HS Code Subheading

Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier

8540.81 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 854081

This HS code covers receiver or amplifier valves and tubes, commonly known as vacuum tubes or thermionic valves, which were once ubiquitous in radio, television, and audio equipment. While largely replaced by solid-state transistors and integrated circuits, these tubes maintain a significant niche market. They are highly sought after by audiophiles for high-fidelity audio amplifiers, musicians for guitar amplifiers, and enthusiasts for vintage electronics restoration. Importers include specialized audio equipment manufacturers, boutique amplifier builders, electronics repair shops, and hobbyists. Exporters are typically countries with legacy manufacturing capabilities or those specializing in the production of high-quality audio tubes. Key considerations in this trade include sound characteristics ("tube tone"), reliability, and availability of specific rare types. The market is driven by a blend of nostalgia, perceived sonic superiority, and specialized industrial applications.

Products Under This Code

Audio amplifier tubes, Radio receiver tubes, Power amplifier tubes, Pre-amplifier tubes, Rectifier tubes, Transmitting tubes, Industrial control tubes, Cathode follower tubes

Real World Examples

JJ Electronic ECC83 (preamp tube), Electro-Harmonix EL34 (power tube), Tung-Sol 6L6GC (power tube), Mullard 12AX7 (preamp tube), Genalex Gold Lion KT88 (power tube)

Common Misclassification

This code specifically covers receiver/amplifier tubes. It should not be confused with transistors (854121) or integrated circuits (854231), which are solid-state devices, or with complete audio amplifiers (851840).

Products Classified Under 8540.81

Vacuum tubeElectron tubeAmplifier 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 8540.20 Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes 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 8540.89 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

Russia, Slovakia, and China are major producers and exporters of new production audio and receiver tubes, while the USA and Western European countries are significant importers for specialized applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 854081?

HS code 854081 covers: Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier. This HS code covers receiver or amplifier valves and tubes, commonly known as vacuum tubes or thermionic valves, which were once ubiquitous in radio, television, and audio equipment. While largely replaced by solid-state transistors and integrated circuits, these tubes maintain a significant niche market. They are highly sought after by audiophiles for high-fidelity audio amplifiers, musicians for guitar amplifiers, and enthusiasts for vintage electronics restoration. Importers include specialized audio equipment manufacturers, boutique amplifier builders, electronics repair shops, and hobbyists. Exporters are typically countries with legacy manufacturing capabilities or those specializing in the production of high-quality audio tubes. Key considerations in this trade include sound characteristics ("tube tone"), reliability, and availability of specific rare types. The market is driven by a blend of nostalgia, perceived sonic superiority, and specialized industrial applications.

What products fall under HS code 854081?

Audio amplifier tubes, Radio receiver tubes, Power amplifier tubes, Pre-amplifier tubes, Rectifier tubes, Transmitting tubes, Industrial control tubes, Cathode follower tubes

What are common misclassifications for HS code 854081?

This code specifically covers receiver/amplifier tubes. It should not be confused with transistors (854121) or integrated circuits (854231), which are solid-state devices, or with complete audio amplifiers (851840).

How is HS code 854081 structured?

HS code 854081 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 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.