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 technologically sophisticated chapters in the HS, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to precision electronic components. Headings within the chapter are divided by function, such as electric motors, transformers, batteries, integrated circuits, etc. Heading 8540 pertains to electronic tubes, which were core components of early electronic technology and are now mostly used in specialized fields. Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, mercury arc rectifying tubes, cathode-ray tubes, camera tubes, etc.), excluding semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors. Specifically includes: cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, image intensifiers, microwave tubes, rectifier tubes, thyratrons, voltage regulator tubes, etc. 854089 covers other electronic tubes, referring to electronic tubes not elsewhere specified, such as certain special-purpose vacuum tubes, gas-filled tubes, etc. First 2 digits 85: Chapter 85, electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4: 40: Heading 8540, thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes. Digits 5-6: 89: Subheading 854089, other electronic tubes. This subheading is a residual code covering electronic tubes not specifically named under heading 8540, such as certain industrial vacuum tubes, special cathode-ray tubes, etc. Note that under heading 8540 there are also specific subheadings such as 854011 (cathode-ray television picture tubes), 854020 (television camera tubes, etc.), 854040 (data/graphic display tubes), 854060 (X-ray tubes), etc. This commodity is classified under 854089 because it falls within the scope of electronic tubes but is not specifically named under any other subheading of heading 8540. If it were a cathode-ray television picture tube, it would be classified under 854011; if it were an X-ray tube, it would be classified under 854060. As a residual subheading, 854089 applies to other electronic tubes not elsewhere specified, such as certain industrial heating vacuum tubes, special-purpose gas-filled tubes, etc. When classifying, it is necessary to confirm that the commodity meets the definition of an electronic tube and does not fall under any other specific subheading.
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 technologically sophisticated chapters in the HS, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to precision electronic components. Headings within the chapter are divided by function, such as electric motors, transformers, batteries, integrated circuits, etc. Heading 8540 pertains to electronic tubes, which were core components of early electronic technology and are now mostly used in specialized fields.
Heading
Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (including gas-filled tubes, mercury arc rectifying tubes, cathode-ray tubes, camera tubes, etc.), excluding semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors. Specifically includes: cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, image intensifiers, microwave tubes, rectifier tubes, thyratrons, voltage regulator tubes, etc. 854089 covers other electronic tubes, referring to electronic tubes not elsewhere specified, such as certain special-purpose vacuum tubes, gas-filled tubes, etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: Chapter 85, electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4: 40: Heading 8540, thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes. Digits 5-6: 89: Subheading 854089, other electronic tubes. This subheading is a residual code covering electronic tubes not specifically named under heading 8540, such as certain industrial vacuum tubes, special cathode-ray tubes, etc. Note that under heading 8540 there are also specific subheadings such as 854011 (cathode-ray television picture tubes), 854020 (television camera tubes, etc.), 854040 (data/graphic display tubes), 854060 (X-ray tubes), etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 854089 because it falls within the scope of electronic tubes but is not specifically named under any other subheading of heading 8540. If it were a cathode-ray television picture tube, it would be classified under 854011; if it were an X-ray tube, it would be classified under 854060. As a residual subheading, 854089 applies to other electronic tubes not elsewhere specified, such as certain industrial heating vacuum tubes, special-purpose gas-filled tubes, etc. When classifying, it is necessary to confirm that the commodity meets the definition of an electronic tube and does not fall under any other specific subheading.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the electronic tube, such as "industrial vacuum tube," "gas-filled thyratron," etc. Use: Describe the application field of the electronic tube, such as for industrial heating, broadcast transmission, medical equipment, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the specific model or specification of the product to facilitate customs identification. Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the electronic tube, such as thermionic emission, gas discharge, etc. Power: Fill in the rated power or output power of the electronic tube, usually in watts. Contains Mercury: For gas-filled tubes, it is necessary to declare whether they contain mercury, which involves environmental protection requirements. Product Name: Industrial vacuum tube; Use: For high-frequency induction heating equipment; Brand: ABC; Model: VT-123; Working Principle: Thermionic emission; Power: 500W; Contains Mercury: No. Confusing electronic tubes with semiconductor devices and incorrectly classifying under 8541 or 8542. Failing to distinguish specific subheadings, such as misreporting X-ray tubes as 854089. Incomplete declaration elements, such as omitting working principle or power.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the type and use of the electronic tube, such as "industrial vacuum tube," "gas-filled thyratron," etc.
⚠️ Declaring only "electronic tube" is too general and fails to distinguish the specific type.
Use
Describe the application field of the electronic tube, such as for industrial heating, broadcast transmission, medical equipment, etc.
⚠️ The use description is vague, such as "used in electronic equipment."
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification of the product to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or incorrect.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the electronic tube, such as thermionic emission, gas discharge, etc.
⚠️ Not filled in or inaccurate description.
Power
Fill in the rated power or output power of the electronic tube, usually in watts.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit or not filled in.
Contains Mercury
For gas-filled tubes, it is necessary to declare whether they contain mercury, which involves environmental protection requirements.
⚠️ Ignoring the mercury content declaration, leading to compliance risks.
Confusing electronic tubes with semiconductor devices and incorrectly classifying under 8541 or 8542.
Failing to distinguish specific subheadings, such as misreporting X-ray tubes as 854089.
Incomplete declaration elements, such as omitting working principle or power.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the commodity meets the HS Chapter 85 notes and the terms of heading 8540. Electronic tubes typically have a vacuum or gas-filled sealed envelope and use electron emission or gas discharge to achieve rectification, amplification, oscillation, and other functions. It is necessary to confirm that it does not belong to 8541 (semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors) or 8542 (integrated circuits). At the same time, it is necessary to determine based on the specific type whether it falls under a more specific subheading of heading 8540. 854011 Cathode-ray television picture tubes: 854011 specifically refers to cathode-ray picture tubes for television, including black-and-white and color; 854089 covers other electronic tubes and does not include television picture tubes. 854060 X-ray tubes: 854060 specifically refers to X-ray tubes, used for medical or industrial imaging; 854089 does not include X-ray tubes. 854130 Semiconductor switching elements: 854130 covers semiconductor devices such as thyristors; 854089 covers electronic tubes, and the two differ in working principle and materials. 8539 Electric filament or discharge lamps: 8539 covers lighting equipment such as bulbs and tubes; 854089 covers electronic tubes used in electronic circuits rather than lighting. Is the commodity a vacuum or gas-filled electronic tube? Is it used for television imaging or X-rays? Does it belong to semiconductor devices? Is it specifically named under heading 8540? Does it contain mercury or radioactive substances?
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the commodity meets the HS Chapter 85 notes and the terms of heading 8540. Electronic tubes typically have a vacuum or gas-filled sealed envelope and use electron emission or gas discharge to achieve rectification, amplification, oscillation, and other functions. It is necessary to confirm that it does not belong to 8541 (semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors) or 8542 (integrated circuits). At the same time, it is necessary to determine based on the specific type whether it falls under a more specific subheading of heading 8540.
Confused Codes：
854011 - Cathode-ray television picture tubes
854011 specifically refers to cathode-ray picture tubes for television, including black-and-white and color; 854089 covers other electronic tubes and does not include television picture tubes.
854060 - X-ray tubes
854060 specifically refers to X-ray tubes, used for medical or industrial imaging; 854089 does not include X-ray tubes.
854130 - Semiconductor switching elements
854130 covers semiconductor devices such as thyristors; 854089 covers electronic tubes, and the two differ in working principle and materials.
8539 - Electric filament or discharge lamps
8539 covers lighting equipment such as bulbs and tubes; 854089 covers electronic tubes used in electronic circuits rather than lighting.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity a vacuum or gas-filled electronic tube?
✓ Is it used for television imaging or X-rays?
✓ Does it belong to semiconductor devices?
✓ Is it specifically named under heading 8540?
✓ Does it contain mercury or radioactive substances?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS code 854089 and 854011? 854011 specifically refers to cathode-ray television picture tubes, including black-and-white and color picture tubes; 854089 is a residual code for other electronic tubes, covering electronic tubes not elsewhere specified, such as industrial vacuum tubes, gas-filled thyratrons, etc. If the commodity is a television picture tube, it must be classified under 854011. How to determine whether an electronic tube should be classified under 854089? First confirm whether the commodity is an electronic tube (thermionic, cold cathode, or photocathode tube), then check whether there is a more specific subheading under heading 8540 (such as 854011, 854020, 854040, 854060). If none apply, classify under 854089. What key information is required when declaring 854089? Product name, use, brand, model, working principle, power, whether it contains mercury, etc. are required. In particular, the working principle and use help customs confirm classification. How to distinguish electronic tubes from semiconductor devices? Electronic tubes usually have a vacuum or gas-filled glass/metal envelope and use electron emission or gas discharge; semiconductor devices are based on semiconductor materials (such as silicon, germanium) and use PN junction characteristics. In the HS, electronic tubes are classified under 8540, and semiconductor devices under 8541 or 8542. What is the export tax rebate rate for 854089? The export tax rebate rate may be adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the General Administration of Customs or the tax authority's official website, or consult a professional customs broker. What should be noted when importing used electronic tubes under 854089? Used electronic tubes may involve solid waste control, and it is necessary to confirm whether they meet environmental protection requirements. Some used electronic tubes may be prohibited from import. When declaring, it is necessary to provide status (new or used), use, etc., and if necessary, provide inspection reports. If an electronic tube is used in medical equipment, are there special classification requirements? If it is an X-ray tube, it should be classified under 854060; if it is another medical electronic tube, such as a detector for a CT machine, it may be classified under 854089, but it is necessary to confirm whether it falls under other subheadings of heading 8540. Parts of medical equipment may also be classified according to the complete machine, requiring specific analysis. How to check the regulatory conditions for 854089? You can check the regulatory conditions through China Customs' "Import and Export Tariff" or the "Internet + Customs" platform. Usually, attention should be paid to whether licenses, commodity inspection, etc. are involved. It is recommended to consult the local customs or a professional customs broker.
Q: What is the difference between HS code 854089 and 854011?
A: 854011 specifically refers to cathode-ray television picture tubes, including black-and-white and color picture tubes; 854089 is a residual code for other electronic tubes, covering electronic tubes not elsewhere specified, such as industrial vacuum tubes, gas-filled thyratrons, etc. If the commodity is a television picture tube, it must be classified under 854011.
Q: How to determine whether an electronic tube should be classified under 854089?
A: First confirm whether the commodity is an electronic tube (thermionic, cold cathode, or photocathode tube), then check whether there is a more specific subheading under heading 8540 (such as 854011, 854020, 854040, 854060). If none apply, classify under 854089.
Q: What key information is required when declaring 854089?
A: Product name, use, brand, model, working principle, power, whether it contains mercury, etc. are required. In particular, the working principle and use help customs confirm classification.
Q: How to distinguish electronic tubes from semiconductor devices?
A: Electronic tubes usually have a vacuum or gas-filled glass/metal envelope and use electron emission or gas discharge; semiconductor devices are based on semiconductor materials (such as silicon, germanium) and use PN junction characteristics. In the HS, electronic tubes are classified under 8540, and semiconductor devices under 8541 or 8542.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 854089?
A: The export tax rebate rate may be adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the General Administration of Customs or the tax authority's official website, or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What should be noted when importing used electronic tubes under 854089?
A: Used electronic tubes may involve solid waste control, and it is necessary to confirm whether they meet environmental protection requirements. Some used electronic tubes may be prohibited from import. When declaring, it is necessary to provide status (new or used), use, etc., and if necessary, provide inspection reports.
Q: If an electronic tube is used in medical equipment, are there special classification requirements?
A: If it is an X-ray tube, it should be classified under 854060; if it is another medical electronic tube, such as a detector for a CT machine, it may be classified under 854089, but it is necessary to confirm whether it falls under other subheadings of heading 8540. Parts of medical equipment may also be classified according to the complete machine, requiring specific analysis.
Q: How to check the regulatory conditions for 854089?
A: You can check the regulatory conditions through China Customs' "Import and Export Tariff" or the "Internet + Customs" platform. Usually, attention should be paid to whether licenses, commodity inspection, etc. are involved. It is recommended to consult the local customs or a professional customs broker.
⚠️ 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.