HS Code for CFL bulb

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are classified under HS code 8539.31. This code falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Specifically, 8539.31 is designated for discharge lamps, other than ultra-violet lamps, that are fluorescent and utilize a hot cathode. The classification is based on the physical mechanism of light production: an electric current is passed through a tube containing mercury vapor, which excites the gas and produces short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow. Because CFLs are integrated units (often with a built-in ballast) designed to replace incandescent bulbs, they meet the criteria for finished discharge lamps. The "hot cathode" technicality refers to the heated filaments used to emit electrons into the discharge tube, a standard feature of most household CFLs.

Products Included

• Integrated compact fluorescent lamps
• Non-integrated CFL tubes (hot cathode)
• Energy-saving fluorescent bulbs
• Plug-in fluorescent lamps
• Spiral and U-bend fluorescent discharge lamps

Common Misclassification

CFLs are most often confused with LED lamps, which are classified under HS code 8539.52. Since the phase-out of many fluorescent technologies, many importers mistakenly use the LED code for all energy-efficient lighting. Additionally, cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), often used in backlighting, fall under 8539.39, while mercury or sodium vapor lamps are classified under 8539.32.

FAQ

What is the HS code for CFL bulb?

The HS code for a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) is 8539.31.

Are LED bulbs classified under the same code as CFLs?

No, LED bulbs are classified under HS code 8539.52, as they use light-emitting diode technology rather than gas discharge and fluorescence.