Product classification
HS code for Traffic lights: 8530.80
Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment, for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields (excluding those of heading no. 8608).
Classification of traffic lights under HS 8530.80
Traffic lights are classified under HS code 8530.80, which encompasses electrical signalling, safety, or traffic control equipment for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations, or airfields. This classification follows GRI 1, as the product is a complete electrical apparatus designed for a specific utility: traffic management. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8530 is dedicated to equipment that provides safety or control through electrical signals. Unlike individual components such as bulbs or glass lenses, the complete traffic light assembly—comprising the housing, internal circuitry, LED modules or lamp holders, and signal faces—is treated as a functional unit. The subheading 8530.80 is the specific designation for road-based equipment, distinguishing it from railway or tramway signalling equipment found in 8530.10.
- Covers
- Standard three-color LED traffic signal heads
- Pedestrian crossing signal assemblies
- Lane control signals for tunnels and bridges
- Portable battery-operated traffic lights for roadworks
- Intelligent traffic signals with integrated sensors
- Also under 8530.80
- Siemens Sitraffic
- SWARCO traffic lights
- Federal Signal VMS boards
- ADB Safegate airfield lighting
- PTV Group traffic management hardware
- Automatic Systems road barriers
Codes often confused with 8530.80
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8531.20, which covers indicator panels incorporating liquid crystal devices (LCD) or light-emitting diodes (LED). While traffic lights use LEDs, they are classified under 8530.80 because their primary function is traffic control rather than general information display. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8512.20, but that code is strictly for electrical lighting or signalling equipment for cycles or motor vehicles, not for stationary road infrastructure.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853080 (the code used for traffic lights), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853080 (the code used for traffic lights) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 853080, not only traffic lights.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $218M 17% of world exports
- 2 Austria $130M 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $124M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $205M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $63M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $50M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 traffic lights
Brazil splits HS 8530.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8530.80.10Digital road traffic control equipment
- 8530.80.90Other road, port and airfield signalling equipment
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about traffic lights
What is the HS code for Traffic lights?
The HS code for Traffic lights is 853080 (Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment; for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields (excluding those of heading no. 8608)). The primary HS code for complete traffic light systems used on roads is 8530.80.
How do I classify Traffic lights for customs?
Traffic lights is classified under HS code 853080 — Signalling, safety or traffic control equipment; for roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields (excluding those of heading no. 8608). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the mounting poles included in this HS code?
Generally, no. If the poles are shipped separately, they are classified by their constituent material, such as 7308.90 for iron or steel structures. If they are part of a complete kit, they may be included, but usually, the electrical head and the structural pole are classified separately.
Which countries are the top exporters of traffic lights (HS 853080)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853080 (the code used for traffic lights) in UN Comtrade data were China ($218M, 17% of world exports), Austria ($130M) and Germany ($124M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 lights (HS 853080)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853080 (the code used for traffic lights) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($205M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($63M) and the United Kingdom ($50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 lights the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853080 for Traffic 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 traffic lights in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853080 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for traffic lights depends on the product's details: 8530.80.10 (Digital road traffic control equipment), 8530.80.90 (Other road, port and airfield signalling equipment).