Product classification
HS code for Sodium vapor lamp: 8539.32
Lamps, discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), mercury or sodium vapour lamps, metal halide lamps.
Classification of sodium vapor lamp under HS 8539.32
Sodium vapor lamps are classified under HS code 8539.32. This classification is determined by the technical nature of the product as an electric discharge lamp. Unlike filament lamps that produce light through the heating of a wire, discharge lamps generate illumination by passing an electric current through a gas or vapor—in this case, sodium. Under the Harmonized System, heading 8539 covers all types of electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps. Subheading 8539.32 is specifically reserved for mercury or sodium vapor lamps and metal halide lamps. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the lamp is high-pressure (HPS) or low-pressure (LPS), provided it functions via the excitation of sodium vapor. These lamps are widely used in industrial settings, street lighting, and horticulture due to their high luminous efficacy. The classification process follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 8539.32 explicitly mentions sodium vapor lamps, it is the primary code for these products.
- Covers
- High-pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs
- Low-pressure sodium (LPS) bulbs
- Sodium discharge street lighting lamps
- Industrial sodium vapor bulbs
- Horticultural sodium growth lamps
- Also under 8539.32
- Philips SON-T
- Osram NAV-T
- GE Lucalox
- Sylvania Metalarc
- Venture Lighting Metal Halide
Codes often confused with 8539.32
Common mistake. A frequent error involves classifying sodium vapor lamps under HS code 8539.21, which is reserved for tungsten halogen filament lamps. While both are used in high-intensity applications, the physical mechanism of light production is fundamentally different. Another common mistake is using 8539.52 for LED lamps, which are increasingly replacing discharge lamps but fall under a separate technological category. Furthermore, if the lamp is part of a complete luminaire (the fixture itself), it should be classified under heading 9405 rather than 8539. Understanding the distinction between the bulb (the lamp) and the fixture (the luminaire) is essential for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853932 (the code used for sodium vapor lamp), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853932 (the code used for sodium vapor lamp) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 853932, not only sodium vapor lamp.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $76M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $57M 16% of world exports
- 3 Poland $43M 13% of world exports
World total: $347M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $89M 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $34M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Poland $31M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $366M 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 sodium vapor lamp
Brazil splits HS 8539.32 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8539.32.10Mercury vapour lamps
- 8539.32.20Sodium vapour lamps
- 8539.32.30Metal halide lamps
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium vapor lamp
What is the HS code for Sodium vapor lamp?
The HS code for Sodium vapor lamp is 853932 (Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), mercury or sodium vapour lamps, metal halide lamps). The correct HS code is 8539.32, which specifically covers discharge lamps including mercury or sodium vapor lamps and metal halide lamps.
How do I classify Sodium vapor lamp for customs?
Sodium vapor lamp is classified under HS code 853932 — Lamps; discharge, (excluding ultra-violet), mercury or sodium vapour lamps, metal halide lamps. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ballast units included in this HS code?
No, electrical ballasts used to regulate the current in discharge lamps are classified separately under HS code 8504.10. If the lamp and ballast are integrated into a fixture, the assembly is classified under 9405.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium vapor lamp (HS 853932)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853932 (the code used for sodium vapor lamp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($76M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($57M) and Poland ($43M). World exports came to about $347M, 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 sodium vapor lamp (HS 853932)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853932 (the code used for sodium vapor lamp) in UN Comtrade data were China ($89M, 24% of world imports), Germany ($34M) and Poland ($31M). World imports came to about $366M, 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 Sodium vapor lamp the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853932 for Sodium vapor 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 sodium vapor lamp in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853932 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium vapor lamp depends on the product's details: 8539.32.10 (Mercury vapour lamps), 8539.32.20 (Sodium vapour lamps), 8539.32.30 (Metal halide lamps).