Product classification

HS code for LCD display panel: 8531.20

Signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530.

Classification of LCD display panel under HS 8531.20

LCD display panels used for signaling or as indicator panels are classified under HS code 8531.20. This heading is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Specifically, heading 8531 is reserved for electric sound or visual signaling apparatus. The subheading 8531.20 covers indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED). These panels are designed to provide visual information or status updates, such as those found on microwave ovens, digital clocks, or industrial control panels. The classification depends on the panel's function as a signaling device rather than a high-resolution video monitor. If the panel is a simple component meant to display characters, numbers, or specific icons to signal a state or value, it falls under this code. This classification is distinct from display modules that include more complex control circuitry for video processing.

Covers
  • Numeric LCD indicator panels
  • Alphanumeric LCD modules for appliances
  • LCD status displays for machinery
  • 7-segment LCD displays
  • Dot-matrix LCD signaling panels
Also under 8531.20
  • Samsung The Wall
  • LG commercial displays
  • Daktronics scoreboards
  • Barco LED displays
  • various industrial HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panels
  • E Ink electronic shelf labels
  • Planar LED displays

Codes often confused with 8531.20

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8528.52 or 8528.59, which covers monitors and projectors. If the LCD panel is capable of displaying video signals from an automatic data processing machine, it belongs in 8528. Another common error involves HS code 8524.91, which is for flat panel display modules. The distinction lies in the level of integration; 8531.20 is for finished signaling apparatus or panels, whereas 8524 is for the modules themselves. Additionally, 9013.80 is sometimes used for liquid crystal devices not elsewhere specified, but 8531.20 takes precedence if the device is clearly for signaling.

8528.52Monitors; other than cathode-ray tube; capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 84.718528.59Monitors other than cathode-ray tube; n.e.c. in subheading 8528.52, whether or not colour85.28Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus; reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus8524.91Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens; of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuits85.24Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens9013.80Optical devices, appliances and instruments; n.e.c. in heading no. 9013

Top exporters and importers of HS 853120 (the code used for LCD display panel), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853120 (the code used for LCD display panel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 853120, not only LCD display panel.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.4B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$744M
  3. 3 United States $588M

World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.0B
  2. 2 Germany $448M
  3. 3 Thailand $374M

World total: $5.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 LCD display panel

Brazil classifies LCD display panel under NCM 8531.20.00: HS 8531.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about LCD display panel

What is the HS code for LCD display panel?

The HS code for LCD display panel is 853120 (Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530). For signaling and indicator purposes, the HS code is 8531.20. For video display, it is usually 8528.

How do I classify LCD display panel for customs?

LCD display panel is classified under HS code 853120 — Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED), excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 8531.20 include LED panels?

Yes, HS code 8531.20 covers indicator panels incorporating either LCD or LED technology.

Which countries are the top exporters of LCD display panel (HS 853120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853120 (the code used for LCD display panel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 24% of world exports), Vietnam (about $744M) and the United States ($588M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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 LCD display panel (HS 853120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853120 (the code used for LCD display panel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($448M) and Thailand ($374M). World imports came to about $5.6B, 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 LCD display panel the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853120 for LCD display panel 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 LCD display panel in Brazil?

In Brazil, LCD display panel (HS 853120) is classified under NCM 8531.20.00.