Product classification
HS code for Illuminated sign: 9405.69
Luminaires, illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like, designed for other than use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources.
Classification of illuminated sign under HS 9405.69
HS code 940569 applies to illuminated signs, name-plates, and similar articles that do not utilize light-emitting diode (LED) technology as their primary light source. This classification falls under Chapter 94, which covers furniture, bedding, and luminaires. The specific sub-heading 940569 is a residual category for signs using traditional lighting technologies such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, or neon gas. To be classified here, the article must have a permanent sign or name-plate function, distinguishing it from general-purpose lighting fixtures. The materials used for the frame or the sign face (such as plastic, glass, or metal) do not change the classification as long as the primary character of the item is an illuminated sign. The classification logic follows GRI 1 and 6, identifying the product first as a luminaire/sign and then selecting the sub-heading based on the light source. These products are typically used for commercial advertising, directional signage, or branding in public spaces and must be designed for fixed or semi-permanent installation.
- Covers
- Neon advertising signs
- Fluorescent light boxes for menus
- Incandescent illuminated name-plates
- Backlit plastic signs (non-LED)
- Illuminated directional signs using traditional bulbs
- Also under 9405.69
- Philips fluorescent fixtures
- GE traditional streetlights
- Lithonia Lighting commercial fixtures
- custom neon signs
- Artemide Tolomeo (non-LED versions)
Codes often confused with 9405.69
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 940561, which is reserved exclusively for illuminated signs using LED light sources. Given the industry shift toward LED, 940561 is now more common, but 940569 remains necessary for legacy technologies. Additionally, non-illuminated signs should not be classified here; for example, a plain plastic sign would fall under 3926, and a metal sign under 8310.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940569 (the code used for illuminated sign), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940569 (the code used for illuminated sign) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 8.5% 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 940569, not only illuminated sign.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $121M 37% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $17M 5.4% of world exports
- 3 Italy $17M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $324M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $25M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $17M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $298M 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 illuminated sign
Brazil classifies illuminated sign under NCM 9405.69.00: HS 9405.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about illuminated sign
What is the HS code for Illuminated sign?
The HS code for Illuminated sign is 940569 (Luminaires; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like, designed for other than use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources). The HS code for an illuminated sign (non-LED) is 940569. If it uses LEDs, the code is 940561.
How do I classify Illuminated sign for customs?
Illuminated sign is classified under HS code 940569 — Luminaires; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like, designed for other than use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include digital billboards?
No, digital billboards or video displays are typically classified under HS code 8528 as monitors or display screens.
Which countries are the top exporters of illuminated sign (HS 940569)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940569 (the code used for illuminated sign) in UN Comtrade data were China ($121M, 37% of world exports), Türkiye ($17M) and Italy ($17M). World exports came to about $324M, 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 illuminated sign (HS 940569)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940569 (the code used for illuminated sign) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($25M, 8.5% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and the United States ($17M). World imports came to about $298M, 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 Illuminated sign the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940569 for Illuminated sign 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 illuminated sign in Brazil?
In Brazil, illuminated sign (HS 940569) is classified under NCM 9405.69.00.