Product classification

HS code for Camera tube: 8540.20

Tubes, television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes.

Classification of camera tube under HS 8540.20

The HS code 8540.20 is designated for television camera tubes, image converters, and intensifiers. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8540 specifically addresses thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes. Camera tubes are vacuum tubes used in older television cameras to convert an optical image into an electrical signal. Although modern digital cameras primarily use solid-state sensors, the classification for traditional vacuum-based camera tubes remains under 8540.20. This includes specialized tubes like vidicons, plumbicons, or image orthicons. The classification is based on the physical construction of the device as a vacuum tube rather than its function as a general sensor, which distinguishes it from semiconductor-based imaging components. According to GRI 1, the product must be classified according to the heading text, and 8540 is the only heading that explicitly mentions photo-cathode tubes. Image intensifiers, which amplify low light levels for night vision, also fall under this code because they operate on the same vacuum tube and photo-cathode principles. This classification is vital for distinguishing legacy analog broadcasting equipment and specialized military or scientific imaging tubes from consumer-grade digital electronics.

Covers
  • Vidicon and Plumbicon tubes
  • Image orthicon tubes
  • Image intensifier tubes for night vision
  • Photo-cathode tubes
  • Television camera tubes for analog broadcasting
Also under 8540.20
  • Hamamatsu R6095 (PMT)
  • Philips X-ray Image Intensifier
  • Sony Trinicon (camera tube)
  • RCA Vidicon (camera tube)
  • ITT Night Vision Image Intensifier

Codes often confused with 8540.20

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8541.41 or 8541.43, which covers modern CMOS and CCD sensors. These are semiconductor devices, not vacuum tubes, and must not be classified under 8540.20. Another error involves HS code 8525, which covers the entire television camera. 8540.20 is only for the internal tube component, not the complete camera assembly.

8541.41Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, light emitting diodes (LED)8541.43Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels85.25Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus; television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders

Top exporters and importers of HS 854020 (the code used for camera tube), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854020 (the code used for camera tube) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Greece, with 36% 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 854020, not only camera tube.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $220M
  2. 2 France $170M
  3. 3 United States $138M

World total: $775M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Greece $202M
  2. 2 United States $56M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $26M

World total: $561M 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 camera tube

Brazil splits HS 8540.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about camera tube

What is the HS code for Camera tube?

The HS code for Camera tube is 854020 (Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes). The HS code for television camera tubes and image intensifiers is 8540.20.

How do I classify Camera tube for customs?

Camera tube is classified under HS code 854020 — Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are digital camera sensors classified under 8540.20?

No, digital sensors like CCD or CMOS are classified under HS code 8541 as semiconductor devices, as they do not utilize vacuum tube technology.

Which countries are the top exporters of camera tube (HS 854020)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854020 (the code used for camera tube) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($220M, 28% of world exports), France ($170M) and the United States ($138M). World exports came to about $775M, 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 camera tube (HS 854020)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854020 (the code used for camera tube) in UN Comtrade data were Greece ($202M, 36% of world imports), the United States ($56M) and the United Kingdom ($26M). World imports came to about $561M, 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 Camera tube the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854020 for Camera 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 camera tube in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854020 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for camera tube depends on the product's details: 8540.20.11 (Monochrome television camera tubes), 8540.20.19 (Other television camera tubes), 8540.20.20 (X-ray image converter and intensifier tubes), 8540.20.90 (Other image converters and photo-cathode tubes).