Product classification
HS code for Neon lamp: 8539.39
Lamps, discharge, (excluding ultra-violet, excluding fluorescent, hot cathode).
Classification of neon lamp under HS 8539.39
Neon lamps are classified under HS code 8539.39 because they function as gas-discharge lamps that do not fall under the specific categories of ultraviolet or fluorescent lamps. These devices operate by passing an electric current through a low-pressure gas, typically neon or a mixture of noble gases, which results in the emission of light through ionization. Unlike incandescent bulbs that utilize a heated filament (8539.22) or fluorescent lamps that use a hot cathode (8539.31), neon lamps are generally cold cathode devices. The classification is determined by the physical mechanism of light production—specifically, the discharge process—and the exclusion of specific types like UV-emitting bulbs which have their own dedicated subheadings. This code is essential for identifying decorative, indicator, and signage lighting that relies on gas excitation rather than thermal radiation or LED technology.
- Covers
- Neon glow lamps for circuit indicators
- Cold cathode neon tubes for signage
- Argon and mercury vapor discharge lamps (non-UV)
- Voltage regulator tubes
- Plasma display panel cells
- Also under 8539.39
- Osram XBO Xenon lamps (non-cinema)
- PerkinElmer Deuterium lamps
- Philips PL-L (non-UV specific variants)
- Ushio UXL (non-cinema)
- Hamamatsu Xenon lamps
Codes often confused with 8539.39
Common mistake. Neon lamps are frequently misclassified under HS code 8539.31, which is reserved specifically for fluorescent hot cathode lamps. While both are discharge lamps, the internal electrode structure differs significantly. Another common error is using HS code 8539.50 for LED-based "neon-flex" products. Modern flexible lighting that mimics the look of neon but uses Light Emitting Diodes must be classified under the LED heading, as the technology is semiconductor-based rather than gas-discharge based.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853939 (the code used for neon lamp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853939 (the code used for neon lamp) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 853939, not only neon lamp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $81M 33% of world exports
- 2 Philippines $33M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $30M 12% of world exports
World total: $242M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $65M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $27M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $24M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $279M 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 codes for neon lamp
Brazil splits HS 8539.39 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8539.39.11Backlight tubes up to 500 mm, over 3.5 mg Hg
- 8539.39.12Backlight tubes over 500 to 1,500 mm, over 5 mg Hg
- 8539.39.13Backlight tubes over 1,500 mm, over 13 mg Hg
- 8539.39.19Other screen backlight fluorescent tubes
- 8539.39.90Other discharge lamps and tubes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about neon lamp
What is the HS code for Neon lamp?
The HS code for Neon lamp is 853939 (Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet, excluding fluorescent, hot cathode)). The primary HS code for a standard neon discharge lamp is 8539.39, covering discharge lamps excluding UV and fluorescent types.
How do I classify Neon lamp for customs?
Neon lamp is classified under HS code 853939 — Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet, excluding fluorescent, hot cathode). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include neon signs?
If the product is just the glass tube lamp, it falls under 8539.39. However, if it is a complete illuminated sign with a frame and power supply, it may be classified under 9405.61.
Which countries are the top exporters of neon lamp (HS 853939)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853939 (the code used for neon lamp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 33% of world exports), the Philippines ($33M) and Germany ($30M). World exports came to about $242M, 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 neon lamp (HS 853939)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853939 (the code used for neon lamp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($65M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($27M) and Hong Kong ($24M). World imports came to about $279M, 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 Neon lamp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853939 for Neon lamp 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 neon lamp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853939 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for neon lamp depends on the product's details: 8539.39.11 (Backlight tubes up to 500 mm, over 3.5 mg Hg), 8539.39.12 (Backlight tubes over 500 to 1,500 mm, over 5 mg Hg), 8539.39.13 (Backlight tubes over 1,500 mm, over 13 mg Hg), 8539.39.19 (Other screen backlight fluorescent tubes), 8539.39.90 (Other discharge lamps and tubes).