Product classification
HS code for Amplifier tube: 8540.81
Valves and tubes, receiver or amplifier.
Classification of amplifier tube under HS 8540.81
Amplifier tubes are classified under HS code 8540.81. This classification is governed by the provisions of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8540 specifically includes thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes, such as vacuum or gas-filled tubes. The subheading 8540.81 is designated for receiver or amplifier valves and tubes. The classification is based on the physical construction and operating principle of the device—specifically, the use of a vacuum to control electron flow between electrodes. Despite the prevalence of solid-state technology, vacuum tubes (or valves) remain a distinct category in the Harmonized System. The classification applies to the individual component itself. It is important to note that the HS code is determined by the nature of the tube (thermionic) rather than the specific device it is installed in, provided it is imported as a separate part. This code is used globally to identify vacuum-based amplification components used in high-end audio equipment, radio transmitters, and vintage electronics restoration.
- Covers
- Vacuum triodes
- Vacuum pentodes
- Audio amplification tubes
- Thermionic valves for receivers
- Glass or metal envelope amplifier tubes
- Also under 8540.81
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8518.40, which covers audio-frequency electric amplifiers. Code 8518.40 refers to the complete electronic appliance, whereas 8540.81 refers specifically to the individual vacuum tube component. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8541.21, which is for transistors; however, transistors are solid-state semiconductor devices and are technologically distinct from the thermionic valves covered under 8540.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854081 (the code used for amplifier tube), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854081 (the code used for amplifier tube) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 854081, not only amplifier tube.
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 amplifier tube
Brazil classifies amplifier tube under NCM 8540.81.00: HS 8540.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about amplifier tube
What is the HS code for Amplifier tube?
The HS code for Amplifier tube is 854081 (Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier). The HS code for an individual amplifier vacuum tube is 8540.81.
How do I classify Amplifier tube for customs?
Amplifier tube is classified under HS code 854081 — Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include solid-state transistors?
No, solid-state transistors are classified under heading 8541, as they do not utilize a vacuum or thermionic emission to operate.
Which countries are the top exporters of amplifier tube (HS 854081)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854081 (the code used for amplifier tube) 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 amplifier tube (HS 854081)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854081 (the code used for amplifier tube) 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.
Is the HS code for Amplifier tube the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854081 for Amplifier tube 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 amplifier tube in Brazil?
In Brazil, amplifier tube (HS 854081) is classified under NCM 8540.81.00.