Product classification
HS code for Flashlight: 8513.10
Lamps, portable, electric, designed to function by their own source of energy (excluding lighting equipment of heading no. 8512).
Classification of flashlight under HS 8513.10
Flashlights are classified under HS code 851310. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8513 specifically addresses portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy, such as dry batteries, accumulators, or dynamos. The classification is based on two primary criteria: the lamp must be portable (designed to be carried in the hand or on the person) and it must have a self-contained power source. This distinguishes flashlights from stationary lighting fixtures or lamps that require a connection to a mains power supply. Whether the light source is a traditional incandescent bulb or a modern light-emitting diode (LED), the classification remains 851310 as long as the portability and power source requirements are met.
- Covers
- LED flashlights
- Tactical torches
- Hand-held lanterns (battery operated)
- Headlamps for miners or hikers
- Crank-powered or solar-powered portable torches
- Penlights
- Also under 8513.10
- Maglite LED Flashlight
- Petzl Headlamp
- Coleman LED Lantern
- Streamlight Stinger
- Fenix PD35
Codes often confused with 8513.10
Common mistake. Flashlights are often misclassified under 940540, which covers other electric lamps and lighting fittings. However, 9405 is generally for lamps intended for permanent installation or those that do not have their own power source. Another common error is using 851220, which is for electrical lighting or signaling equipment for motor vehicles or bicycles. If a flashlight is marketed as a "bike light" but is easily detachable and designed to be used as a hand-held torch, it may still fall under 851310, though specific customs rulings may apply. Additionally, parts of flashlights should be classified under 851390 rather than the main code for the finished product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851310 (the code used for flashlight), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851310 (the code used for flashlight) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 71% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 851310, not only flashlight.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.5B 71% of world exports
- 2 Germany $154M 4.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $133M 3.8% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $807M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $236M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Japan $165M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $3.2B 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 flashlight
Brazil splits HS 8513.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8513.10.10Hand-held torches and flashlights
- 8513.10.90Other portable electric lamps
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flashlight
What is the HS code for Flashlight?
The HS code for Flashlight is 851310 (Lamps; portable, electric, designed to function by their own source of energy (excluding lighting equipment of heading no. 8512)). The HS code for a portable electric flashlight is 851310.
How do I classify Flashlight for customs?
Flashlight is classified under HS code 851310 — Lamps; portable, electric, designed to function by their own source of energy (excluding lighting equipment of heading no. 8512). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are batteries included in the flashlight HS code?
If the batteries are imported inside the flashlight as a single retail unit, they are typically classified together under 851310. If the batteries are packaged separately or imported in bulk, they must be classified under their own codes in 8506 or 8507.
Which countries are the top exporters of flashlight (HS 851310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851310 (the code used for flashlight) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5B, 71% of world exports), Germany ($154M) and the United States ($133M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 flashlight (HS 851310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851310 (the code used for flashlight) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($807M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($236M) and Japan ($165M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 Flashlight the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851310 for Flashlight 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 flashlight in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for flashlight depends on the product's details: 8513.10.10 (Hand-held torches and flashlights), 8513.10.90 (Other portable electric lamps).