Product classification
HS code for LED light engine: 8539.51
Lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, light-emitting diode (LED) modules.
Classification of LED light engine under HS 8539.51
An LED light engine is classified under HS code 8539.51. This classification is specific to light-emitting diode (LED) modules, which are intermediate assemblies used in the production of luminaires or lamps. A light engine typically consists of one or more LED packages or chips mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), often including an integrated driver, thermal management components, and optical elements. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 8539 covers various types of lamps and light sources. Subheading 8539.51 was created to distinguish these modules from finished LED lamps (8539.52). The light engine is characterized by its lack of a standard lamp base (like a screw or bayonet mount) that would allow it to be used directly in a consumer socket. Instead, it is designed to be incorporated into a larger lighting system. This classification follows GRI 1, as the product is specifically named in the subheading for LED modules. It is essential for manufacturers to use this code to differentiate their sub-assemblies from discrete diodes or finished consumer bulbs.
- Covers
- LED modules for street lighting fixtures
- Circular LED light engines for ceiling fans
- Linear LED modules for architectural lighting
- COB (Chip on Board) LED assemblies with integrated circuitry
- Programmable LED light engines for industrial use
- Also under 8539.51
- Cree XLamp LEDs
- Lumileds Luxeon LEDs
- Samsung LED modules
- Nichia LEDs
- Osram Opto Semiconductors LEDs
Codes often confused with 8539.51
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for LED light engines is 8541.41, which covers individual light-emitting diodes. The distinction lies in the complexity; 8541.41 is for discrete semiconductor components, whereas 8539.51 is for modules that include additional circuitry like resistors or drivers. Another error is using 8539.52, which is reserved for finished LED lamps. If the product does not have a standard base for direct installation into a lamp holder, it should not be in 8539.52. Finally, some importers mistakenly use 9405.99 for parts of lamps, but 8539.51 is a more specific heading for the light source module itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853951 (the code used for LED light engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853951 (the code used for LED light engine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 853951, not only LED light engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $575M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $234M 11% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $182M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $273M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $217M 10% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $115M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 LED light engine
Brazil classifies LED light engine under NCM 8539.51.00: HS 8539.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about LED light engine
What is the HS code for LED light engine?
The HS code for LED light engine is 853951 (Lamps; light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, light-emitting diode (LED) modules). The HS code for an LED light engine or LED module is 8539.51.
How do I classify LED light engine for customs?
LED light engine is classified under HS code 853951 — Lamps; light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, light-emitting diode (LED) modules. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the power supply?
If the power supply (driver) is integrated onto the board with the LEDs, it is classified under 8539.51. If the driver is a separate unit, the driver itself is usually classified under 8504.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of LED light engine (HS 853951)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853951 (the code used for LED light engine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($575M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($234M) and Malaysia ($182M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of LED light engine (HS 853951)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853951 (the code used for LED light engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($273M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($217M) and Mexico ($115M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 LED light engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853951 for LED light engine 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 LED light engine in Brazil?
In Brazil, LED light engine (HS 853951) is classified under NCM 8539.51.00.