Heading 8531

Electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof

16 declarable lines

Heading 8531 covers electric sound or visual signaling apparatus such as bells, sirens, indicator panels, and burglar or fire alarms, other than automotive signaling equipment of heading 8512 and railway or road signaling equipment of heading 8530. It also covers parts of that apparatus. The heading splits into burglar and fire alarms (8531.10), indicator panels using LCD or LED technology (8531.20), other apparatus such as doorbells and horns (8531.80), and parts (8531.90).

Products in this heading

Battery powered smoke detectors for home use
Hardwired smoke detectors for alarm systems
Burglar alarm units with sirens and control electronics
LCD indicator panels for control cabinets
LED indicator panels for machinery
Doorbells and chime units
Electric horns and buzzers
Printed circuit assemblies used as parts of indicator panels

How to choose the right subheading

Decide whether the goods are an alarm (burglar or fire), an indicator panel, or other signaling apparatus.
For smoke detectors, check whether the unit is battery powered or other.
For panels, check whether the display uses LCD or LED technology, which carries a free rate.
For other apparatus, check whether it is a doorbell or chime, an indicator panel, a horn, or another sound signaling device.
For parts, check whether the item is a printed circuit assembly and whether it is for panels of subheading 8531.20.

Often confused with

Vehicle horns and car alarm sirens
Signaling equipment of a kind used on cycles or motor vehicles is classified in 8512.
Heading 8512
Traffic lights and railway signaling equipment
Signaling, safety or traffic control equipment for roads, railways and similar sites goes to 8530.
Heading 8530
Fire alarm control panels built around several switches or relays for electric control
Boards equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536 for electric control are classified in 8537.
Heading 8537
Loudspeakers and audio amplifiers
Sound reproduction through loudspeakers or amplifiers is covered by 8518, not by signaling apparatus.
Heading 8518
Bare LED chips and LED modules not made up as indicator panels
Light-emitting diodes as semiconductor devices are classified in 8541.
Heading 8541

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a battery powered smoke detector?

Battery powered smoke detectors are classified under 8531.10.00.15, with a general (MFN) rate of 1.3%.

What is the duty on an LCD indicator panel?

Indicator panels incorporating LCDs are classified under 8531.20.00.20, and the general (MFN) rate is Free.

How do I classify a doorbell or chime unit?

Doorbells, chimes, buzzers and similar apparatus fall under 8531.80.15.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 1.3%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.