Product classification
HS code for Ballast: 8504.10
Discharge lamps or tubes, ballasts therefor.
Classification of ballast under HS 8504.10
A ballast is an electrical device designed to limit the current in an electrical circuit, primarily used with discharge lamps or tubes (such as fluorescent or high-intensity discharge lamps). HS code 850410 is specifically designated for "Ballasts for discharge lamps or tubes." This classification is appropriate because heading 8504 covers "Electrical transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors," and subheading 850410 precisely identifies ballasts for discharge lamps as a specific type of inductor or transformer. Ballasts are crucial for the proper operation of these lamps, providing the necessary voltage to start the lamp and then regulating the current to maintain stable light output. Their specialized function for lighting applications differentiates them from general electrical components.
- Covers
- Magnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
- Electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
- Ballasts for high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps (e.g., mercury vapor, sodium vapor, metal halide)
- Ballasts for neon tubes
- Dimmable ballasts for discharge lamps
- Emergency lighting ballasts (if primarily a ballast for discharge lamps)
- Also under 8504.10
- Philips Advance ballasts
- Osram Sylvania ballasts
- GE Lighting ballasts
- Lutron electronic ballasts
- Fulham Workhorse ballasts
Codes often confused with 8504.10
Common mistake. While ballasts are a type of transformer or inductor, classifying them under general transformer codes (e.g., HS codes 850431 for liquid dielectric, 850432 for power transformers < 1 kVA) would be incorrect if they are specifically designed for discharge lamps. The specific provision in 850410 takes precedence over general transformer classifications. Ballasts might also be confused with other electrical control gear under HS code 8536 (Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits). However, ballasts' primary function is current limitation and voltage provision for lamps, not switching or protection in the general sense. While they may incorporate protective features, their essential character is defined by their role with discharge lamps. Furthermore, the lamps themselves are classified under HS code 8539 (Electric filament or discharge lamps). The ballast, though integral to the lamp's operation, is a separate electrical component and is classified distinctly under 850410, not with the lamp itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850410 (the code used for ballast), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850410 (the code used for ballast) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 850410, not only ballast.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $103M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $58M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $36M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $523M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $83M 15% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $37M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Spain $36M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $545M 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 ballast
Brazil classifies ballast under NCM 8504.10.00: HS 8504.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ballast
What is the HS code for Ballast?
The HS code for Ballast is 850410 (Discharge lamps or tubes; ballasts therefor).
How do I classify Ballast for customs?
Ballast is classified under HS code 850410 — Discharge lamps or tubes; ballasts therefor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Ballasts for discharge lamps?
The HS code for ballasts specifically designed for discharge lamps or tubes is 850410. This code is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment, and precisely identifies these current-limiting devices.
Why are ballasts classified under HS code 8504 and not with the lamps they power?
Ballasts are classified under HS code 8504 because they are considered electrical transformers or inductors, which is the scope of this heading. Although they are essential for the operation of discharge lamps (classified under 8539), the HS nomenclature separates the electrical control gear (ballast) from the lighting element (lamp) itself, based on their distinct functions and construction.
Which countries are the top exporters of ballast (HS 850410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850410 (the code used for ballast) in UN Comtrade data were China ($103M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($58M) and Italy ($36M). World exports came to about $523M, 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 ballast (HS 850410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850410 (the code used for ballast) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83M, 15% of world imports), Mexico ($37M) and Spain ($36M). World imports came to about $545M, 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 Ballast the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850410 for Ballast 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 ballast in Brazil?
In Brazil, ballast (HS 850410) is classified under NCM 8504.10.00.