Product classification
HS code for String lights: 9405.39
Luminaires and light fittings, electric, lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, for other than use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources.
Classification of string lights under HS 9405.39
String lights are classified under HS code 9405.39. This classification is found within Chapter 94, which covers furniture, bedding, and luminaires. Heading 9405 specifically deals with luminaires and lighting fittings. Subheading 9405.39 is designated for electric lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, but with the specific caveat that they are not for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. This means the code covers traditional lighting technologies such as incandescent filament bulbs or halogen lamps arranged in a decorative string. The classification is determined by the intended use (festive/Christmas tree decoration) and the light source technology. As the global market shifts toward LED, this specific code remains relevant for legacy products and specific decorative styles that utilize traditional bulbs. The classification follows the hierarchical structure of the HS, where lighting strings are first identified by their use and then subdivided by their light source.
- Covers
- Incandescent Christmas tree light strings
- Traditional filament-style fairy lights
- Halogen decorative string lights
- Replacement incandescent bulbs for festive strings
- Non-LED outdoor decorative light strings for festive use
- Also under 9405.39
- GE Incandescent Christmas Lights
- NOMA Incandescent C7 Lights
- Celebrations Incandescent Mini Lights
- Sylvania Incandescent Christmas Lights
- Old-fashioned Bubble Lights
Codes often confused with 9405.39
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using HS code 9405.31, which is the specific code for LED lighting strings. Given the prevalence of LED technology, many importers mistakenly use the LED code for all string lights. Another error is using HS code 9505.10, which covers articles for Christmas festivities; however, Chapter 95 notes generally exclude lighting sets, directing them instead to Chapter 94. It is essential to verify the bulb type before selecting the code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940539 (the code used for string lights), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940539 (the code used for string lights) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 78% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 940539, not only string lights.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $445M 78% of world exports
- 2 Cambodia* ~$68M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Italy $9.2M 1.6% of world exports
World total: $570M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $91M 31% of world imports
- 2 Italy $30M 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $22M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $296M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 string lights
Brazil classifies string lights under NCM 9405.39.00: HS 9405.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about string lights
What is the HS code for String lights?
The HS code for String lights is 940539 (Luminaires and light fittings; electric, lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, for other than use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources).
How do I classify String lights for customs?
String lights is classified under HS code 940539 — Luminaires and light fittings; electric, lighting strings of a kind used for Christmas trees, for other than use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for non-LED String lights?
The HS code for electric lighting strings used for Christmas trees that do not use LED bulbs is 9405.39.
What code should be used if the string lights are LED?
If the lighting strings utilize LED light sources, they must be classified under HS code 9405.31 instead of 9405.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of string lights (HS 940539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940539 (the code used for string lights) in UN Comtrade data were China ($445M, 78% of world exports), Cambodia (about $68M) and Italy ($9.2M). World exports came to about $570M, 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 string lights (HS 940539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940539 (the code used for string lights) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($91M, 31% of world imports), Italy ($30M) and the United Kingdom ($22M). World imports came to about $296M, 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 String lights the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940539 for String lights 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 string lights in Brazil?
In Brazil, string lights (HS 940539) is classified under NCM 9405.39.00.