Product classification
HS code for Carbon arc lamp: 8539.41
Lamps, arc-lamps.
Classification of carbon arc lamp under HS 8539.41
The carbon arc lamp is classified under HS code 8539.41. This classification is determined by the product's nature as an electric discharge lamp. Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8539 specifically addresses electric filament or discharge lamps. Within this heading, subheading 8539.41 is explicitly designated for arc-lamps. These devices function by creating an electric arc between two carbon electrodes, which produces an extremely bright and intense light. This technology, while older, is still utilized in specific industrial, scientific, and cinematic applications. The classification is based on the physical mechanism of light generation—the electric arc—rather than the specific end-use of the lamp, ensuring that all arc-based lighting units are grouped together for tariff purposes.
- Covers
- Cinema projector carbon arc lamps
- High-intensity searchlight arc lamps
- Laboratory arc-discharge lamps
- Industrial ultraviolet arc lamps
- Vintage theatrical spotlight arc units
- 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. Carbon arc lamps are sometimes misclassified under HS code 9405, which covers lamps and lighting fittings. However, 9405 is for the fixtures or housings, whereas 8539 is for the actual light-producing bulb or unit. Additionally, they may be confused with 8539.31 (fluorescent lamps) or 8539.32 (mercury or sodium vapor lamps), but 8539.41 is the specific and correct code for all arc-lamps regardless of the gas or electrode type used to sustain the arc.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853941 (the code used for carbon arc lamp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853941 (the code used for carbon 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 carbon 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 carbon 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 carbon arc lamp
What is the HS code for Carbon arc lamp?
The HS code for Carbon arc lamp is 853941 (Lamps; arc-lamps). The HS code for a carbon arc lamp is 8539.41, which specifically covers arc-lamps within the electric discharge lamp category.
How do I classify Carbon arc lamp for customs?
Carbon arc lamp is classified under HS code 853941 — Lamps; arc-lamps. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are LED lamps classified under this same code?
No, LED lamps are classified under HS code 8539.50 (or 8539.52/8539.51 depending on the version of the HS nomenclature), as they use light-emitting diode technology instead of an electric arc.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon arc lamp (HS 853941)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853941 (the code used for carbon 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 carbon arc lamp (HS 853941)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853941 (the code used for carbon 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 Carbon arc lamp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853941 for Carbon 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 carbon arc lamp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853941 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for carbon 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).