Product classification
HS code for Gas discharge tube: 8540.89
Valves and tubes, n.e.c. in heading no. 8540.
Classification of gas discharge tube under HS 8540.89
Gas discharge tubes (GDTs) are classified under HS code 8540.89. Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes, such as vacuum tubes, vapor or gas-filled tubes, and mercury arc rectifying tubes. Since GDTs operate by ionizing a gas between two electrodes within a sealed envelope to create a conductive path, they are fundamentally electronic valves or tubes. Subheading 8540.89 is a residual category for tubes that do not fit into more specific subheadings like television camera tubes or cathode-ray tubes. This classification is often debated because GDTs are frequently used as surge protection components in telecommunications and power circuits. However, following the principle that a product should be classified by its literal description and physical characteristics before its application, 8540.89 is the most accurate designation for the component itself. These components are essential for protecting sensitive electronics from voltage spikes caused by lightning or switching transients.
- Covers
- Gas discharge surge arresters
- Neon indicator tubes (not for lighting)
- Cold cathode tubes
- Gas-filled switching tubes
- Xenon flash tubes (non-lighting applications)
- Also under 8540.89
- Hamamatsu R647P Photomultiplier Tube
- Eimac 3CX1500A7 Power Triode
- Siemens RQR 12/20 Thyratron
- L3Harris TWTs (specialized)
- Philips X-ray tubes (industrial)
Codes often confused with 8540.89
Common mistake. GDTs are often misclassified under 8536.30, which covers electrical apparatus for protecting electrical circuits (surge suppressors). While GDTs are used for this purpose, the HS nomenclature prioritizes the nature of the article (a gas-filled tube) over its function in a circuit when a specific heading like 8540 exists. Another common error is 8539.39, which covers discharge lamps; however, GDTs are not designed for illumination. Finally, if the GDT is already mounted on a printed circuit board with other components, the entire assembly might be classified under 8537 or 8538.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854089 (the code used for gas discharge tube), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854089 (the code used for gas discharge tube) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 854089, not only gas discharge tube.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $95M 37% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $34M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $29M 12% of world exports
World total: $255M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $45M 15% of world imports
- 2 United States $40M 13% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $31M 10% of world imports
World total: $302M 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 gas discharge tube
Brazil splits HS 8540.89 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8540.89.10Transmitter power valves
- 8540.89.90Other electronic valves and tubes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gas discharge tube
What is the HS code for Gas discharge tube?
The HS code for Gas discharge tube is 854089 (Valves and tubes; n.e.c. in heading no. 8540). The HS code for gas discharge tubes as individual electronic components is 8540.89.
How do I classify Gas discharge tube for customs?
Gas discharge tube is classified under HS code 854089 — Valves and tubes; n.e.c. in heading no. 8540. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is it not classified as a surge protector under 8536?
Because 8540 is a more specific heading for the physical nature of the device (a gas-filled tube), and according to GRI 3(a), the most specific description takes precedence.
Which countries are the top exporters of gas discharge tube (HS 854089)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854089 (the code used for gas discharge tube) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($95M, 37% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($34M) and China ($29M). World exports came to about $255M, 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 gas discharge tube (HS 854089)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854089 (the code used for gas discharge tube) in UN Comtrade data were China ($45M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($40M) and the Philippines ($31M). World imports came to about $302M, 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 Gas discharge tube the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854089 for Gas discharge 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 gas discharge tube in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854089 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gas discharge tube depends on the product's details: 8540.89.10 (Transmitter power valves), 8540.89.90 (Other electronic valves and tubes).