Product classification
HS code for Color CRT: 8540.11
Tubes, cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, colour.
Classification of color CRT under HS 8540.11
The classification of Color Cathode-Ray Tubes (CRTs) under HS code 8540.11 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 8540 specifically covers thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes, such as vacuum or gas-filled tubes. Within this heading, sub-heading 8540.11 is reserved for color television picture tubes, including those used for video monitors. These components are characterized by their function of converting an electronic signal into a visual image via an electron beam striking a phosphorescent screen. Because the CRT is a discrete component rather than a complete television receiver or monitor, it is classified here rather than in Chapter 8528. The technical construction, involving an electron gun, a shadow mask or aperture grille, and a glass envelope, aligns perfectly with the parameters of 8540.11. This code applies regardless of whether the tube is intended for consumer television sets, professional broadcast monitors, or legacy computer displays, provided it is a color-capable cathode-ray tube. The classification remains consistent for both new and refurbished tubes, provided they retain the essential character of a cathode-ray television picture tube.
- Covers
- Color television picture tubes
- Color video monitor cathode-ray tubes
- Shadow mask color CRTs
- Aperture grille color CRTs
- Trinitron-style color tubes
- Also under 8540.11
- Sony Trinitron CRTs
- Philips Color CRT
- Samsung DynaFlat CRT
- Mitsubishi Diamondtron CRT
- LG Flatron CRT
Codes often confused with 8540.11
Common mistake. Color CRTs are frequently misclassified under HS code 8528. This heading covers finished monitors and television sets. The distinction is that 8540.11 is strictly for the component tube itself. Another common error is using 8540.12, which is specifically for monochrome (black and white) tubes. Importers must ensure the tube is capable of polychrome display to qualify for 8540.11. Additionally, parts of these tubes, such as the glass envelopes without the electron gun, should be classified under 7011.20 rather than 8540.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854011 (the code used for color CRT), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854011 (the code used for color CRT) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 27% 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 854011, not only color CRT.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.0M 32% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $833K 25% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $455K 14% of world exports
World total: $3.3M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.4M 27% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$592K 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Singapore $571K 11% of world imports
World total: $5.1M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 color CRT
Brazil classifies color CRT under NCM 8540.11.00: HS 8540.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about color CRT
What is the HS code for Color CRT?
The HS code for Color CRT is 854011 (Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, colour). The HS code for color cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor tubes, is 8540.11.
How do I classify Color CRT for customs?
Color CRT is classified under HS code 854011 — Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, colour. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the plastic housing of a TV?
No, 8540.11 only covers the glass vacuum tube component. A complete television with housing and circuitry is classified under 8528.
Which countries are the top exporters of color CRT (HS 854011)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854011 (the code used for color CRT) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0M, 32% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($833K) and Singapore ($455K). World exports came to about $3.3M, 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 color CRT (HS 854011)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854011 (the code used for color CRT) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.4M, 27% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $592K) and Singapore ($571K). World imports came to about $5.1M, 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 Color CRT the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854011 for Color CRT 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 color CRT in Brazil?
In Brazil, color CRT (HS 854011) is classified under NCM 8540.11.00.