Product classification
HS code for Vacuum tube: 8540.81
Valves and tubes, receiver or amplifier.
Classification of vacuum tube under HS 8540.81
Vacuum tubes, also known as thermionic valves, are classified under HS code 8540.81. This classification is based on the product's nature as a thermionic, cold cathode, or photo-cathode valve or tube. Heading 8540 specifically encompasses electronic components that control the flow of electrons through a vacuum or gas-filled envelope. Subheading 8540.81 is designated for receiver or amplifier valves and tubes, which are used to modulate, amplify, or rectify electrical signals. The classification is determined by the physical construction of the device, which typically includes an anode, a cathode, and often one or more grids housed within a glass or ceramic vacuum-sealed container. Despite the prevalence of solid-state electronics, these components remain distinct in the Harmonized System because their operation relies on thermionic emission or gas ionization rather than the properties of semiconductor materials. This code is applied to tubes used in high-end audio equipment, radio transmitters, and specialized industrial machinery.
- Covers
- Triode, tetrode, and pentode amplifier tubes
- Vacuum-based rectifier tubes
- Receiver tubes for radio and television
- Preamplifier vacuum tubes
- Glass-envelope thermionic valves
- Ceramic-envelope power tubes
- Also under 8540.81
- JJ Electronic ECC83 (preamp tube)
- Electro-Harmonix EL34 (power tube)
- Tung-Sol 6L6GC (power tube)
- Mullard 12AX7 (preamp tube)
- Genalex Gold Lion KT88 (power tube)
Codes often confused with 8540.81
Common mistake. Vacuum tubes are often misclassified under HS code 8541, which covers diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductor devices. While both perform similar electronic functions, 8541 is strictly for solid-state components. Another common error is classifying them under HS code 8539 as electric filament lamps due to their similar glass appearance; however, 8539 is for lighting, whereas 8540 is for electronic valve functions. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are also distinct and fall under 8540.11 through 8540.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854081 (the code used for vacuum tube), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854081 (the code used for vacuum tube) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 21% 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 854081, not only vacuum tube.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $42M 37% of world exports
- 2 France $17M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $14M 12% of world exports
World total: $113M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $25M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $14M 12% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 vacuum tube
Brazil classifies vacuum tube under NCM 8540.81.00: HS 8540.81 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vacuum tube
What is the HS code for Vacuum tube?
The HS code for Vacuum tube is 854081 (Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier). The HS code for receiver or amplifier vacuum tubes is 8540.81.
How do I classify Vacuum tube for customs?
Vacuum tube is classified under HS code 854081 — Valves and tubes; receiver or amplifier. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are magnetrons classified under this same code?
No, magnetrons and klystrons are classified under different subheadings within 8540, specifically 8540.71 or 8540.72, depending on their technical specifications.
Which countries are the top exporters of vacuum tube (HS 854081)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854081 (the code used for vacuum tube) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 37% of world exports), France ($17M) and Germany ($14M). World exports came to about $113M, 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 vacuum tube (HS 854081)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854081 (the code used for vacuum tube) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($25M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 Vacuum tube the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854081 for Vacuum tube 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 vacuum tube in Brazil?
In Brazil, vacuum tube (HS 854081) is classified under NCM 8540.81.00.