HS code for smoke detector
The U.S. HS code for a smoke detector is usually 8531.10.00.15 (battery), with a 1.3% general duty and an estimated total of 13.8% from China and 13.8% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 38.8% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 8531.10.00.15 | 1.3% | 13.8% |
- 8531.10.00.15: Burglar or fire alarms and similar apparatus / Smoke detectors / Battery powered
What decides the code
A battery powered smoke detector is classified under heading 8531 as electric sound or visual signaling apparatus, specifically in subheading 8531.10.00.15.
- The product is a fire alarm apparatus, which places it in heading 8531 rather than in a general electrical goods heading.
- The smoke detector is battery powered, which is the specific statistical line 8531.10.00.15 under the smoke detector subheading.
- The unit is a self contained alarm device, not a part, so it takes the finished apparatus line rather than a parts provision.
Common mistakes
- Classifying under heading 8530 is wrong because that heading covers signaling equipment for railways, roads, ports and similar traffic control, not building fire alarms.
- Classifying under heading 8512 is wrong because that heading covers lighting and signaling equipment for vehicles, not a standalone smoke detector.
- Classifying as a part under a parts provision is wrong because a complete battery powered smoke detector is a finished alarm apparatus of 8531.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 13.8% = 1.3% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 38.8%.
- Vietnam
- 13.8% = 1.3% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8531.10.00.15, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Battery
- CN 8531 10 30, 2.2%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a smoke detector?
The U.S. HTS code for a smoke detector is usually 8531.10.00.15 (battery). The first six digits, 8531.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a smoke detector from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8531.10.00.15 is 1.3%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 13.8% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 13.8%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.