Product classification
HS code for LED string lights: 9405.31
Luminaires and light fittings, electric, lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources.
Classification of LED string lights under HS 9405.31
LED string lights are classified under HS code 9405.31. This code is specifically designated for lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees that utilize light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. The classification is based on the physical form of the product—multiple light sources attached to a flexible wire or string—and its primary intended use for decorative or festive purposes. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the specific nature of the "lighting string" takes precedence over general lighting categories. Even if the strings are used for year-round decoration or events other than Christmas, they are typically classified here due to their design characteristics. The 2022 HS nomenclature updates ensured that LED-specific strings have their own dedicated subheading to facilitate better trade tracking of energy-efficient lighting products.
- Covers
- LED Christmas tree lights
- Decorative LED fairy lights
- Battery-operated LED string lights
- Outdoor LED string lights for festive displays
- Color-changing LED holiday strings
- Also under 9405.31
- Philips LED Christmas Lights
- GE LED Christmas Lights
- NOMA Advanced LED Christmas Lights
- Twinkly Smart LED String Lights
- Celebrations LED Christmas Lights
Codes often confused with 9405.31
Common mistake. LED string lights are often misclassified under 9505.10, which covers articles for Christmas festivities. However, Note 1(l) to Chapter 95 explicitly excludes electric garlands (lighting strings), directing them to heading 9405. Another common error is using 9405.42, which is for general LED luminaires. While 9405.42 is a broad LED category, 9405.31 is more specific for string-type lights and must be used according to the principle of specific description. Importers also occasionally confuse these with 8544.42 for insulated electric conductors, but the addition of light sources makes them luminaires.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940531 (the code used for LED string lights), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940531 (the code used for LED string lights) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 940531, not only LED string lights.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $730M 63% of world exports
- 2 Cambodia* ~$207M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $77M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $285M 31% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $67M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $63M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $932M 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 LED string lights
Brazil classifies LED string lights under NCM 9405.31.00: HS 9405.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about LED string lights
What is the HS code for LED string lights?
The HS code for LED string lights is 940531 (Luminaires and light fittings; electric, lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources). The correct HS code for LED string lights, particularly those used for festive or decorative purposes, is 9405.31.
How do I classify LED string lights for customs?
LED string lights is classified under HS code 940531 — Luminaires and light fittings; electric, lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are solar-powered LED strings classified differently?
Generally, solar-powered LED strings remain under 9405.31 if they function as lighting strings, as the power source does not change the fundamental nature of the luminaire.
Which countries are the top exporters of LED string lights (HS 940531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940531 (the code used for LED string lights) in UN Comtrade data were China ($730M, 63% of world exports), Cambodia (about $207M) and the Netherlands ($77M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 string lights (HS 940531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940531 (the code used for LED string lights) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($285M, 31% of world imports), the Netherlands ($67M) and the United Kingdom ($63M). World imports came to about $932M, 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 string lights the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940531 for LED string lights 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 string lights in Brazil?
In Brazil, LED string lights (HS 940531) is classified under NCM 9405.31.00.