Product classification
HS code for Fluorescent lamp: 8539.31
Lamps, discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), fluorescent, hot cathode.
Classification of fluorescent lamp under HS 8539.31
HS code 853931 is the specific classification for fluorescent, hot cathode discharge lamps, excluding ultraviolet lamps. These lamps operate by passing an electric current through a gas (usually mercury vapor), which produces ultraviolet light that then excites a phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube, resulting in visible light. The "hot cathode" designation refers to the use of a heated filament to emit electrons into the discharge tube. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8539 is dedicated to electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps. Subheading 853931 is the primary code for standard linear fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) used in general lighting applications. The classification is technically driven by the method of light production (discharge) and the specific electrode technology (hot cathode).
- Covers
- Linear fluorescent tubes (T5, T8, T12)
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) with hot cathodes
- Circular fluorescent lamps
- U-shaped fluorescent tubes
- Plug-in fluorescent lamps for commercial fixtures
- 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. The most significant area of confusion is with LED lamps, which are now classified under 853952. Many users still attempt to classify LED tubes under 853931 because they share the same form factor as fluorescent tubes. Additionally, cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), often used in backlighting for older electronics, belong under 853939. Ultraviolet fluorescent lamps are also excluded from 853931 and must be classified under 853949.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853931 (the code used for fluorescent lamp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853931 (the code used for fluorescent lamp) 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 fluorescent lamp.
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 fluorescent lamp
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 fluorescent lamp
What is the HS code for Fluorescent lamp?
The HS code for Fluorescent lamp is 853931 (Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), fluorescent, hot cathode). The HS code for standard hot cathode fluorescent lamps is 853931.
How do I classify Fluorescent lamp for customs?
Fluorescent lamp is classified under HS code 853931 — Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), fluorescent, hot cathode. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are LED replacement tubes classified under 853931?
No. Even if they are designed to replace fluorescent tubes, LED lamps are classified under HS code 853952 (for light-emitting diode lamps).
Which countries are the top exporters of fluorescent lamp (HS 853931)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853931 (the code used for fluorescent lamp) 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 fluorescent lamp (HS 853931)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853931 (the code used for fluorescent lamp) 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 Fluorescent lamp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853931 for Fluorescent lamp 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 fluorescent lamp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853931 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for fluorescent lamp 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).