Product classification
HS code for Arc lamp: 8539.41
Lamps, arc-lamps.
Classification of arc lamp under HS 8539.41
The classification of arc lamps under HS code 8539.41 is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8539 specifically includes electric filament or discharge lamps. Arc lamps are a form of discharge lamp where the light is produced by an electric arc between electrodes in a gas or in air. Because 8539.41 is a specific subheading for arc lamps, it takes precedence over more general categories. The technical nature of the arc lamp—relying on a high-voltage discharge to create a plasma arc—distinguishes it from standard incandescent or LED lighting. This code is used globally to ensure uniform tariff application for these high-intensity light sources, which are often used in specialized fields such as cinematography, searchlights, and medical therapy equipment. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the lamp is imported as a replacement part or as a component of a larger system, provided it retains its character as a lamp. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for heading 8539 clarify that this heading covers lamps of all shapes and sizes, provided they are electric. Arc lamps specifically utilize carbon electrodes or metal electrodes to sustain the arc, which is the primary reason they are isolated into the 8539.41 subheading rather than being grouped with general discharge lamps.
- Covers
- Carbon arc lamps
- Xenon short-arc lamps
- Mercury-xenon arc lamps
- Metal halide arc lamps used in projection
- Ultra-high-performance (UHP) arc lamps
- Also under 8539.41
- Osram XBO cinema lamps
- Ushio UXL projector lamps
- Christie Xenon lamps
- Strong International followspot lamps
- KLS Xenon lamps
Codes often confused with 8539.41
Common mistake. Arc lamps are frequently misclassified under HS code 9405, which covers lamps and lighting fittings. However, 9405 is intended for the complete fixture or housing, whereas 8539.41 is strictly for the arc lamp bulb or source itself. Another common error is using 8539.31 or 8539.32, which are reserved for fluorescent or mercury/sodium vapor discharge lamps. While arc lamps are a type of discharge lamp, the specific provision for arc lamps in 8539.41 must be used according to the principle of specificity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853941 (the code used for arc lamp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853941 (the code used for arc lamp) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 853941, not only arc lamp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $196M 37% of world exports
- 2 United States $94M 18% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $62M 12% of world exports
World total: $530M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $113M 23% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $42M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $42M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $488M 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 arc lamp
Brazil splits HS 8539.41 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8539.41.10Arc lamps of 1,000 W or more
- 8539.41.90Arc lamps under 1,000 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about arc lamp
What is the HS code for Arc lamp?
The HS code for Arc lamp is 853941 (Lamps; arc-lamps).
How do I classify Arc lamp for customs?
Arc lamp is classified under HS code 853941 — Lamps; arc-lamps. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for arc lamps?
The specific HS code for arc lamps is 8539.41, which falls under the broader category of electric filament or discharge lamps.
Are LED lamps classified under this code?
No, LED lamps are classified under HS code 8539.52. Arc lamps rely on a plasma arc between electrodes, whereas LEDs use semiconductor technology.
Which countries are the top exporters of arc lamp (HS 853941)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853941 (the code used for arc lamp) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($196M, 37% of world exports), the United States ($94M) and Indonesia ($62M). World exports came to about $530M, 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 arc lamp (HS 853941)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853941 (the code used for arc lamp) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($113M, 23% of world imports), Singapore ($42M) and Germany ($42M). World imports came to about $488M, 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 Arc lamp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853941 for Arc lamp 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 arc lamp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853941 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for arc lamp depends on the product's details: 8539.41.10 (Arc lamps of 1,000 W or more), 8539.41.90 (Arc lamps under 1,000 W).