lighting and do not produce significant ultraviolet, so they are not classified under 853970. 854370 Other electrical equipment: 854370 is for electrical equipment not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; if the ultraviolet bulb is completely assembled, 853970 should be given priority. Is it clearly an ultraviolet lamp rather than a lighting lamp? Has the wavelength range been declared? Does it contain mercury? Does it comply with environmental regulations? Does it have a complete structure with base, socket, etc.? Is it used for non-lighting purposes such as sterilization, curing, etc.?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) Whether the commodity function is to produce ultraviolet radiation; 2) Whether it falls under "ultra-violet or infra-red lamps" listed in heading 8539; 3) Whether it is excluded from 8543 (electrical equipment not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter). If the bulb's primary use is lighting, even with incidental ultraviolet, it should be classified under other subheadings of 8539; if it is a dedicated ultraviolet generating device, 853970 takes priority.
Confused Codes：
853931 - Fluorescent lamps (hot cathode)
Fluorescent lamps are mainly used for lighting, converting ultraviolet to visible light through phosphors; ultraviolet bulbs directly output ultraviolet without phosphor coating.
853932 - Mercury vapor lamps
Mercury vapor lamps include high-pressure mercury lamps, used for lighting or ultraviolet curing, but 853970 specifically refers to ultraviolet lamps; if clearly for ultraviolet use, classify under 853970.
853939 - Other discharge lamps
Other discharge lamps such as sodium lamps and metal halide lamps are mainly used for lighting and do not produce significant ultraviolet, so they are not classified under 853970.
854370 - Other electrical equipment
854370 is for electrical equipment not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; if the ultraviolet bulb is completely assembled, 853970 should be given priority.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly an ultraviolet lamp rather than a lighting lamp?
✓ Has the wavelength range been declared?
✓ Does it contain mercury? Does it comply with environmental regulations?
✓ Does it have a complete structure with base, socket, etc.?
✓ Is it used for non-lighting purposes such as sterilization, curing, etc.?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between ultraviolet bulbs and ordinary fluorescent lamps? Ordinary fluorescent lamps are classified under 853931 because their main function is lighting, converting ultraviolet to visible light through phosphors. Ultraviolet bulbs directly output ultraviolet for sterilization, curing, etc., and are classified under 853970. The key difference lies in the use and output spectrum. How to determine whether a bulb belongs to 853970? First confirm whether the bulb is designed to produce ultraviolet (typically wavelength 100-400nm), then check whether it is clearly used for non-lighting fields such as disinfection, lithography, counterfeit detection. If so, classify under 853970; if mainly for lighting, classify under other subheadings. Is it necessary to provide wavelength parameters when declaring ultraviolet bulbs? Yes, the wavelength range is an important indicator for distinguishing ultraviolet lamps from ordinary lamps. When declaring, specific wavelength or band (UVA/UVB/UVC) should be provided for accurate customs classification. What special requirements are there for exporting mercury-containing ultraviolet bulbs? Mercury-containing products must comply with the Minamata Convention and importing country environmental regulations. When declaring, mercury content must be truthfully stated, and relevant test reports provided. Some countries prohibit import of mercury-containing products, which need to be confirmed in advance. How to check the tariff rate for ultraviolet bulbs? Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. They can be checked through customs official websites or tariff query systems by entering HS code 853970 and country of origin and destination. Note that rates may change; the latest published rates shall prevail. If the ultraviolet bulb is used in a household disinfection cabinet, is the classification different? If the bulb is imported separately as a part of the disinfection cabinet, it is still classified under 853970; if the disinfection cabinet is imported as a whole, it is classified under the corresponding complete machine tariff code such as 8509 or 8543. Separately imported parts are classified as bulbs. Are LED ultraviolet lamps also classified under 853970? If an LED ultraviolet lamp uses LED as the light source to produce ultraviolet, it still belongs to ultraviolet lamps and is classified under 853970. However, if the LED is only used for lighting, it is classified under 853950 (LED bulbs). What are the consequences of incorrectly filling in brand and model during declaration? Incorrect brand and model may lead to customs questioning the classification, triggering inspection, document deletion, or penalties. It is recommended to declare truthfully and retain product technical documents for reference.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between ultraviolet bulbs and ordinary fluorescent lamps?
A: Ordinary fluorescent lamps are classified under 853931 because their main function is lighting, converting ultraviolet to visible light through phosphors. Ultraviolet bulbs directly output ultraviolet for sterilization, curing, etc., and are classified under 853970. The key difference lies in the use and output spectrum.
Q: How to determine whether a bulb belongs to 853970?
A: First confirm whether the bulb is designed to produce ultraviolet (typically wavelength 100-400nm), then check whether it is clearly used for non-lighting fields such as disinfection, lithography, counterfeit detection. If so, classify under 853970; if mainly for lighting, classify under other subheadings.
Q: Is it necessary to provide wavelength parameters when declaring ultraviolet bulbs?
A: Yes, the wavelength range is an important indicator for distinguishing ultraviolet lamps from ordinary lamps. When declaring, specific wavelength or band (UVA/UVB/UVC) should be provided for accurate customs classification.
Q: What special requirements are there for exporting mercury-containing ultraviolet bulbs?
A: Mercury-containing products must comply with the Minamata Convention and importing country environmental regulations. When declaring, mercury content must be truthfully stated, and relevant test reports provided. Some countries prohibit import of mercury-containing products, which need to be confirmed in advance.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for ultraviolet bulbs?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. They can be checked through customs official websites or tariff query systems by entering HS code 853970 and country of origin and destination. Note that rates may change; the latest published rates shall prevail.
Q: If the ultraviolet bulb is used in a household disinfection cabinet, is the classification different?
A: If the bulb is imported separately as a part of the disinfection cabinet, it is still classified under 853970; if the disinfection cabinet is imported as a whole, it is classified under the corresponding complete machine tariff code such as 8509 or 8543. Separately imported parts are classified as bulbs.
Q: Are LED ultraviolet lamps also classified under 853970?
A: If an LED ultraviolet lamp uses LED as the light source to produce ultraviolet, it still belongs to ultraviolet lamps and is classified under 853970. However, if the LED is only used for lighting, it is classified under 853950 (LED bulbs).
Q: What are the consequences of incorrectly filling in brand and model during declaration?
A: Incorrect brand and model may lead to customs questioning the classification, triggering inspection, document deletion, or penalties. It is recommended to declare truthfully and retain product technical documents for reference.
⚠️ 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.