HS 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
HEADING DEFINITION & DISAMBIGUATION
HS Heading 8540 encompasses 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. It classifies 11 6-digit WCO subheadings within Chapter 85 under the Harmonized System [USITC HTS 2026].
Subheadings Under Heading 8540
| HS Code | WCO 6-Digit Subheading Description | Chapter | Operational Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8540.11 | Cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, Color | 85 | View 8540.11 Package → |
| 8540.12 | Cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitor cathode-ray tubes, Monochrome | 85 | View 8540.12 Package → |
| 8540.20 | Television camera tubes; image converters and intensifiers; other photocathode tubes | 85 | View 8540.20 Package → |
| 8540.40 | Data/graphic display tubes, monochrome; data/graphic display tubes, color, with a phosphor dot screen pitch smaller than 0.4 mm | 85 | View 8540.40 Package → |
| 8540.60 | Other cathode-ray tubes | 85 | View 8540.60 Package → |
| 8540.71 | Microwave tubes (for example, magnetrons, klystrons, traveling wave tubes, carcinotrons), excluding grid-controlled tubes, Magnetrons | 85 | View 8540.71 Package → |
| 8540.79 | Microwave tubes (for example, magnetrons, klystrons, traveling wave tubes, carcinotrons), excluding grid-controlled tubes, Other | 85 | View 8540.79 Package → |
| 8540.81 | Other tubes, Receiver or amplifier tubes | 85 | View 8540.81 Package → |
| 8540.89 | Other tubes, Other | 85 | View 8540.89 Package → |
| 8540.91 | Parts, Of cathode-ray tubes | 85 | View 8540.91 Package → |
| 8540.99 | Parts, Other | 85 | View 8540.99 Package → |
DISAMBIGUATION & CLASSIFICATION GUIDE
How to Select the Correct Subheading Under Heading 8540
Commercial shipments must be declared under the exact 6-digit WCO subheading that matches physical, chemical, or processing characteristics. Review the subheading descriptions above and verify against binding CBP CROSS rulings prior to entry filing.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Heading 8540 ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
CBP e-Rulings database for Heading 8540 precedent rulings.
WCO Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization Harmonized System 2022 nomenclature standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau HTS-to-NAICS concordance and Schedule B export database.
Heading 8540 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commercial articles are grouped under HS Heading 8540?
HS Heading 8540 covers 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, grouping 11 6-digit WCO subheadings.
How are 6-digit subheadings structured under Heading 8540?
Subheadings under Heading 8540 range from 8540.11 to 8540.90, classifying goods by processing state, origin, or material composition.
What is the representative US import duty rate for Heading 8540?
US MFN general duty rates for Heading 8540 commodities range from Duty-Free up to representative ad valorem percentages under the 2026 US HTS.
Are Section 301 tariffs applicable to goods under Heading 8540?
Section 301 additional tariffs depend on the specific 8-digit or 10-digit US HTS code and country of origin (e.g. China Lists 1–4A).
What PGA message set flags apply to Heading 8540?
Partner Government Agency flags (FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA) apply depending on the specific commodity sub-classification.
How do I distinguish between subheadings under Heading 8540?
Review WCO subheading terms and candidate descriptions. For example, unroasted vs. roasted or decaffeinated vs. non-decaffeinated.
Can goods under Heading 8540 enter duty-free under USMCA?
Yes. Goods originating in USMCA territories (US, Mexico, Canada) enter duty-free under SPI code P with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Heading 8540?
Eligible import shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal customs entry of Heading 8540?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer get a binding CBP classification ruling for Heading 8540?
Importers may apply for a binding ruling via CBP National Commodity Specialist Division under 19 CFR Part 177.