Product classification

HS code for Headlamp: 8513.10

Lamps, portable, electric, designed to function by their own source of energy (excluding lighting equipment of heading no. 8512).

Classification of headlamp under HS 8513.10

A headlamp is classified under HS code 8513.10, which covers portable electric lamps designed to function by their own source of energy. This classification is governed by Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8513 specifically excludes lighting equipment used on bicycles or motor vehicles (which falls under 8512). The defining characteristic of a headlamp in this category is its portability and the fact that it contains its own power source, such as dry cell batteries, rechargeable lithium-ion accumulators, or even a manual magneto. These devices are designed to be worn on the head, usually via an elastic strap, to provide hands-free illumination for the user. This makes them distinct from fixed light fixtures classified in Chapter 94. The classification remains 8513.10 regardless of the light source used, whether it be traditional incandescent bulbs or modern, high-efficiency LEDs. Under GRI 1, the product is classified based on the heading text which explicitly mentions portable electric lamps. Even if the headlamp is marketed for specific activities like mining, caving, or professional trade work, it remains under this code unless it is specifically designed for use in explosive atmospheres (though even then, 8513.10 is the primary classification). The code 8513.10 is the primary subheading for "lamps," while 8513.90 is reserved for parts of these lamps.

Covers
  • LED headlamps for camping
  • Mining safety headlamps
  • Battery-powered forehead torches
  • Rechargeable tactical headlamps
  • Hands-free surgical headlamps
Also under 8513.10
  • Maglite LED Flashlight
  • Petzl Headlamp
  • Coleman LED Lantern
  • Streamlight Stinger
  • Fenix PD35

Codes often confused with 8513.10

Common mistake. Headlamps are frequently misclassified under 8512.20, which is reserved for vehicle lighting equipment. They may also be confused with 9405.40 (Other electric lamps and lighting fittings), but 9405 is generally for stationary fixtures that connect to a building's electrical grid. If the headlamp is part of a protective helmet and cannot be removed, it might be classified with the helmet under 6506.10.

8512.20Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)94.05Luminaires and light fittings; including searchlights, spotlights and parts thereof, n.e.c.; illuminated signs, name-plates and the like, having permanently fixed light source and parts thereof n.e.c. or included6506.10Headgear; safety, whether or not lined or trimmed

Top exporters and importers of HS 851310 (the code used for headlamp), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851310 (the code used for headlamp) 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 headlamp.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.5B
  2. 2 Germany $154M
  3. 3 United States $133M

World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $807M
  2. 2 Germany $236M
  3. 3 Japan $165M

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 headlamp

Brazil splits HS 8513.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about headlamp

What is the HS code for Headlamp?

The HS code for Headlamp 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 headlamp is 8513.10.

How do I classify Headlamp for customs?

Headlamp 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 bicycle headlamps classified here?

No, lighting equipment specifically designed for use on bicycles is classified under HS code 8512.10.

Which countries are the top exporters of headlamp (HS 851310)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851310 (the code used for headlamp) 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 headlamp (HS 851310)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851310 (the code used for headlamp) 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 Headlamp the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851310 for Headlamp 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 headlamp in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for headlamp depends on the product's details: 8513.10.10 (Hand-held torches and flashlights), 8513.10.90 (Other portable electric lamps).