HS Code Subheading

Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes

8540.20 Subheading
Section XVI — Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

About HS Code 854020

This category encompasses specialized tubes crucial for converting light into electrical signals, primarily television camera tubes, image converters, and intensifiers, along with other photo-cathode tubes. These are not consumer goods but high-tech components used in professional broadcasting, scientific research, medical imaging, and military applications. Major importers include defense contractors, scientific instrument manufacturers, and specialized medical equipment producers. Exporters are typically countries with advanced optoelectronics and vacuum tube manufacturing industries. Key considerations in this trade involve stringent quality control, intellectual property rights, and often dual-use regulations due to their potential military applications. The market is highly specialized, with a focus on performance, reliability, and specific technical specifications rather than mass production.

Products Under This Code

Vidicon camera tubes, Plumbicon camera tubes, Image intensifier tubes, Image converter tubes, Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), Streak camera tubes, X-ray image intensifiers, Night vision tubes

Real World Examples

Hamamatsu R6095 (PMT), Philips X-ray Image Intensifier, Sony Trinicon (camera tube), RCA Vidicon (camera tube), ITT Night Vision Image Intensifier

Common Misclassification

This code is distinct from 852580 (television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders) because 854020 covers the internal tube component of a camera or imaging system, not the complete device. It also differs from 900211 (lenses for cameras) which are optical components.

Products Classified Under 8540.20

Camera tubeImage intensifierPhotomultiplier tube

Related Codes

8540.11 Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, colour 8540.12 Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome 8540.40 Tubes; data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes, colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0.4mm 8540.60 Tubes; cathode ray, n.e.c. in heading no. 8540 8540.71 Tubes; microwave, magnetrons, excluding grid-controlled tubes 8540.79 Tubes; microwave (for example klystrons, travelling wave tubes, carlinotrons), excluding magnetrons and grid-controlled tubes 8540.81 Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier 8540.89 Valves and tubes; n.e.c. in heading no. 8540 8540.91 Tubes; parts of cathode-ray tubes 8540.99 Valves and tubes; parts of the valves and tubes of heading no. 8540, excluding parts of cathode-ray tubes

Industry

This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.

Trade Overview

Key players in the production and trade of these advanced tubes include Japan, the USA, Germany, and Russia, due to their expertise in precision optics and vacuum technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 854020?

HS code 854020 covers: Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes. This category encompasses specialized tubes crucial for converting light into electrical signals, primarily television camera tubes, image converters, and intensifiers, along with other photo-cathode tubes. These are not consumer goods but high-tech components used in professional broadcasting, scientific research, medical imaging, and military applications. Major importers include defense contractors, scientific instrument manufacturers, and specialized medical equipment producers. Exporters are typically countries with advanced optoelectronics and vacuum tube manufacturing industries. Key considerations in this trade involve stringent quality control, intellectual property rights, and often dual-use regulations due to their potential military applications. The market is highly specialized, with a focus on performance, reliability, and specific technical specifications rather than mass production.

What products fall under HS code 854020?

Vidicon camera tubes, Plumbicon camera tubes, Image intensifier tubes, Image converter tubes, Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), Streak camera tubes, X-ray image intensifiers, Night vision tubes

What are common misclassifications for HS code 854020?

This code is distinct from 852580 (television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders) because 854020 covers the internal tube component of a camera or imaging system, not the complete device. It also differs from 900211 (lenses for cameras) which are optical components.

How is HS code 854020 structured?

HS code 854020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (40) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.