HS Code 70.11 – Glass envelopes (including bulbs and tubes), open and glass parts thereof, without fittings, for electric lamps and light sources, cathode-ray tubes or the like

HS code 7011 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glass envelopes (including bulbs and tubes), open and glass parts thereof, without fittings, for electric lamps and light sources, cathode-ray tubes or the like. Heading 7011 covers 'Glass envelopes (including bulbs and tubes), open and glass parts thereof, without fittings, for electric lamps and light sources, cathode-ray tubes or the like.' This specific classification, found within Section XIII, Chapter 70 (Glass and Glassware), is crucial for components of the lighting and display industries. It precisely defines the scope to include only the glass shells, bulbs, and tubes, and their parts, that are *unfitted* – meaning they lack the electrical components, filaments, bases, or other fittings that would make them complete lamps or tubes. This distinction is vital for trade compliance, as complete lamps and lighting fittings are classified under Chapter 85 or 94. Sub-categories might include the outer glass shells for incandescent bulbs, the glass tubes for fluorescent lamps, specialized envelopes for halogen or LED light sources, and the glass funnels or faceplates for cathode-ray tubes (CRTs). The 'without fittings' clause is the primary boundary, ensuring that only the raw or semi-finished glass components are classified here. This heading reflects the historical evolution of lighting and display technologies, from early incandescent bulbs to more modern specialized light sources. Accurate classification is essential for manufacturers importing these glass components for assembly into finished products, impacting customs duties and supply chain logistics. Its relationship to Chapter 70 is clear, focusing on highly specialized glass articles designed for specific industrial applications.

Incandescent light bulb glass envelopes, fluorescent lamp glass tubes (unfitted), LED light bulb glass covers, halogen lamp glass capsules (unfitted), cathode-ray tube (CRT) glass funnels, CRT glass faceplates, neon sign glass tubes (unfitted), UV lamp glass sleeves, infra-red lamp glass envelopes, projector lamp glass bulbs (unfitted), specialized laboratory lamp glass parts (unfitted), X-ray tube glass envelopes (unfitted), vacuum tube glass envelopes, display screen glass shells (unfitted), light source glass housings, glass domes for flash lamps, glass shells for high-intensity discharge lamps, quartz glass envelopes for specialized lamps, glass tubing for discharge lamps, glass parts for photographic flashbulbs, glass covers for automotive lamps (unfitted), glass for medical lamp envelopes, glass for germicidal lamp tubes, glass for tanning lamp tubes.

A frequent misclassification involves confusing these unfitted glass envelopes with complete electric lamps or lighting fittings, which fall under Chapter 85 (e.g., 8539 for incandescent lamps) or Chapter 94 (e.g., 9405 for lighting fittings). The crucial distinction for 7011 is the 'without fittings' clause – if it has electrical components, it belongs elsewhere. Another error is classifying raw glass tubes or rods (under 7002) here, even if intended for eventual use in lamps; 7011 requires the glass to be shaped as an 'envelope' or specific part of an envelope. Decorative glass items (7013) or even optical elements (Chapter 90) might also be mistakenly considered if their primary function isn't clearly an unfitted lamp or tube component.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 7011 in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($8.4M) and Thailand ($7.4M). World exports came to about $70M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 7011 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($8.7M, 9.2% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($6.2M) and Slovakia ($5.9M). World imports came to about $95M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 7011 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 70 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (70) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (11) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.