Product classification

HS code for CRT monitor tube: 8540.40

Tubes, data/graphic display tubes, monochrome, data/graphic display tubes, colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0.4mm.

Classification of CRT monitor tube under HS 8540.40

The classification of CRT monitor tubes under HS code 8540.40 is based on their specific design as data or graphic display tubes. These components are thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes. Unlike standard television picture tubes, these are engineered for the high-resolution output required by computer systems and professional monitors. The Harmonized System (HS) provides a specific subheading for these items to distinguish them from broadcast equipment. Specifically, 8540.40 covers both monochrome and color tubes, but for color tubes, there is a technical requirement: the phosphor dot screen pitch must be smaller than 0.4mm. This measurement is crucial because it determines the clarity and detail of the image, which is a defining characteristic of a data display tube versus a standard television tube. The classification follows General Interpretative Rules (GRI) 1 and 6. GRI 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery, and heading 8540 is the most specific heading for vacuum tubes. Because these are components and not the finished monitor assembly, they are correctly placed here rather than in heading 8528. Furthermore, the exclusion of these tubes from the television subheadings is a deliberate choice in the nomenclature to separate industrial and computing components from consumer electronics.

Covers
  • Monochrome data display tubes
  • Color graphic display tubes with pitch smaller than 0.4mm
  • Cathode-ray tubes for computer monitors
  • High-resolution display tubes for medical imaging monitors
  • Graphic display tubes for industrial control systems
Also under 8540.40
  • Sony Trinitron GDM-FW900 (PC monitor)
  • Eizo FlexScan T960 (CAD monitor)
  • IBM P260 (PC monitor)
  • NEC MultiSync FP2141SB (PC monitor)
  • Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 2070SB (PC monitor)

Codes often confused with 8540.40

Common mistake. A common error is classifying these tubes under HS code 8528, which is for complete monitors and television receivers. However, 8540.40 is strictly for the tube component itself. Another frequent mistake is using HS code 8540.11, which is reserved for color television picture tubes. The distinction lies in the phosphor dot screen pitch; if the pitch is 0.4mm or greater, it generally falls under the television category rather than the data display category. Additionally, some importers confuse these with liquid crystal display (LCD) components, which are classified under 8524 or 8529 depending on their configuration, as they do not utilize vacuum tube technology.

85.28Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus8540.11Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, colour85.24Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens85.29Transmission apparatus; parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8524 to 8528

Top exporters and importers of HS 854040 (the code used for CRT monitor tube), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854040 (the code used for CRT monitor tube) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 14% 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 854040, not only CRT monitor tube.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Singapore $4.6M
  2. 2 United States $3.8M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $1.5M

World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Indonesia $1.8M
  2. 2 United States $1.8M
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $1.6M

World total: $12M 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 code for CRT monitor tube

Brazil classifies CRT monitor tube under NCM 8540.40.00: HS 8540.40 with 00 added.

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

Questions about CRT monitor tube

What is the HS code for CRT monitor tube?

The HS code for CRT monitor tube is 854040 (Tubes; data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes, colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0.4mm). The HS code for a CRT monitor tube used for data or graphic display is 8540.40, provided it meets the technical specifications for screen pitch.

How do I classify CRT monitor tube for customs?

CRT monitor tube is classified under HS code 854040 — Tubes; data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes, colour, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0.4mm. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the monitor housing?

No, HS code 8540.40 only covers the vacuum tube component. If the tube is housed within a casing with power supplies and signal inputs, it is classified as a monitor under heading 8528.

Which countries are the top exporters of CRT monitor tube (HS 854040)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854040 (the code used for CRT monitor tube) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($4.6M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($3.8M) and the United Kingdom ($1.5M). World exports came to about $14M, 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 CRT monitor tube (HS 854040)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854040 (the code used for CRT monitor tube) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($1.8M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($1.8M) and Saudi Arabia ($1.6M). World imports came to about $12M, 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 CRT monitor tube the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854040 for CRT monitor 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 CRT monitor tube in Brazil?

In Brazil, CRT monitor tube (HS 854040) is classified under NCM 8540.40.00.