Product classification
HS code for Traffic light lenses: 7014.00
Glassware, signalling, (not optically worked).
Classification of traffic light lenses under HS 7014.00
Traffic light lenses are classified under HS code 7014.00, which specifically covers signalling glassware and optical elements of glass (other than those of heading 70.15), not optically worked. The classification is determined by General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which prioritizes the heading text. Although these lenses are essential components of electrical signalling systems, Note 1(c) to Chapter 85 and Note 2(c) to Section XVII generally exclude glassware of Chapter 70 from those sections. Therefore, the material composition (glass) and the specific function (signalling) dictate that the item remains in Chapter 70. These lenses are typically produced through molding, pressing, or casting and do not undergo the precision grinding or polishing required to be classified as 'optically worked' under Chapter 90. The code 7014.00 ensures that the glass component is tracked based on its physical properties rather than the electrical apparatus it eventually populates.
- Covers
- Red, yellow, and green glass lenses for road traffic signals
- Glass covers for pedestrian 'Walk/Don't Walk' signs
- Railway signal glass lenses and roundels
- Glass lenses for airfield approach lighting
- Fresnel lenses made of glass for marine buoys
- Also under 7014.00
- GE Current traffic signal lenses
- Siemens railway signal glass
- Philips street light globes
- Federal Signal warning light domes
- Dialight industrial signal glass
Codes often confused with 7014.00
Common mistake. Traffic light lenses are frequently misclassified under HS code 8530.90 as parts of electrical signalling equipment. However, because they are made of glass and are not optically worked, Chapter 70 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 9001.90, which is reserved for optical elements that have been 'optically worked' (ground and polished to precise optical specifications). Most standard traffic lenses are molded and do not meet the criteria for Chapter 90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701400 (the code used for traffic light lenses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701400 (the code used for traffic light lenses) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% 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 701400, not only traffic light lenses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $122M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $111M 18% of world exports
- 3 China $102M 16% of world exports
World total: $630M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $136M 26% of world imports
- 2 Japan $86M 16% of world imports
- 3 China $82M 15% of world imports
World total: $532M 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 traffic light lenses
Brazil classifies traffic light lenses under NCM 7014.00.00: HS 7014.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about traffic light lenses
What is the HS code for Traffic light lenses?
The HS code for Traffic light lenses is 701400 (Glassware; signalling, (not optically worked)). The correct HS code is 7014.00, which covers non-optically worked signalling glassware.
How do I classify Traffic light lenses for customs?
Traffic light lenses is classified under HS code 701400 — Glassware; signalling, (not optically worked). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plastic lenses?
No, plastic lenses for traffic lights are typically classified under Chapter 39 (specifically 3926.90) as articles of plastics, as HS code 7014.00 is strictly for glass.
Which countries are the top exporters of traffic light lenses (HS 701400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701400 (the code used for traffic light lenses) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($122M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($111M) and China ($102M). World exports came to about $630M, 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 traffic light lenses (HS 701400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701400 (the code used for traffic light lenses) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($136M, 26% of world imports), Japan ($86M) and China ($82M). World imports came to about $532M, 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 Traffic light lenses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701400 for Traffic light lenses 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 traffic light lenses in Brazil?
In Brazil, traffic light lenses (HS 701400) is classified under NCM 7014.00.00.