HS Code 8540
Thermionic and Cathode Valves and Tubes
HS code 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode, and photo-cathode valves and tubes, including CRTs and television camera tubes used in legacy electronics and high
HS Code 8540 — Thermionic and Cathode Valves and Tubes
This code covers vacuum-sealed glass or metal tubes used to control the flow of electric current. It includes classic vacuum tubes, cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) for older monitors or televisions, and specialized gas-filled tubes used in high-power rectifiers and industrial imaging.
What's included
- Cathode-ray tubes (CRTs)
- Magnetrons
- Klystrons
- Mercury arc rectifiers
- Phototubes
What's excluded
- Light emitting diodes (LEDs) → use
8541(LEDs are semiconductor devices, not vacuum or gas-filled tubes.) - X-ray tubes → use
9022(X-ray apparatus falling under medical or industrial equipment is classified in Chapter 90.)
Common examples
- Microwave oven magnetron
- Television picture tube
- Photomultiplier tube
- Radio transmitter vacuum tube
Frequently asked questions
Are computer monitors classified under 8540?
No, only the cathode-ray tube itself is 8540; the complete monitor is classified under 8528.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 5%
- Documentation: Often subject to e-waste disposal regulations in the EU and UK.
- Typical shipping mode: LCL
- Top exporters: China, Japan, United States
- Top importers: Germany, South Korea, Vietnam
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Primarily legacy technology and specialized high-frequency industrial power components.
Related HS codes
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