Heading 8540

Thermionic, cold cathode or photocathode tubes (for example, vacuum or vapor or gas filled tubes, mercury arc rectifying tubes, cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes); parts thereof

38 declarable lines

Heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode and photocathode tubes, including cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes, microwave tubes and other electron tubes, plus their parts. The heading splits first by tube family: cathode-ray television picture tubes (8540.11 and 8540.12), camera and photocathode tubes (8540.20), data/graphic display tubes (8540.40), other cathode-ray tubes (8540.60), microwave tubes (8540.71 and 8540.79), other tubes (8540.81 and 8540.89), and parts (8540.91 and 8540.99). Picture tube lines turn on color versus monochrome, high definition versus non-high definition, and video display diagonal size.

Products in this heading

Color cathode-ray television picture tubes with a 63 cm and larger diagonal
Monochrome cathode-ray television picture tubes
Television camera tubes
Image intensifier tubes
Magnetrons for use as parts of microwave ovens
Klystrons and traveling wave tubes
Receiver or amplifier tubes
Deflection coils and front panel assemblies for cathode-ray tubes

How to choose the right subheading

The type of tube: cathode-ray picture tube, camera or photocathode tube, data/graphic display tube, microwave tube, or other tube
For picture tubes, whether the screen is color or monochrome
For color picture tubes, whether the tube is high definition or non-high definition
The video display diagonal or faceplate dimension, measured in cm
Whether the item is a complete tube or a part such as a deflection coil, electron gun or front panel assembly

Often confused with

Flat panel display modules, including LCD and OLED panels
Flat panel modules are classified in heading 8524, not as tubes.
Heading 8524
Television cameras and digital cameras
Complete cameras go to 8525; 8540.20 covers camera tubes only.
Heading 8525
Television reception apparatus and monitors
Finished monitors and TV sets are 8528 goods, not tubes.
Heading 8528
Light-emitting diode (LED) light sources and lamps
LED and discharge lamps are classified in 8539.
Heading 8539
Diodes and transistors, including semiconductor devices
Semiconductor diodes and transistors are 8541, not vacuum tubes of 8540.
Heading 8541

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a color cathode-ray television picture tube with a video display diagonal exceeding 63 cm?

Use 8540.11.10.85 for non-high definition color tubes with a diagonal exceeding 63 cm. The general (MFN) rate is 15%.

What is the duty on magnetrons modified for use as parts of microwave ovens?

Magnetrons modified for microwave oven use are classified under 8540.71.20.00. The general (MFN) rate is Free.

How do I classify deflection coils for cathode-ray tubes?

Deflection coils are parts of cathode-ray tubes and are classified under 8540.91.20.00. The general (MFN) rate is Free.

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.