Product classification
HS code for Airport lighting: 8530.80
Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment, for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields (excluding those of heading no. 8608).
Classification of airport lighting under HS 8530.80
Airport lighting systems, specifically those used for signalling, safety, or traffic control on airfields, are classified under HS code 8530.80. This heading is reserved for electrical signalling, safety, or traffic control equipment for various transport infrastructures, including roads, inland waterways, and airfields. The classification depends on the primary function of the light. If the light is intended to provide visual signals for navigation, landing, or taxiing (such as runway edge lights, PAPI lights, or approach lighting systems), it is classified here. This distinguishes it from general illumination lamps. The legal notes for Chapter 85 prioritize the functional application of signalling over the general category of lighting fixtures found in Chapter 94. These systems often include complex electrical components to manage flashing sequences, intensity, and remote control from the air traffic control tower, which reinforces their classification as electrical signalling equipment.
- Covers
- Runway edge and centerline lights
- Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI)
- Visual Approach Slope Indicators (VASI)
- Taxiway edge and lead-off lights
- Airport beacon lights
- Also under 8530.80
- Siemens Sitraffic
- SWARCO traffic lights
- Federal Signal VMS boards
- ADB Safegate airfield lighting
- PTV Group traffic management hardware
- Automatic Systems road barriers
Codes often confused with 8530.80
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. Airport lighting is frequently misclassified under 9405.40, which covers other electric lamps and lighting fittings. While they are lights, 8530 is more specific for signalling and safety. It is also sometimes confused with 8531.80, which covers other electric sound or visual signalling apparatus; however, 8530 is the preferred heading for traffic control and safety equipment for specific transport facilities like airfields.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853080 (the code used for airport lighting), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853080 (the code used for airport lighting) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 853080, not only airport lighting.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $218M 17% of world exports
- 2 Austria $130M 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $124M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $205M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $63M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $50M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 codes for airport lighting
Brazil splits HS 8530.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8530.80.10Digital road traffic control equipment
- 8530.80.90Other road, port and airfield signalling equipment
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about airport lighting
What is the HS code for Airport lighting?
The HS code for Airport lighting is 853080 (Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment; for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields (excluding those of heading no. 8608)). The HS code for airport signalling and safety lighting equipment is 8530.80.
How do I classify Airport lighting for customs?
Airport lighting is classified under HS code 853080 — Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment; for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields (excluding those of heading no. 8608). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the light bulbs?
No, individual light bulbs (lamps) are classified under heading 8539. HS code 8530.80 applies to the complete signalling apparatus or fixture designed for airfield safety and control.
Which countries are the top exporters of airport lighting (HS 853080)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853080 (the code used for airport lighting) in UN Comtrade data were China ($218M, 17% of world exports), Austria ($130M) and Germany ($124M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 airport lighting (HS 853080)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853080 (the code used for airport lighting) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($205M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($63M) and the United Kingdom ($50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Airport lighting the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853080 for Airport lighting is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for airport lighting in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853080 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for airport lighting depends on the product's details: 8530.80.10 (Digital road traffic control equipment), 8530.80.90 (Other road, port and airfield signalling equipment).