Product classification
HS code for Black and white TV tube: 8540.12
Tubes, cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome.
Classification of black and white TV tube under HS 8540.12
The classification of black and white television tubes under HS code 8540.12 is based on their technical identity as cathode-ray tubes (CRTs). Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes, including vacuum tubes and gas-filled tubes. Subheading 8540.12 specifically targets monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes, including those used for video monitors. The classification is guided by GRI 1 and GRI 6. A cathode-ray tube is a vacuum tube containing one or more electron guns and a phosphorescent screen used to display images. In a monochrome tube, there is typically a single electron gun and a uniform phosphor coating that emits a single color. The legal notes for Chapter 85 are crucial here, as they distinguish between the tube itself (a component) and the complete television apparatus (8528). Even if the tube is imported as a replacement part for a specific television model, it remains classified under 8540.12 because it is a specifically named component in the nomenclature. This code does not include the glass envelopes or the television chassis, but rather the completed, functional vacuum tube assembly ready for installation. The technical specifications of the tube, such as its deflection angle or screen size, do not change the primary classification as long as it is a monochrome CRT.
- Covers
- Monochrome cathode-ray tubes for vintage television sets
- Black and white CRT display tubes for medical imaging monitors
- Monochrome radar display tubes (CRTs)
- Replacement B&W picture tubes for security system monitors
- Specialized monochrome CRTs for industrial oscilloscopes or test equipment
- Also under 8540.12
- Sony PVM-14M2MDU (medical monitor CRT)
- IBM 5151 (PC monitor CRT)
- Apple Macintosh Classic (built-in CRT)
- Tektronix Oscilloscope CRTs
- Philips M31-310GR (TV CRT)
Codes often confused with 8540.12
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with 8540.11, which is the code for color cathode-ray television picture tubes. Another common error is attempting to classify these tubes under 8529.90 as parts of television reception apparatus. However, because CRTs are specifically named in heading 8540, GRI 1 dictates they must be classified there. Additionally, modern LCD, LED, or OLED panels are not classified here; they fall under heading 8524 as flat panel display modules.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854012 (the code used for black and white TV tube), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854012 (the code used for black and white TV tube) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 48% 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 854012, not only black and white TV tube.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $133K 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $98K 14% of world exports
- 3 China $78K 11% of world exports
World total: $697K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.0M 48% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $415K 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $399K 19% of world imports
World total: $2.1M 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 black and white TV tube
Brazil classifies black and white TV tube under NCM 8540.12.00: HS 8540.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about black and white TV tube
What is the HS code for Black and white TV tube?
The HS code for Black and white TV tube is 854012 (Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome). The correct classification is 8540.12 for monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes.
How do I classify Black and white TV tube for customs?
Black and white TV tube is classified under HS code 854012 — Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are LCD screens for B&W TVs included here?
No, LCD screens are classified under 8524, as 8540 is strictly for vacuum-based tubes like CRTs.
Which countries are the top exporters of black and white TV tube (HS 854012)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854012 (the code used for black and white TV tube) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($133K, 19% of world exports), the United States ($98K) and China ($78K). World exports came to about $697K, 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 black and white TV tube (HS 854012)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854012 (the code used for black and white TV tube) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0M, 48% of world imports), Singapore ($415K) and Belgium ($399K). World imports came to about $2.1M, 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 Black and white TV tube the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854012 for Black and white TV 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 black and white TV tube in Brazil?
In Brazil, black and white TV tube (HS 854012) is classified under NCM 8540.12.00.