Product classification
HS code for Special purpose CRT: 8540.60
Tubes, cathode ray, n.e.c. in heading no. 8540.
Classification of special purpose CRT under HS 8540.60
Special purpose cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are classified under HS code 8540.60. This code is part of Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8540 specifically covers thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valves and tubes, such as vacuum tubes, vapor or gas-filled tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes, and cathode-ray tubes. Subheading 8540.60 is a residual category for cathode-ray tubes that are not specifically mentioned in the preceding subheadings (such as those for television receivers). These "special purpose" tubes are typically used in scientific, medical, or industrial equipment rather than consumer electronics. The classification is determined by the technical nature of the tube and its intended application in specialized display or measurement systems. Unlike standard TV CRTs, these tubes may have unique phosphors, high-resolution capabilities, or specific deflection systems designed for oscilloscopes, radar screens, or medical imaging monitors. As the world transitions to LCD and OLED technology, these CRTs are increasingly rare and are often imported for the maintenance of legacy industrial systems.
- Covers
- Oscilloscope cathode ray tubes
- Radar display tubes
- Monochrome data display tubes (non-TV)
- Medical imaging CRT components
- Industrial monitor CRTs (specialized)
- Flight simulator display tubes
- Also under 8540.60
- Tektronix Oscilloscope CRT
- Raytheon Radar Display Tube
- Philips Storage Tube
- Hewlett-Packard Oscilloscope CRT
- Siemens Medical Imaging CRT
Codes often confused with 8540.60
Common mistake. Special purpose CRTs are frequently confused with television CRTs, which are classified under 8540.11 (color) or 8540.12 (monochrome). They are also sometimes misclassified under 8528, which covers complete monitors or television sets. It is important to distinguish between the tube itself (8540) and the finished display device (8528). Additionally, modern flat-panel displays like LCDs are classified under 8524 or 8528, not 8540.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854060 (the code used for special purpose CRT), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854060 (the code used for special purpose CRT) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% 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 854060, not only special purpose CRT.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $4.1M 33% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $3.8M 30% of world exports
- 3 Germany $2.0M 17% of world exports
World total: $12M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.3M 20% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $1.4M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.0M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $11M 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 special purpose CRT
Brazil splits HS 8540.60 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8540.60.10Colour data display tubes, 0.4 mm pitch or more
- 8540.60.90Other cathode-ray tubes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about special purpose CRT
What is the HS code for Special purpose CRT?
The HS code for Special purpose CRT is 854060 (Tubes; cathode ray, n.e.c. in heading no. 8540). The HS code for special purpose cathode ray tubes is 8540.60.
How do I classify Special purpose CRT for customs?
Special purpose CRT is classified under HS code 854060 — Tubes; cathode ray, n.e.c. in heading no. 8540. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include computer monitors?
No, this code is for the cathode ray tube component only. Complete computer monitors are classified under HS code 8528.52 or 8528.59 depending on their specifications.
Which countries are the top exporters of special purpose CRT (HS 854060)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854060 (the code used for special purpose CRT) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.1M, 33% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($3.8M) and Germany ($2.0M). World exports came to about $12M, 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 special purpose CRT (HS 854060)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854060 (the code used for special purpose CRT) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.3M, 20% of world imports), the Netherlands ($1.4M) and the United Kingdom ($1.0M). World imports came to about $11M, 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 Special purpose CRT the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854060 for Special purpose 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 special purpose CRT in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854060 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for special purpose CRT depends on the product's details: 8540.60.10 (Colour data display tubes, 0.4 mm pitch or more), 8540.60.90 (Other cathode-ray tubes).