Product classification

HS code for Image intensifier: 8540.20

Tubes, television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes.

Classification of image intensifier under HS 8540.20

Image intensifiers are classified under HS code 8540.20, which covers television camera tubes, image converters, and image intensifiers. These devices are specialized vacuum tubes designed to amplify low levels of light or convert invisible radiation (such as infrared or X-rays) into visible light. The classification is determined by the physical and technical nature of the product as a thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valve or tube. Under the Harmonized System, heading 8540 is the primary location for electronic tubes. An image intensifier works by using a photo-cathode to convert incoming photons into electrons, which are then accelerated and multiplied before striking a phosphor screen to create a visible image. This complex electronic process distinguishes these tubes from simple optical lenses or digital CMOS/CCD sensors, placing them firmly within the scope of heading 8540 rather than optical or photographic chapters.

Covers
  • Night vision image intensifier tubes (Gen 1, 2, and 3)
  • X-ray image intensifier tubes
  • Image converter tubes
  • Photo-cathode tubes for light amplification
  • Vacuum-based light intensifiers
Also under 8540.20
  • Hamamatsu R6095 (PMT)
  • Philips X-ray Image Intensifier
  • Sony Trinicon (camera tube)
  • RCA Vidicon (camera tube)
  • ITT Night Vision Image Intensifier

Codes often confused with 8540.20

Common mistake. Image intensifiers are often misclassified under HS code 9013.80, which covers other optical appliances and instruments. This usually happens when the tube is confused with the complete night vision device. If the item is a complete night vision telescope or binocular, it may fall under 9005.10. Another common error is HS code 8525.80, which covers television and digital cameras. However, the intensifier tube itself is a component of those systems and must be classified in 8540.20.

9013.80Optical devices, appliances and instruments; n.e.c. in heading no. 90139005.10Binoculars

Top exporters and importers of HS 854020 (the code used for image intensifier), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854020 (the code used for image intensifier) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Greece, with 36% 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 854020, not only image intensifier.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $220M
  2. 2 France $170M
  3. 3 United States $138M

World total: $775M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Greece $202M
  2. 2 United States $56M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $26M

World total: $561M 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 image intensifier

Brazil splits HS 8540.20 into 4 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 image intensifier

What is the HS code for Image intensifier?

The HS code for Image intensifier is 854020 (Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes). The HS code for an image intensifier tube is 8540.20.

How do I classify Image intensifier for customs?

Image intensifier is classified under HS code 854020 — Tubes; television camera tubes, image converters and intensifiers, other photo-cathode tubes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include digital night vision sensors?

No, HS code 8540.20 specifically covers vacuum-based tubes. Digital night vision sensors, such as CMOS or CCD sensors, are typically classified under HS code 8541.40 or 8525.80 depending on their configuration and whether they are mounted in a camera.

Which countries are the top exporters of image intensifier (HS 854020)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854020 (the code used for image intensifier) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($220M, 28% of world exports), France ($170M) and the United States ($138M). World exports came to about $775M, 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 image intensifier (HS 854020)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854020 (the code used for image intensifier) in UN Comtrade data were Greece ($202M, 36% of world imports), the United States ($56M) and the United Kingdom ($26M). World imports came to about $561M, 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 Image intensifier the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854020 for Image intensifier 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 image intensifier in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854020 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for image intensifier depends on the product's details: 8540.20.11 (Monochrome television camera tubes), 8540.20.19 (Other television camera tubes), 8540.20.20 (X-ray image converter and intensifier tubes), 8540.20.90 (Other image converters and photo-cathode tubes).