Product classification
HS code for Monochrome monitor tube: 8540.12
Tubes, cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome.
Classification of monochrome monitor tube under HS 8540.12
Monochrome monitor tubes are classified under HS code 8540.12. This code falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8540 is specifically designated for thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode tubes, including vacuum tubes and cathode-ray tubes (CRTs). Subheading 8540.12 is reserved for monochrome video monitor cathode-ray tubes, including those used for television receivers. The classification is determined by the functional technology of the component—specifically, the use of an electron beam to excite phosphors on a screen to create a single-color image. Despite the global shift toward flat-panel displays, these components remain distinct in the Harmonized System. The classification applies to the tube as a component, not the entire monitor assembly. It includes tubes used in specialized industrial displays, legacy computer monitors, and medical imaging equipment that relies on high-resolution monochrome CRT technology.
- Covers
- Black and white television picture tubes
- Monochrome CRT display tubes
- High-resolution monochrome monitor tubes
- Radar display cathode-ray tubes
- 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 monitor tubes are often confused with color cathode-ray tubes, which are classified under 8540.11. They are also frequently misclassified under 8528.52 or 8528.59, which are the codes for complete monitors rather than the individual tubes. Additionally, liquid crystal display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED) modules are classified under 8524, as they do not utilize vacuum tube technology.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome monitor tube), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome monitor tube) 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 monitor tube.
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 monitor tube
Brazil classifies monochrome monitor tube 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 monitor tube
What is the HS code for Monochrome monitor tube?
The HS code for Monochrome monitor tube is 854012 (Tubes; cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, monochrome). The specific HS code for a monochrome cathode-ray monitor tube is 8540.12.
How do I classify Monochrome monitor tube for customs?
Monochrome monitor tube 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 medical monochrome displays covered here?
If the item is the individual cathode-ray tube used in a medical display, it falls under 8540.12. However, if it is a complete medical monitor, it may be classified under 9018 or 8528 depending on its configuration.
Which countries are the top exporters of monochrome monitor tube (HS 854012)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome monitor tube) 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 monitor tube (HS 854012)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854012 (the code used for monochrome monitor tube) 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 monitor tube the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854012 for Monochrome monitor tube 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 monitor tube in Brazil?
In Brazil, monochrome monitor tube (HS 854012) is classified under NCM 8540.12.00.