Product classification
HS code for CFL bulb: 8539.31
Lamps, discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), fluorescent, hot cathode.
Classification of CFL bulb under HS 8539.31
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 8539.31
- Philips T8 fluorescent
- Sylvania Octron
- GE F32T8
- Osram Dulux D/E CFL
- Feit Electric CFL
Codes often confused with 8539.31
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853931 (the code used for CFL bulb), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853931 (the code used for CFL bulb) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 853931, not only CFL bulb.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $153M 52% of world exports
- 2 Poland $18M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 India $16M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $295M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $65M 20% of world imports
- 2 Japan $24M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $21M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $331M 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 CFL bulb
Brazil splits HS 8539.31 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8539.31.11Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, over 5 mg Hg
- 8539.31.19Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, 5 mg Hg or less
- 8539.31.20Other hot-cathode fluorescent lamps
- 8539.31.31Triband fluorescent tubes, over 5 mg mercury
- 8539.31.32Halophosphate fluorescent tubes, over 10 mg Hg
- 8539.31.39Other hot-cathode fluorescent tubes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about CFL bulb
What is the HS code for CFL bulb?
The HS code for CFL bulb is 853931 (Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), fluorescent, hot cathode). The HS code for a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) is 8539.31.
How do I classify CFL bulb for customs?
CFL bulb is classified under HS code 853931 — Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), fluorescent, hot cathode. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of CFL bulb (HS 853931)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853931 (the code used for CFL bulb) in UN Comtrade data were China ($153M, 52% of world exports), Poland ($18M) and India ($16M). World exports came to about $295M, 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 CFL bulb (HS 853931)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853931 (the code used for CFL bulb) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($65M, 20% of world imports), Japan ($24M) and South Korea ($21M). World imports came to about $331M, 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 CFL bulb the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853931 for CFL bulb 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 CFL bulb in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853931 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for CFL bulb depends on the product's details: 8539.31.11 (Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, over 5 mg Hg), 8539.31.19 (Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, 5 mg Hg or less), 8539.31.20 (Other hot-cathode fluorescent lamps), 8539.31.31 (Triband fluorescent tubes, over 5 mg mercury), 8539.31.32 (Halophosphate fluorescent tubes, over 10 mg Hg), 8539.31.39 (Other hot-cathode fluorescent tubes).