Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof, as well as sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS classification for technology-intensive products, involving a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. Cathode-ray tubes, as electronic display devices, fall within the scope of electronic components of this chapter. Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, etc.), and parts thereof. This heading mainly targets electron tube products that operate on the principle of electron emission, including various types of electron tubes, picture tubes, camera tubes, etc. Subheading 8540.60 specifically covers other cathode-ray tubes, i.e., cathode-ray tubes not specified in 8540.40 to 8540.50. First 2 digits 85: represents Chapter 85, the chapter on electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 40: represents heading 8540, covering thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes and parts thereof. Digits 5-6, 60: represents subheading 8540.60, specifically other cathode-ray tubes. A cathode-ray tube is an electron tube that uses an electron beam to scan a fluorescent screen to produce images, widely used in oscilloscopes, radar displays, old televisions, and computer monitors. 8540.60 is a residual subheading used to classify cathode-ray tubes other than specific types such as television camera tubes, image intensifiers, color television picture tubes, etc. This product is classified under 8540.60 because it is a cathode-ray tube but does not meet the descriptions of more specific subheadings such as 8540.40 (television camera tubes, image intensifiers and image converters) or 8540.50 (color television picture tubes). As an "other" subheading, 8540.60 specifically accommodates cathode-ray tubes not elsewhere specified, such as cathode-ray tubes for oscilloscopes, radar display tubes, etc. If it is a television picture tube, it is classified under 8540.50; if it is a camera tube, it is classified under 8540.40.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof, as well as sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is the main chapter in the HS classification for technology-intensive products, involving a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial electronic equipment. Cathode-ray tubes, as electronic display devices, fall within the scope of electronic components of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, etc.), and parts thereof. This heading mainly targets electron tube products that operate on the principle of electron emission, including various types of electron tubes, picture tubes, camera tubes, etc. Subheading 8540.60 specifically covers other cathode-ray tubes, i.e., cathode-ray tubes not specified in 8540.40 to 8540.50.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: represents Chapter 85, the chapter on electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 40: represents heading 8540, covering thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes and parts thereof. Digits 5-6, 60: represents subheading 8540.60, specifically other cathode-ray tubes. A cathode-ray tube is an electron tube that uses an electron beam to scan a fluorescent screen to produce images, widely used in oscilloscopes, radar displays, old televisions, and computer monitors. 8540.60 is a residual subheading used to classify cathode-ray tubes other than specific types such as television camera tubes, image intensifiers, color television picture tubes, etc.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 8540.60 because it is a cathode-ray tube but does not meet the descriptions of more specific subheadings such as 8540.40 (television camera tubes, image intensifiers and image converters) or 8540.50 (color television picture tubes). As an "other" subheading, 8540.60 specifically accommodates cathode-ray tubes not elsewhere specified, such as cathode-ray tubes for oscilloscopes, radar display tubes, etc. If it is a television picture tube, it is classified under 8540.50; if it is a camera tube, it is classified under 8540.40.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the cathode-ray tube, such as "cathode-ray tube for oscilloscope". Use: Explain the specific application field of the cathode-ray tube, such as for oscilloscopes, radar, medical display equipment, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: The specific model or specification of the product, used to identify product characteristics. Screen Size: The diagonal screen size of the cathode-ray tube, usually expressed in inches or centimeters. Is It Color: Clearly indicate whether the cathode-ray tube is color or black-and-white display. Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the cathode-ray tube, such as electron beam scanning, etc. Product Name: Cathode-ray tube for oscilloscope; Use: Used for oscilloscope waveform display; Brand: Tektronix; Model: CRT-1234; Screen Size: 5 inches; Is It Color: Black-and-white; Working Principle: Electron beam scans on fluorescent screen to form images. Not distinguishing the specific type of cathode-ray tube, mistakenly classifying television picture tubes under 8540.60. The declared use is unclear, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 8540.60. Omitting key elements such as brand and model, affecting customs review.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the cathode-ray tube, such as "cathode-ray tube for oscilloscope".
⚠️ Filling in only "cathode-ray tube" is too general and does not indicate the use or type.
Use
Explain the specific application field of the cathode-ray tube, such as for oscilloscopes, radar, medical display equipment, etc.
⚠️ Filling in vague expressions such as "electronic equipment", which cannot distinguish specific subheadings.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Omitting brand information or filling it in incompletely.
Model
The specific model or specification of the product, used to identify product characteristics.
⚠️ Not providing the model or filling in the model incorrectly.
Screen Size
The diagonal screen size of the cathode-ray tube, usually expressed in inches or centimeters.
⚠️ Not providing the size or the unit is unclear.
Is It Color
Clearly indicate whether the cathode-ray tube is color or black-and-white display.
⚠️ Not indicating color/black-and-white, which affects classification.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the cathode-ray tube, such as electron beam scanning, etc.
⚠️ Filling in too simply, unable to reflect product characteristics.
Example： Product Name: Cathode-ray tube for oscilloscope; Use: Used for oscilloscope waveform display; Brand: Tektronix; Model: CRT-1234; Screen Size: 5 inches; Is It Color: Black-and-white; Working Principle: Electron beam scans on fluorescent screen to form images.
Common Mistakes：
Not distinguishing the specific type of cathode-ray tube, mistakenly classifying television picture tubes under 8540.60.
The declared use is unclear, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 8540.60.
Omitting key elements such as brand and model, affecting customs review.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the technical characteristics and use of the product. First confirm whether it is a cathode-ray tube, i.e., an electron tube that uses an electron beam to produce images on a fluorescent screen. Second, determine based on the specific type: if it is a television camera tube or image intensifier, classify under 8540.40; if it is a color television picture tube, classify under 8540.50; other cathode-ray tubes (such as oscilloscope tubes, radar display tubes, black-and-white picture tubes, etc.) are classified under 8540.60. Note that 8540.60 is a residual subheading and applies only when the product does not meet other more specific subheadings. 854040 Television camera tubes, image intensifiers and image converters: 8540.40 covers cathode-ray tubes used for television camera, image intensification or image conversion, while 8540.60 covers cathode-ray tubes for other uses, such as oscilloscopes, radar, etc. 854050 Color television picture tubes: 8540.50 specifically refers to color television picture tubes with color display function; 8540.60 includes black-and-white picture tubes and other non-television cathode-ray tubes. 854089 Other electron tubes: 8540.89 covers other electron tubes not elsewhere specified, such as microwave tubes, rectifier tubes, etc., while 8540.60 specifically refers to cathode-ray tubes, with different working principles and uses. 853120 Display panels incorporating liquid crystal devices or light emitting diodes: 8531.20 covers liquid crystal or LED display panels, which belong to flat panel display technology, while 8540.60 covers cathode-ray tubes, which belong to traditional CRT technology. Is it confirmed to be a cathode-ray tube? Is it used for television camera or image intensification? Is it a color television picture tube? Is it used for other purposes such as oscilloscopes, radar, etc.? Have 8540.40 and 8540.50 been excluded?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the technical characteristics and use of the product. First confirm whether it is a cathode-ray tube, i.e., an electron tube that uses an electron beam to produce images on a fluorescent screen. Second, determine based on the specific type: if it is a television camera tube or image intensifier, classify under 8540.40; if it is a color television picture tube, classify under 8540.50; other cathode-ray tubes (such as oscilloscope tubes, radar display tubes, black-and-white picture tubes, etc.) are classified under 8540.60. Note that 8540.60 is a residual subheading and applies only when the product does not meet other more specific subheadings.
Confused Codes：
854040 - Television camera tubes, image intensifiers and image converters
8540.40 covers cathode-ray tubes used for television camera, image intensification or image conversion, while 8540.60 covers cathode-ray tubes for other uses, such as oscilloscopes, radar, etc.
854050 - Color television picture tubes
8540.50 specifically refers to color television picture tubes with color display function; 8540.60 includes black-and-white picture tubes and other non-television cathode-ray tubes.
854089 - Other electron tubes
8540.89 covers other electron tubes not elsewhere specified, such as microwave tubes, rectifier tubes, etc., while 8540.60 specifically refers to cathode-ray tubes, with different working principles and uses.
8531.20 covers liquid crystal or LED display panels, which belong to flat panel display technology, while 8540.60 covers cathode-ray tubes, which belong to traditional CRT technology.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be a cathode-ray tube?
✓ Is it used for television camera or image intensification?
✓ Is it a color television picture tube?
✓ Is it used for other purposes such as oscilloscopes, radar, etc.?
✓ Have 8540.40 and 8540.50 been excluded?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a cathode-ray tube should be classified under 8540.60 or 8540.50? If the cathode-ray tube is used for color television display, it should be classified under 8540.50; if used for other purposes (such as oscilloscopes, radar, black-and-white television, etc.), it should be classified under 8540.60. The key difference is whether it is dedicated to color television. What declaration points should be noted when importing goods under 8540.60? It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, use, brand, model, screen size, whether it is color, and other elements. The use should be specific, such as "for oscilloscope", avoiding vague expressions. Also provide relevant technical materials for customs inspection. Can old cathode-ray tubes be classified under 8540.60? Yes, but note that old mechanical and electrical products may involve additional regulatory conditions, such as pre-shipment inspection. The classification itself is still under 8540.60, but relevant import regulations must be complied with. How to distinguish cathode-ray tubes from liquid crystal display panels in classification? Cathode-ray tubes are classified under 8540.60, using electron beam scanning to form images; liquid crystal display panels are classified under 8531.20, using the liquid crystal photoelectric effect. The two have different working principles and structures, and classification should be determined based on technical characteristics. If a cathode-ray tube is a part of a certain equipment, how should it be classified? If the cathode-ray tube is a dedicated part and meets the description of 8540.60, it is still classified under 8540.60. However, if the equipment itself constitutes a complete article, it may be classified according to the equipment. Judgment should be made based on the General Rules for Interpretation. How to inquire about the tariff rate for 8540.60? The tariff rate depends on the importing country, country of origin, trade agreements, etc. You can check the customs tariff of the importing country or use official databases, such as China Customs' "Import and Export Tariff". It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use official inquiry tools. Does exporting cathode-ray tubes require special licenses? It depends on the exporting country and destination. Some countries may have environmental or safety restrictions on cathode-ray tubes, such as those containing lead and other hazardous substances. It is recommended to check export control lists and destination import requirements. How to avoid mistakenly classifying cathode-ray tubes under other electron tube codes? Focus on confirming whether the product is a cathode-ray tube, i.e., one that uses an electron beam to display images on a fluorescent screen. Other electron tubes such as microwave tubes, rectifier tubes, etc., are classified under 8540.89. When classifying, carefully check the subheading texts and product technical parameters.
Q: How to determine whether a cathode-ray tube should be classified under 8540.60 or 8540.50?
A: If the cathode-ray tube is used for color television display, it should be classified under 8540.50; if used for other purposes (such as oscilloscopes, radar, black-and-white television, etc.), it should be classified under 8540.60. The key difference is whether it is dedicated to color television.
Q: What declaration points should be noted when importing goods under 8540.60?
A: It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, use, brand, model, screen size, whether it is color, and other elements. The use should be specific, such as "for oscilloscope", avoiding vague expressions. Also provide relevant technical materials for customs inspection.
Q: Can old cathode-ray tubes be classified under 8540.60?
A: Yes, but note that old mechanical and electrical products may involve additional regulatory conditions, such as pre-shipment inspection. The classification itself is still under 8540.60, but relevant import regulations must be complied with.
Q: How to distinguish cathode-ray tubes from liquid crystal display panels in classification?
A: Cathode-ray tubes are classified under 8540.60, using electron beam scanning to form images; liquid crystal display panels are classified under 8531.20, using the liquid crystal photoelectric effect. The two have different working principles and structures, and classification should be determined based on technical characteristics.
Q: If a cathode-ray tube is a part of a certain equipment, how should it be classified?
A: If the cathode-ray tube is a dedicated part and meets the description of 8540.60, it is still classified under 8540.60. However, if the equipment itself constitutes a complete article, it may be classified according to the equipment. Judgment should be made based on the General Rules for Interpretation.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rate for 8540.60?
A: The tariff rate depends on the importing country, country of origin, trade agreements, etc. You can check the customs tariff of the importing country or use official databases, such as China Customs' "Import and Export Tariff". It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use official inquiry tools.
Q: Does exporting cathode-ray tubes require special licenses?
A: It depends on the exporting country and destination. Some countries may have environmental or safety restrictions on cathode-ray tubes, such as those containing lead and other hazardous substances. It is recommended to check export control lists and destination import requirements.
Q: How to avoid mistakenly classifying cathode-ray tubes under other electron tube codes?
A: Focus on confirming whether the product is a cathode-ray tube, i.e., one that uses an electron beam to display images on a fluorescent screen. Other electron tubes such as microwave tubes, rectifier tubes, etc., are classified under 8540.89. When classifying, carefully check the subheading texts and product technical parameters.
⚠️ 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.