HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8540.81 – Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier
HS code 8540.81 is the 6-digit subheading for valves and tubes, receiver or amplifier. It is used for audio amplifier tubes, radio receiver tubes, power amplifier tubes, pre-amplifier tubes and rectifier tubes.
What HS 8540.81 covers
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.
- Covers
- Audio amplifier tubes
- Radio receiver tubes
- Power amplifier tubes
- Pre-amplifier tubes
- Rectifier tubes
- Transmitting tubes
- Industrial control tubes
- Cathode follower tubes
- 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)
Codes often confused with 8540.81
Common mistake. 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).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854081, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854081 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $42M 37% of world exports
- 2 France $17M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $14M 12% of world exports
World total: $113M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $25M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $14M 12% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $119M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8540.81
Brazil does not split HS 8540.81: its NCM code is 8540.81.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.40 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8540.81
What is HS code 854081?
HS code 854081 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854081?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854081 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 37% of world exports), France ($17M) and Germany ($14M). World exports came to about $113M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 854081?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854081 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($25M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $119M, 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.
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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854081?
In Brazil, HS code 854081 is NCM 8540.81.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.