Product classification
HS code for Monochrome CRT: 8540.12
Tubes, cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome.
Classification of monochrome CRT under HS 8540.12
Monochrome cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) are classified under HS code 854012. This code falls under the broader category of thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes. Specifically, 854012 covers tubes designed for television picture display or video monitors that produce a single-color image (usually black and white, green, or amber). The classification is based on the functional component—the vacuum tube itself—rather than the complete monitor or television set. The Harmonized System distinguishes between color CRTs (854011) and monochrome CRTs (854012) due to the significant difference in internal complexity, such as the number of electron guns and the type of phosphor coating used. As technology has shifted toward flat-panel displays like LCD and OLED, the use of CRTs has diminished, but the HS code remains essential for replacement parts and specialized industrial, military, or medical equipment that still utilizes monochrome CRT technology for its specific display characteristics, such as high contrast or radiation resistance.
- Covers
- Black and white television picture tubes
- Monochrome computer monitor CRTs
- Medical imaging monochrome display tubes
- Radar display cathode-ray tubes (monochrome)
- Oscilloscope tubes (monochrome)
- Also under 8540.12
- Sony PVM-14M2MDU (medical monitor CRT)
- IBM 5151 (PC monitor CRT)
- Apple Macintosh Classic (built-in CRT)
- Tektronix Oscilloscope CRTs
- Philips M31-310GR (TV CRT)
Codes often confused with 8540.12
Common mistake. Monochrome CRTs are often misclassified under HS code 854011, which is reserved for color cathode-ray tubes. They are also frequently confused with complete monitors under HS code 8528. The distinction is that 854012 only covers the glass vacuum tube component, while 8528 covers the entire device including the housing, power supply, and signal processing circuitry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome CRT), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome CRT) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 48% 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 854012, not only monochrome CRT.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $133K 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $98K 14% of world exports
- 3 China $78K 11% of world exports
World total: $697K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.0M 48% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $415K 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $399K 19% of world imports
World total: $2.1M 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 monochrome CRT
Brazil classifies monochrome CRT under NCM 8540.12.00: HS 8540.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about monochrome CRT
What is the HS code for Monochrome CRT?
The HS code for Monochrome CRT is 854012 (Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome). The HS code for monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes is 854012.
How do I classify Monochrome CRT for customs?
Monochrome CRT is classified under HS code 854012 — Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are modern LCD panels classified under this code?
No, LCD panels are classified under HS code 8524 (for flat panel display modules) or 9013, as they do not use cathode-ray technology.
Which countries are the top exporters of monochrome CRT (HS 854012)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome CRT) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($133K, 19% of world exports), the United States ($98K) and China ($78K). World exports came to about $697K, 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 monochrome CRT (HS 854012)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome CRT) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0M, 48% of world imports), Singapore ($415K) and Belgium ($399K). World imports came to about $2.1M, 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 Monochrome CRT the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854012 for Monochrome CRT 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 monochrome CRT in Brazil?
In Brazil, monochrome CRT (HS 854012) is classified under NCM 8540.12.00.