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, including various electrical goods such as power generation, transformation, consumption, communications, and consumer electronics. Goods in this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, but care must be taken to exclude mechanical products of Chapter 84 (such as computers) and general-purpose parts of Section XVI. Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, cathode ray tubes, television camera tubes, etc.); diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; and piezoelectric crystals. This heading is the core classification area for electronic components, involving two major categories: vacuum electronic devices and semiconductor devices, but 8540 only includes thermionic, cold cathode and photocathode tubes, and does not include semiconductor devices (the latter are classified under 8541). Code 854020 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4, 40, indicate heading 8540 (thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes). Digits 5-6, 20, indicate subheading 854020, specifically television camera tubes. A television camera tube is a photocathode tube that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, belonging to the category of electron tubes. Under heading 8540, it is further subdivided by tube type: 854010 for cathode ray tubes, 854020 for television camera tubes, 854040 for data/graphic display tubes, 854060 for other cathode ray tubes, 854071 for magnetrons, 854079 for other microwave tubes, 854081 for receiver or amplifier tubes, and 854089 for other electron tubes. Television camera tubes are classified under 854020 because their core function is to convert images into electrical signals based on the photoelectric effect and electron beam scanning, making them a type of photocathode tube. They differ from the semiconductor devices of 8541 (such as CCD and CMOS image sensors), which utilize the photoelectric effect of semiconductor materials, whereas television camera tubes are vacuum electron tubes. They also differ from the electrical equipment of 8543 (such as complete cameras), because 854020 refers only to the camera tube itself, which is a part of a camera.
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, including various electrical goods such as power generation, transformation, consumption, communications, and consumer electronics. Goods in this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, but care must be taken to exclude mechanical products of Chapter 84 (such as computers) and general-purpose parts of Section XVI.
Heading
Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, cathode ray tubes, television camera tubes, etc.); diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices; photosensitive semiconductor devices; light-emitting diodes; and piezoelectric crystals. This heading is the core classification area for electronic components, involving two major categories: vacuum electronic devices and semiconductor devices, but 8540 only includes thermionic, cold cathode and photocathode tubes, and does not include semiconductor devices (the latter are classified under 8541).
Digit Breakdown
Code 854020 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4, 40, indicate heading 8540 (thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes). Digits 5-6, 20, indicate subheading 854020, specifically television camera tubes. A television camera tube is a photocathode tube that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, belonging to the category of electron tubes. Under heading 8540, it is further subdivided by tube type: 854010 for cathode ray tubes, 854020 for television camera tubes, 854040 for data/graphic display tubes, 854060 for other cathode ray tubes, 854071 for magnetrons, 854079 for other microwave tubes, 854081 for receiver or amplifier tubes, and 854089 for other electron tubes.
Classification Basis
Television camera tubes are classified under 854020 because their core function is to convert images into electrical signals based on the photoelectric effect and electron beam scanning, making them a type of photocathode tube. They differ from the semiconductor devices of 8541 (such as CCD and CMOS image sensors), which utilize the photoelectric effect of semiconductor materials, whereas television camera tubes are vacuum electron tubes. They also differ from the electrical equipment of 8543 (such as complete cameras), because 854020 refers only to the camera tube itself, which is a part of a camera.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as television camera tube, with brand and model indicated. Use: Explain the application field of the camera tube, such as broadcast television cameras, industrial inspection, medical imaging, etc. Working principle: Briefly describe the photoelectric conversion principle, such as photoconductive type, image intensifier type, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name, such as Philips, Hamamatsu, etc. Model: Specific model number used to identify technical specifications. Size: The target surface size or tube diameter of the camera tube, such as 1 inch, 2/3 inch, etc. Vacuum: Confirm whether it is a vacuum electron tube; television camera tubes are usually vacuum tubes. Customs declaration example: Product name: Television camera tube; Brand: Hamamatsu; Model: C10000; Use: For industrial inspection cameras; Working principle: Photoconductive type; Size: 1 inch; Vacuum: Yes; Origin: Japan. Note: This commodity is a vacuum electron tube, not a semiconductor image sensor. Confusing television camera tubes with CCD/CMOS image sensors, which should be classified under 8541. Failing to indicate 'television' use, which may lead to classification under other electron tube subheadings. Ignoring brand and model, affecting customs valuation and classification.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as television camera tube, with brand and model indicated.
⚠️ Writing only 'camera tube' or 'electron tube' without specifying television use.
Use
Explain the application field of the camera tube, such as broadcast television cameras, industrial inspection, medical imaging, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'used for camera' without distinguishing professional from consumer-grade.
Working principle
Briefly describe the photoelectric conversion principle, such as photoconductive type, image intensifier type, etc.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing CCD or CMOS semiconductor principles.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name, such as Philips, Hamamatsu, etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to provide brand.
Model
Specific model number used to identify technical specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Size
The target surface size or tube diameter of the camera tube, such as 1 inch, 2/3 inch, etc.
⚠️ Failing to provide size or incorrect units.
Vacuum
Confirm whether it is a vacuum electron tube; television camera tubes are usually vacuum tubes.
⚠️ Incorrectly answering 'non-vacuum' or 'semiconductor'.
Example： Customs declaration example: Product name: Television camera tube; Brand: Hamamatsu; Model: C10000; Use: For industrial inspection cameras; Working principle: Photoconductive type; Size: 1 inch; Vacuum: Yes; Origin: Japan. Note: This commodity is a vacuum electron tube, not a semiconductor image sensor.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing television camera tubes with CCD/CMOS image sensors, which should be classified under 8541.
Failing to indicate 'television' use, which may lead to classification under other electron tube subheadings.
Ignoring brand and model, affecting customs valuation and classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 85 and subheading notes of the Import and Export Tariff. Television camera tubes must meet the following: 1) belong to thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes; 2) function to convert optical images into electrical signals; 3) be used for television camera. If it is a semiconductor image sensor, it is classified under 8541; if it is a complete camera, it is classified under 8525. Reference should also be made to customs classification decisions and World Customs Organization classification opinions. 854110 Diodes: Diodes are semiconductor devices that utilize PN junction characteristics, while television camera tubes are vacuum electron tubes that utilize the photoelectric effect and electron beam scanning. 854140 Photosensitive semiconductor devices: Photosensitive semiconductor devices (such as photodiodes, CCDs) are based on the semiconductor photoelectric effect, while television camera tubes are vacuum tubes with different structures and working principles. 852580 Television cameras: 8525 covers complete cameras, while 854020 covers only parts of cameras (camera tubes), and the distinction depends on whether they are completely assembled. 854089 Other electron tubes: 854089 covers other electron tubes not elsewhere specified, while 854020 specifically refers to television camera tubes with a specific use. Is the television use clearly specified? Is it a vacuum electron tube rather than a semiconductor? Is it only a camera tube rather than a complete camera? Are key parameters such as brand and model provided? Have the latest tariff and classification decisions been checked?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 85 and subheading notes of the Import and Export Tariff. Television camera tubes must meet the following: 1) belong to thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes; 2) function to convert optical images into electrical signals; 3) be used for television camera. If it is a semiconductor image sensor, it is classified under 8541; if it is a complete camera, it is classified under 8525. Reference should also be made to customs classification decisions and World Customs Organization classification opinions.
Confused Codes：
854110 - Diodes
Diodes are semiconductor devices that utilize PN junction characteristics, while television camera tubes are vacuum electron tubes that utilize the photoelectric effect and electron beam scanning.
854140 - Photosensitive semiconductor devices
Photosensitive semiconductor devices (such as photodiodes, CCDs) are based on the semiconductor photoelectric effect, while television camera tubes are vacuum tubes with different structures and working principles.
852580 - Television cameras
8525 covers complete cameras, while 854020 covers only parts of cameras (camera tubes), and the distinction depends on whether they are completely assembled.
854089 - Other electron tubes
854089 covers other electron tubes not elsewhere specified, while 854020 specifically refers to television camera tubes with a specific use.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the television use clearly specified?
✓ Is it a vacuum electron tube rather than a semiconductor?
✓ Is it only a camera tube rather than a complete camera?
✓ Are key parameters such as brand and model provided?
✓ Have the latest tariff and classification decisions been checked?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between television camera tubes and CCD image sensors? Television camera tubes are vacuum electron tubes classified under 854020; CCD or CMOS image sensors are semiconductor photosensitive devices classified under 854140. They have different working principles and must be distinguished by technology type during classification. If a television camera tube is used in non-television fields, such as industrial inspection, can it still be classified under 854020? Yes. The subheading description of 854020 is 'television camera tubes,' but according to the General Rules for Interpretation, camera tubes with the same working principle and structure, even if used in industrial, medical, or other non-television fields, should still be classified under 854020. What declaration elements are required for importing television camera tubes? Product name, brand, model, use, working principle, size, vacuum status, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs, and it is recommended to refer to the 'Specification for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China.' How to distinguish television camera tubes from camera parts? Television camera tubes are core parts of cameras and are classified under 854020; if a complete camera is imported, it is classified under 8525. If multiple parts are imported but not assembled, they are still classified as parts. How to check the latest tariff rate for television camera tubes? You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use tools such as 'Customs Classification Expert' and enter HS code 854020 to check the latest tariff rate. Note that rates may vary depending on trade agreements, origin, etc. Are television camera tubes classified under 854020 subject to export controls? They may be controlled. Television camera tubes are high-tech products, and some models may be subject to export controls. It is recommended to check the 'Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export in China' and relevant regulations of the Ministry of Commerce. If television camera tubes are imported mixed with other electron tubes, how should they be declared? They should be declared separately and classified under different HS codes. If they cannot be distinguished, the higher tariff rate applies. It is recommended to provide a detailed list to avoid classification disputes. What are the key points of customs classification review for television camera tubes? The focus is on reviewing the working principle (vacuum tube or semiconductor), use (whether television), and function (whether image conversion). Enterprises need to provide technical specifications, photos, and other supporting documents.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between television camera tubes and CCD image sensors?
A: Television camera tubes are vacuum electron tubes classified under 854020; CCD or CMOS image sensors are semiconductor photosensitive devices classified under 854140. They have different working principles and must be distinguished by technology type during classification.
Q: If a television camera tube is used in non-television fields, such as industrial inspection, can it still be classified under 854020?
A: Yes. The subheading description of 854020 is 'television camera tubes,' but according to the General Rules for Interpretation, camera tubes with the same working principle and structure, even if used in industrial, medical, or other non-television fields, should still be classified under 854020.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing television camera tubes?
A: Product name, brand, model, use, working principle, size, vacuum status, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs, and it is recommended to refer to the 'Specification for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China.'
Q: How to distinguish television camera tubes from camera parts?
A: Television camera tubes are core parts of cameras and are classified under 854020; if a complete camera is imported, it is classified under 8525. If multiple parts are imported but not assembled, they are still classified as parts.
Q: How to check the latest tariff rate for television camera tubes?
A: You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use tools such as 'Customs Classification Expert' and enter HS code 854020 to check the latest tariff rate. Note that rates may vary depending on trade agreements, origin, etc.
Q: Are television camera tubes classified under 854020 subject to export controls?
A: They may be controlled. Television camera tubes are high-tech products, and some models may be subject to export controls. It is recommended to check the 'Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export in China' and relevant regulations of the Ministry of Commerce.
Q: If television camera tubes are imported mixed with other electron tubes, how should they be declared?
A: They should be declared separately and classified under different HS codes. If they cannot be distinguished, the higher tariff rate applies. It is recommended to provide a detailed list to avoid classification disputes.
Q: What are the key points of customs classification review for television camera tubes?
A: The focus is on reviewing the working principle (vacuum tube or semiconductor), use (whether television), and function (whether image conversion). Enterprises need to provide technical specifications, photos, and other supporting documents.
⚠️ 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.