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 one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to precision electronic components. The chapter is arranged by functional logic: 8501-8514 covers electric motors, transformers, batteries and other electrical energy production and conversion equipment; 8515-8531 covers welding, heating, communication, audio and video equipment; 8532-8548 covers electronic components and specialized parts. 8540 belongs to the heading for electronic tube products in this chapter. Heading 8540 covers thermionic tubes, cold cathode tubes or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, vacuum tubes, mercury arc rectifier tubes, cathode-ray tubes, camera tubes, etc.), as well as diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices, photosensitive semiconductor devices, light-emitting diodes, and mounted piezo-electric crystals not specified or included in other headings of this chapter. This heading is divided into multiple subheadings, including cathode-ray tubes, camera tubes, microwave tubes, other electronic tubes, etc. 854079 is the subheading specifically for other microwave tubes. The first 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., 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. Digits 3-4, 40: indicates heading 8540, i.e., thermionic tubes, cold cathode tubes or photocathode tubes and other electronic tube products. Digits 5-6, 79: indicates subheading 854079, i.e., "other microwave tubes." The 5th digit 7 indicates the fifth subheading series under 8540 (microwave tubes), and the 6th digit 9 indicates "other" within that series, i.e., microwave tubes not otherwise specified. Therefore, 854079 specifically refers to microwave tubes other than those specifically named, such as magnetrons, klystrons, and traveling wave tubes. This commodity is a microwave tube, which is a type of electronic tube used to generate or amplify microwave frequency signals. Since heading 8540 explicitly includes microwave tubes, and 854071 through 854079 separately name magnetrons, klystrons, traveling wave tubes, and other microwave tubes, microwave tubes not specifically named should be classified under 854079. They cannot be classified under other subheadings of 8540 (such as 854089) because those subheadings are for other types of electronic tubes, not microwave tubes.
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 one of the most technology-intensive chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to precision electronic components. The chapter is arranged by functional logic: 8501-8514 covers electric motors, transformers, batteries and other electrical energy production and conversion equipment; 8515-8531 covers welding, heating, communication, audio and video equipment; 8532-8548 covers electronic components and specialized parts. 8540 belongs to the heading for electronic tube products in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8540 covers thermionic tubes, cold cathode tubes or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, vacuum tubes, mercury arc rectifier tubes, cathode-ray tubes, camera tubes, etc.), as well as diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor devices, photosensitive semiconductor devices, light-emitting diodes, and mounted piezo-electric crystals not specified or included in other headings of this chapter. This heading is divided into multiple subheadings, including cathode-ray tubes, camera tubes, microwave tubes, other electronic tubes, etc. 854079 is the subheading specifically for other microwave tubes.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., 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. Digits 3-4, 40: indicates heading 8540, i.e., thermionic tubes, cold cathode tubes or photocathode tubes and other electronic tube products. Digits 5-6, 79: indicates subheading 854079, i.e., "other microwave tubes." The 5th digit 7 indicates the fifth subheading series under 8540 (microwave tubes), and the 6th digit 9 indicates "other" within that series, i.e., microwave tubes not otherwise specified. Therefore, 854079 specifically refers to microwave tubes other than those specifically named, such as magnetrons, klystrons, and traveling wave tubes.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a microwave tube, which is a type of electronic tube used to generate or amplify microwave frequency signals. Since heading 8540 explicitly includes microwave tubes, and 854071 through 854079 separately name magnetrons, klystrons, traveling wave tubes, and other microwave tubes, microwave tubes not specifically named should be classified under 854079. They cannot be classified under other subheadings of 8540 (such as 854089) because those subheadings are for other types of electronic tubes, not microwave tubes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect its type, such as "microwave tube" or a specific model name. Use: Explain the specific application scenarios of the microwave tube, such as radar, communications, heating, medical, etc. Brand: The manufacturer or brand name, such as "Toshiba," "CPI," etc. Model: The product model assigned by the manufacturer for unique identification. Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the microwave tube, such as "uses a magnetic field to control electron flow to generate microwave oscillations." Frequency Range: The operating frequency range of the microwave tube, such as "2.4GHz-2.5GHz." Power: The output power or rated power of the microwave tube, usually in watts or kilowatts. Gas-filled/Vacuum: Indicate whether the tube is vacuum or filled with a specific gas. Product Name: Microwave tube (magnetron); Use: For industrial microwave heating equipment; Brand: Panasonic; Model: 2M167B; Working Principle: Uses a magnetic field and cathode to emit electrons to generate microwave oscillations; Frequency Range: 2450MHz; Power: 1000W; Gas-filled/Vacuum: Vacuum. Misreporting a microwave tube as a semiconductor device, leading to classification under 8541. Failure to provide frequency range, making it impossible to prove it is a microwave tube rather than another type of electronic tube. False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs confirmation of classification.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect its type, such as "microwave tube" or a specific model name.
⚠️ Only filling in "electronic tube" or "microwave device," which is too general and does not reflect the characteristics of a "microwave tube."
Use
Explain the specific application scenarios of the microwave tube, such as radar, communications, heating, medical, etc.
⚠️ Filling in vague statements such as "used in electronic equipment" without specifying microwave frequency use.
Brand
The manufacturer or brand name, such as "Toshiba," "CPI," etc.
⚠️ Mistaking a trader's brand for the manufacturer's brand, or omitting the brand.
Model
The product model assigned by the manufacturer for unique identification.
⚠️ Incomplete model number or inconsistency with the actual product, leading to classification disputes.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the microwave tube, such as "uses a magnetic field to control electron flow to generate microwave oscillations."
⚠️ Incorrectly describing it as a semiconductor principle, leading to misclassification under 8541.
Frequency Range
The operating frequency range of the microwave tube, such as "2.4GHz-2.5GHz."
⚠️ Failure to provide frequency parameters, making it impossible to prove it is a microwave tube.
Power
The output power or rated power of the microwave tube, usually in watts or kilowatts.
⚠️ Incorrect power units or failure to fill in, affecting classification determination.
Gas-filled/Vacuum
Indicate whether the tube is vacuum or filled with a specific gas.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, although microwave tubes are typically vacuum tubes.
Example： Product Name: Microwave tube (magnetron); Use: For industrial microwave heating equipment; Brand: Panasonic; Model: 2M167B; Working Principle: Uses a magnetic field and cathode to emit electrons to generate microwave oscillations; Frequency Range: 2450MHz; Power: 1000W; Gas-filled/Vacuum: Vacuum.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting a microwave tube as a semiconductor device, leading to classification under 8541.
Failure to provide frequency range, making it impossible to prove it is a microwave tube rather than another type of electronic tube.
False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs confirmation of classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core determination basis for classification is whether the commodity is a microwave tube. A microwave tube is a type of electronic tube that uses the motion of electrons in electromagnetic fields to generate or amplify microwave signals. Common types include magnetrons, klystrons, traveling wave tubes, etc. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, it is first determined to belong to Chapter 85, and then classified under heading 8540 according to function. Under 8540, it is classified under the corresponding subheading according to specific type: magnetrons under 854071, klystrons under 854072, traveling wave tubes under 854073, and other microwave tubes under 854079. Therefore, if the commodity is a microwave tube but not specifically named, it should be classified under 854079. 854071 Magnetrons: Magnetrons are a type of microwave tube, but they are specifically named and should be classified under 854071 rather than 854079. 854072 Klystrons: Klystrons are also specifically named microwave tubes and are classified under 854072, not 854079. 854073 Traveling Wave Tubes: Traveling wave tubes are likewise specifically named and classified under 854073, mutually exclusive with 854079. 854089 Other Electronic Tubes: 854089 covers other types of electronic tubes (such as X-ray tubes, rectifier tubes, etc.), not microwave tubes. 854110 Diodes: Diodes are semiconductor devices that operate on the PN junction principle, which differs from the vacuum electronic tube principle of microwave tubes. Does the commodity use the motion of electrons in a vacuum to generate microwaves? Does it belong to a specifically named type such as magnetron, klystron, or traveling wave tube? Does it have operating characteristics in the microwave frequency band (typically 300MHz-300GHz)? Is it a semiconductor device (such as a diode or transistor)? Have parameters such as frequency and power been correctly provided?
Basis
The core determination basis for classification is whether the commodity is a microwave tube. A microwave tube is a type of electronic tube that uses the motion of electrons in electromagnetic fields to generate or amplify microwave signals. Common types include magnetrons, klystrons, traveling wave tubes, etc. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, it is first determined to belong to Chapter 85, and then classified under heading 8540 according to function. Under 8540, it is classified under the corresponding subheading according to specific type: magnetrons under 854071, klystrons under 854072, traveling wave tubes under 854073, and other microwave tubes under 854079. Therefore, if the commodity is a microwave tube but not specifically named, it should be classified under 854079.
Confused Codes：
854071 - Magnetrons
Magnetrons are a type of microwave tube, but they are specifically named and should be classified under 854071 rather than 854079.
854072 - Klystrons
Klystrons are also specifically named microwave tubes and are classified under 854072, not 854079.
854073 - Traveling Wave Tubes
Traveling wave tubes are likewise specifically named and classified under 854073, mutually exclusive with 854079.
854089 - Other Electronic Tubes
854089 covers other types of electronic tubes (such as X-ray tubes, rectifier tubes, etc.), not microwave tubes.
854110 - Diodes
Diodes are semiconductor devices that operate on the PN junction principle, which differs from the vacuum electronic tube principle of microwave tubes.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the commodity use the motion of electrons in a vacuum to generate microwaves?
✓ Does it belong to a specifically named type such as magnetron, klystron, or traveling wave tube?
✓ Does it have operating characteristics in the microwave frequency band (typically 300MHz-300GHz)?
✓ Is it a semiconductor device (such as a diode or transistor)?
✓ Have parameters such as frequency and power been correctly provided?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for 854079? You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, country of origin of the goods, and other factors. It is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration. What is the difference in classification between microwave tubes and magnetrons? Magnetrons are a type of microwave tube, but in the HS code, magnetrons are separately named (854071), while other microwave tubes are classified under 854079. Therefore, if the commodity is a magnetron, it should be classified under 854071, not 854079. Must the frequency range be provided at the time of declaration? Yes, the frequency range is a key parameter to prove that the commodity is a microwave tube. If not provided, customs may question the classification, leading to inspection or rejection. It is recommended to note it in the remarks column of the customs declaration form or in the accompanying documents. Can microwave tubes be classified under 8541? No. 8541 covers semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors, whose working principle is based on semiconductor materials. Microwave tubes are vacuum electronic tubes and should be classified under 8540. Are there special requirements for importing used microwave tubes? The import of used mechanical and electrical products must comply with national regulations on the import of mechanical and electrical products, which may involve pre-shipment inspection, licenses, etc. It is recommended to consult customs or a professional customs broker in advance. If the microwave tube is used in medical equipment, will the classification change? No. Classification is based on the inherent properties of the commodity, not the end use. As long as the commodity is a microwave tube, it is still classified under 854079, but the use must be truthfully declared in the use column. Does the export of goods under 854079 require commodity inspection? This depends on customs regulatory conditions. Some microwave tubes may involve export controls or commodity inspection. It is recommended to check the latest Customs Import and Export Tariff and regulatory conditions. How do you distinguish between microwave tubes and X-ray tubes? Microwave tubes generate electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency band, used for communications, heating, etc.; X-ray tubes generate X-rays, used for imaging. X-ray tubes are classified under 854089, and microwave tubes under 854079.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 854079?
A: You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, country of origin of the goods, and other factors. It is recommended to rely on the customs system feedback at the time of declaration.
Q: What is the difference in classification between microwave tubes and magnetrons?
A: Magnetrons are a type of microwave tube, but in the HS code, magnetrons are separately named (854071), while other microwave tubes are classified under 854079. Therefore, if the commodity is a magnetron, it should be classified under 854071, not 854079.
Q: Must the frequency range be provided at the time of declaration?
A: Yes, the frequency range is a key parameter to prove that the commodity is a microwave tube. If not provided, customs may question the classification, leading to inspection or rejection. It is recommended to note it in the remarks column of the customs declaration form or in the accompanying documents.
Q: Can microwave tubes be classified under 8541?
A: No. 8541 covers semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors, whose working principle is based on semiconductor materials. Microwave tubes are vacuum electronic tubes and should be classified under 8540.
Q: Are there special requirements for importing used microwave tubes?
A: The import of used mechanical and electrical products must comply with national regulations on the import of mechanical and electrical products, which may involve pre-shipment inspection, licenses, etc. It is recommended to consult customs or a professional customs broker in advance.
Q: If the microwave tube is used in medical equipment, will the classification change?
A: No. Classification is based on the inherent properties of the commodity, not the end use. As long as the commodity is a microwave tube, it is still classified under 854079, but the use must be truthfully declared in the use column.
Q: Does the export of goods under 854079 require commodity inspection?
A: This depends on customs regulatory conditions. Some microwave tubes may involve export controls or commodity inspection. It is recommended to check the latest Customs Import and Export Tariff and regulatory conditions.
Q: How do you distinguish between microwave tubes and X-ray tubes?
A: Microwave tubes generate electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency band, used for communications, heating, etc.; X-ray tubes generate X-rays, used for imaging. X-ray tubes are classified under 854089, and microwave tubes under 854079.
⚠️ 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.