Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of goods from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. As the core component of television receivers, cathode-ray picture tubes fall within the scope of electronic components of this chapter. Heading 8540 specifically covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode valves and tubes (including gas-filled valves and tubes, cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, etc.); diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals. This heading covers various types of electronic tubes and semiconductor devices, and 854011 is the subheading thereunder for colour cathode-ray picture tubes. Code 854011 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4, 40, indicate heading 8540 (thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode valves and tubes, etc.); digits 5-6, 11, indicate subheading 854011, specifically colour cathode-ray picture tubes. The full code 854011.00 may have further statistical suffixes in some countries, but the core classification is colour CRT. This product is a colour cathode-ray picture tube, which is a type of cathode-ray tube and has colour display capability. According to HS classification rules, cathode-ray tubes should be classified under 8540, and the distinction between colour and black-and-white is at the subheading level, so it is classified under 854011 rather than 854012 (black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray tubes).
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of goods from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. As the core component of television receivers, cathode-ray picture tubes fall within the scope of electronic components of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8540 specifically covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode valves and tubes (including gas-filled valves and tubes, cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, etc.); diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; mounted piezo-electric crystals. This heading covers various types of electronic tubes and semiconductor devices, and 854011 is the subheading thereunder for colour cathode-ray picture tubes.
Digit Breakdown
Code 854011 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4, 40, indicate heading 8540 (thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode valves and tubes, etc.); digits 5-6, 11, indicate subheading 854011, specifically colour cathode-ray picture tubes. The full code 854011.00 may have further statistical suffixes in some countries, but the core classification is colour CRT.
Classification Basis
This product is a colour cathode-ray picture tube, which is a type of cathode-ray tube and has colour display capability. According to HS classification rules, cathode-ray tubes should be classified under 8540, and the distinction between colour and black-and-white is at the subheading level, so it is classified under 854011 rather than 854012 (black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray tubes).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "colour cathode-ray picture tube". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Sony", "LG", etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model, such as "A68KJU96X", to distinguish different specifications. Size: Refers to the screen diagonal length, usually expressed in inches or centimetres, such as "29 inches". Use: Explain what equipment the picture tube is used for, such as "for colour television sets" or "for monitors". Working Principle: Briefly describe the cathode-ray principle, such as "electron beam scans the fluorescent screen to emit light". Is It Colour: Clearly declare "colour" or "black-and-white/monochrome". This element determines the subheading classification. Power: Fill in the rated power or power consumption, such as "100W", which helps customs review. Product Name: colour cathode-ray picture tube; Brand: Sony; Model: A68KJU96X; Size: 29 inches; Use: for colour television sets; Working Principle: electron beam scans the fluorescent screen to emit light; Is It Colour: colour; Power: 100W. Mistakenly classifying colour CRTs under 854012 (black-and-white or other monochrome), resulting in differences in tax rates and regulatory conditions. Incomplete declaration elements, such as omitting "Is It Colour" or "Size", may trigger customs queries. Confusing CRTs with LCD screens and incorrectly classifying them under codes such as 9013 or 8543.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "colour cathode-ray picture tube".
⚠️ Writing only "picture tube" without indicating colour, or mistakenly writing it as "display".
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Sony", "LG", etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as "A68KJU96X", to distinguish different specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or use of internal codes, making it impossible for customs to identify.
Size
Refers to the screen diagonal length, usually expressed in inches or centimetres, such as "29 inches".
⚠️ Failing to indicate the unit of size, or filling in the package size instead of the screen size.
Use
Explain what equipment the picture tube is used for, such as "for colour television sets" or "for monitors".
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "for display", without specifying the specific equipment.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the cathode-ray principle, such as "electron beam scans the fluorescent screen to emit light".
⚠️ Incorrectly describing it as liquid crystal or plasma principle.
Is It Colour
Clearly declare "colour" or "black-and-white/monochrome". This element determines the subheading classification.
⚠️ Omitting or incorrectly filling it in, resulting in classification under 854012.
Power
Fill in the rated power or power consumption, such as "100W", which helps customs review.
⚠️ Not filling it in or using the wrong unit, such as writing W as kW.
Example： Product Name: colour cathode-ray picture tube; Brand: Sony; Model: A68KJU96X; Size: 29 inches; Use: for colour television sets; Working Principle: electron beam scans the fluorescent screen to emit light; Is It Colour: colour; Power: 100W.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying colour CRTs under 854012 (black-and-white or other monochrome), resulting in differences in tax rates and regulatory conditions.
Incomplete declaration elements, such as omitting "Is It Colour" or "Size", may trigger customs queries.
Confusing CRTs with LCD screens and incorrectly classifying them under codes such as 9013 or 8543.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the text of HS heading 8540 and its subheading structure. 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode valves and tubes, including cathode-ray tubes. Subheading 854011 specifically covers colour cathode-ray picture tubes. Therefore, the product must simultaneously satisfy: 1) it is a cathode-ray tube; 2) it has colour display capability. If it is black-and-white or monochrome, it is classified under 854012. If it is another type of electronic tube, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8540. 854012 Black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray picture tubes: The core difference lies in display colour: 854011 is colour, while 854012 is black-and-white or monochrome. Colour CRTs have trichromatic phosphor dots and a shadow mask structure, while black-and-white CRTs have only monochrome phosphor. 854020 Television camera tubes; image converters and intensifiers; other photocathode tubes: 854020 covers camera tubes and other photocathode tubes, used for image capture rather than display. Colour picture tubes are used for display, so their function is different. 854040 Data/graphic display tubes; colour data/graphic display tubes: 854040 specifically refers to colour picture tubes used for data or graphic display, such as those for computer monitors. If the picture tube is specially used for television sets, it is classified under 854011. 901380 Other liquid crystal display devices: 901380 covers liquid crystal display devices, which use liquid crystal technology, while 854011 is cathode-ray tube technology, with completely different principles and structures. 854370 Other electrical equipment and apparatus with individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this heading: 854370 is a residual code. If the picture tube is incomplete or has other individual functions, it may be classified here, but a complete CRT should preferably be classified under 854011. Is it clearly colour display? Does it belong to cathode-ray tube technology? Is it specially used for television receivers? Is it a complete article rather than a part? Is it distinguished from the data display tubes of 854040?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the text of HS heading 8540 and its subheading structure. 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode valves and tubes, including cathode-ray tubes. Subheading 854011 specifically covers colour cathode-ray picture tubes. Therefore, the product must simultaneously satisfy: 1) it is a cathode-ray tube; 2) it has colour display capability. If it is black-and-white or monochrome, it is classified under 854012. If it is another type of electronic tube, it may be classified under other subheadings of 8540.
Confused Codes：
854012 - Black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray picture tubes
The core difference lies in display colour: 854011 is colour, while 854012 is black-and-white or monochrome. Colour CRTs have trichromatic phosphor dots and a shadow mask structure, while black-and-white CRTs have only monochrome phosphor.
854020 - Television camera tubes; image converters and intensifiers; other photocathode tubes
854020 covers camera tubes and other photocathode tubes, used for image capture rather than display. Colour picture tubes are used for display, so their function is different.
854040 specifically refers to colour picture tubes used for data or graphic display, such as those for computer monitors. If the picture tube is specially used for television sets, it is classified under 854011.
901380 - Other liquid crystal display devices
901380 covers liquid crystal display devices, which use liquid crystal technology, while 854011 is cathode-ray tube technology, with completely different principles and structures.
854370 - Other electrical equipment and apparatus with individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this heading
854370 is a residual code. If the picture tube is incomplete or has other individual functions, it may be classified here, but a complete CRT should preferably be classified under 854011.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly colour display?
✓ Does it belong to cathode-ray tube technology?
✓ Is it specially used for television receivers?
✓ Is it a complete article rather than a part?
✓ Is it distinguished from the data display tubes of 854040?
❓ FAQ
What is the main difference between HS codes 854011 and 854012? The main difference lies in display colour: 854011 is colour cathode-ray picture tubes, and 854012 is black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray picture tubes. Colour CRTs have trichromatic phosphor dots and a shadow mask and can display colour images; black-and-white CRTs can only display monochrome. Classification should be judged according to actual display capability. How can one determine whether a cathode-ray tube is for a television set or a monitor? Based on design use and parameters: TV CRTs usually have higher resolution and wide viewing angles and are matched with television receiving circuits; monitor CRTs may support higher refresh rates, but for classification, if specially used for television sets, they are classified under 854011, and if specially used for data/graphic display, under 854040. Product specifications and use descriptions should be considered. What key elements need to be declared for colour cathode-ray picture tubes? Key elements include: product name, brand, model, size, use, working principle, whether colour, and power. Among these, "whether colour" and "use" directly affect classification, while size and power help customs review. Declarations should be accurate and complete. If the picture tube is black-and-white but can display grayscale, which code should it be classified under? Grayscale display still belongs to monochrome display and should be classified under 854012 (black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray picture tubes). Only CRTs capable of displaying colour images are classified under 854011. Grayscale refers to different brightness levels of a single colour and is not regarded as colour. What is the difference in classification between cathode-ray tubes and liquid crystal display screens? Cathode-ray tubes are classified under 8540, while liquid crystal display screens are usually classified under 9013 (liquid crystal devices) or 8531 (display panels). Their principles differ: CRTs use electron beams to excite phosphors, while LCDs use liquid crystal molecule deflection to control light. Classification should be distinguished according to the type of technology. What special regulatory requirements are there for importing used colour cathode-ray picture tubes? Used CRTs may involve solid waste management and must comply with environmental protection regulations. Some countries prohibit the import of used CRTs. When declaring, it is necessary to provide new/used status, use, etc., and a test report may be required. It is advisable to check customs regulatory conditions in advance. If the picture tube is in complete knocked-down sets, how should it be classified? If the complete knocked-down sets already possess the essential character of the complete article, they should be classified under the complete article code 854011; if unassembled and not constituting the essential character, they may be classified as parts, with reference to General Interpretative Rule 2(a). It is advisable to provide assembly instructions and a parts list. How can one check the import tax rate and regulatory conditions for 854011? One can check by entering HS code 854011 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Tax rates and regulatory conditions may be adjusted with policy changes, so the latest official data should prevail. Also pay attention to preferential tax rates under free trade agreements.
Q: What is the main difference between HS codes 854011 and 854012?
A: The main difference lies in display colour: 854011 is colour cathode-ray picture tubes, and 854012 is black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray picture tubes. Colour CRTs have trichromatic phosphor dots and a shadow mask and can display colour images; black-and-white CRTs can only display monochrome. Classification should be judged according to actual display capability.
Q: How can one determine whether a cathode-ray tube is for a television set or a monitor?
A: Based on design use and parameters: TV CRTs usually have higher resolution and wide viewing angles and are matched with television receiving circuits; monitor CRTs may support higher refresh rates, but for classification, if specially used for television sets, they are classified under 854011, and if specially used for data/graphic display, under 854040. Product specifications and use descriptions should be considered.
Q: What key elements need to be declared for colour cathode-ray picture tubes?
A: Key elements include: product name, brand, model, size, use, working principle, whether colour, and power. Among these, "whether colour" and "use" directly affect classification, while size and power help customs review. Declarations should be accurate and complete.
Q: If the picture tube is black-and-white but can display grayscale, which code should it be classified under?
A: Grayscale display still belongs to monochrome display and should be classified under 854012 (black-and-white or other monochrome cathode-ray picture tubes). Only CRTs capable of displaying colour images are classified under 854011. Grayscale refers to different brightness levels of a single colour and is not regarded as colour.
Q: What is the difference in classification between cathode-ray tubes and liquid crystal display screens?
A: Cathode-ray tubes are classified under 8540, while liquid crystal display screens are usually classified under 9013 (liquid crystal devices) or 8531 (display panels). Their principles differ: CRTs use electron beams to excite phosphors, while LCDs use liquid crystal molecule deflection to control light. Classification should be distinguished according to the type of technology.
Q: What special regulatory requirements are there for importing used colour cathode-ray picture tubes?
A: Used CRTs may involve solid waste management and must comply with environmental protection regulations. Some countries prohibit the import of used CRTs. When declaring, it is necessary to provide new/used status, use, etc., and a test report may be required. It is advisable to check customs regulatory conditions in advance.
Q: If the picture tube is in complete knocked-down sets, how should it be classified?
A: If the complete knocked-down sets already possess the essential character of the complete article, they should be classified under the complete article code 854011; if unassembled and not constituting the essential character, they may be classified as parts, with reference to General Interpretative Rule 2(a). It is advisable to provide assembly instructions and a parts list.
Q: How can one check the import tax rate and regulatory conditions for 854011?
A: One can check by entering HS code 854011 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Tax rates and regulatory conditions may be adjusted with policy changes, so the latest official data should prevail. Also pay attention to preferential tax rates under free trade agreements.
⚠️ 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.