Product classification
HS code for Lighting ballast: 8504.10
Discharge lamps or tubes, ballasts therefor.
Classification of lighting ballast under HS 8504.10
Classification under HS code 8504.10 is determined by the functional role of the device within an electrical circuit, specifically for discharge lamps or tubes. These components are essential for regulating the current and providing the necessary starting voltage for fluorescent, neon, or high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their technical characteristics and intended use. Since ballasts are essentially inductors or specialized transformers designed to limit current, they fall under heading 8504, which covers electrical transformers, static converters, and inductors. Subheading 8504.10 is the specific provision for ballasts for discharge lamps or tubes, distinguishing them from general-purpose transformers or power supplies used in other electronic applications. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the ballast is magnetic (using a copper coil) or electronic (using semiconductor components), provided its primary function is the operation of a discharge lamp.
- Covers
- Magnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps
- Electronic ballasts for T8 and T5 tubes
- High-intensity discharge (HID) ballasts
- Neon sign transformers/ballasts
- Replacement ballasts for street lighting fixtures
- Also under 8504.10
- Philips Advance ballasts
- Osram Sylvania ballasts
- GE Lighting ballasts
- Lutron electronic ballasts
- Fulham Workhorse ballasts
Codes often confused with 8504.10
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. A frequent error is classifying LED drivers under 8504.10. While LED drivers perform a similar function to ballasts, they are technically static converters and should be classified under HS code 8504.40. Additionally, general-purpose inductors may be misclassified under 8504.50 if their specific application for discharge lamps is not clearly documented in the shipping paperwork.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850410 (the code used for lighting ballast), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850410 (the code used for lighting ballast) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 850410, not only lighting ballast.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $103M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $58M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $36M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $523M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $83M 15% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $37M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Spain $36M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $545M 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 lighting ballast
Brazil classifies lighting ballast under NCM 8504.10.00: HS 8504.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lighting ballast
What is the HS code for Lighting ballast?
The HS code for Lighting ballast is 850410 (Discharge lamps or tubes; ballasts therefor).
How do I classify Lighting ballast for customs?
Lighting ballast is classified under HS code 850410 — Discharge lamps or tubes; ballasts therefor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for lighting ballasts?
The primary HS code for ballasts used with discharge lamps or tubes is 8504.10.
Does this code include ballasts for LED lights?
No, ballasts for LED lights are typically classified as LED drivers under HS code 8504.40 because they convert AC to DC power, whereas 8504.10 is reserved for discharge lamp technology.
Which countries are the top exporters of lighting ballast (HS 850410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850410 (the code used for lighting ballast) in UN Comtrade data were China ($103M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($58M) and Italy ($36M). World exports came to about $523M, 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 lighting ballast (HS 850410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850410 (the code used for lighting ballast) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83M, 15% of world imports), Mexico ($37M) and Spain ($36M). World imports came to about $545M, 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 Lighting ballast the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850410 for Lighting ballast 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 lighting ballast in Brazil?
In Brazil, lighting ballast (HS 850410) is classified under NCM 8504.10.00.