HS Code for Metal halide lamp

Metal halide lamps are classified under HS code 8539.32, which is situated within Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment). Heading 8539 covers electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps. Metal halide lamps are a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp that produces light by an electric arc through a gaseous mixture of vaporized mercury and metal halides (compounds of metals with bromine or iodine). The classification is specific to the technology of the lamp itself rather than the fixture it is placed in. Subheading 8539.32 specifically identifies mercury or sodium vapor lamps and metal halide lamps. This classification is crucial for distinguishing these older, high-output lighting technologies from newer solid-state lighting like LEDs or traditional incandescent bulbs. The HS code applies to the bulb or tube itself, which is designed to be inserted into a compatible ballast-controlled fixture. These lamps are widely used in stadium lighting, high-bay industrial lighting, and street lighting due to their high lumen output and color rendering properties.

Products Included

• High-intensity discharge (HID) metal halide bulbs
• Quartz metal halide lamps
• Ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps
• Metal halide tubes for warehouse lighting
• Replacement metal halide lamps for sports floodlights

Common Misclassification

Metal halide lamps are often confused with LED lamps, which are classified under HS code 8539.50. Another common misclassification occurs with tungsten halogen lamps, which fall under HS code 8539.21. It is also important to distinguish the lamp (the bulb) from the luminaire (the fixture). Complete light fixtures containing metal halide lamps should be classified under HS code 9405. Finally, ultra-violet metal halide lamps used for curing or medical purposes are classified under 8539.49 rather than 8539.32.

FAQ

What is the HS code for metal halide lamp?

The HS code for metal halide discharge lamps is 8539.32.

Does this code include the ballast or the fixture?

No, this code is only for the lamp (bulb). Ballasts are classified under 8504 and fixtures under 9405.