Find HS Code and trade information for lighter socket

Lighter Socket

A lighter socket, also known as a cigarette lighter receptacle, is an electrical outlet commonly found in vehicles – cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats – designed to power accessories using a 12V DC power source. Originally developed for powering cigarette lighters, its functionality has expanded significantly over time.

Material:

• Housing: Typically constructed from durable plastics like polycarbonate or ABS to withstand heat and physical stress.
• Contacts: Usually made of brass or a brass alloy, chosen for their conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Contacts are often spring-loaded to ensure a secure connection.
• Wiring: Copper wires with appropriate insulation, sized to handle the electrical load.
• Fuse: A crucial safety component, often incorporated into the socket assembly or located nearby, protecting the circuit from overloads.

Purpose:

The primary purpose evolved from solely powering cigarette lighters to providing a convenient power source for a wide range of aftermarket accessories.

Function:

The socket receives a 12V DC input from the vehicle’s electrical system. It provides a standardized connection point for devices equipped with a compatible plug. The spring-loaded contacts ensure a stable electrical connection. A fuse protects the circuit from damage in case of a short circuit or overload. Some sockets include a switch to control power flow to the outlet.

Usage Scenarios:

• Charging Mobile Devices: Commonly used with USB adapters to charge smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices.
• Powering GPS Devices: Providing power to navigation systems.
• Operating Dash Cams: Supplying continuous power for recording driving footage.
• Running Portable Coolers/Warmers: Powering small 12V appliances.
• Air Compressors: Inflating tires or other inflatable items.
• Emergency Power: In some cases, used to power emergency lights or other safety devices.

Common Types:

• Standard (Cigarette Lighter) Socket: The original design, featuring a cylindrical opening to accommodate the cigarette lighter plug. Often includes a heating element for the lighter function, though this is less common in modern vehicles.
• DIN Socket: A smaller, round socket commonly found in European vehicles.
• USB Socket: Increasingly common, providing a direct USB connection for charging and data transfer. Often integrated alongside traditional sockets.
• Socket with Voltage Display: Displays the voltage being supplied, useful for monitoring the vehicle’s electrical system.
• Socket with Switch: Allows the user to manually turn the power on or off to the socket.
• Quick Charge Socket: Supports faster charging standards for compatible devices.
• Weatherproof Socket: Designed for marine or outdoor applications, featuring a protective cover to prevent water ingress.

Lighter sockets are electrical components typically used in vehicles to provide power to accessories. Based on the provided information, the relevant HS codes are detailed below:

• 8512.90.90.00: This HS code covers parts of electrical lighting or signaling equipment (excluding articles of heading 8539), windshield wipers, defrosters and demisters, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles. Specifically, it refers to “Other” parts. This could include a lighter socket if it's considered a part of a larger electrical system within a vehicle. The total tax rate is 57.5%, comprised of a 2.5% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.

• 8536.61.00.00: This HS code covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Lamp-holders. A lighter socket, functioning as a plug or socket, may fall under this classification. The total tax rate is 57.7%, consisting of a 2.7% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.

• 8536.69.40.20: This HS code covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Coaxial connectors; cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors Cylindrical multicontact connectors. If the lighter socket is a more specialized connector type, it could be classified here. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.

• 3925.90.00.00: This HS code covers builders' ware of plastics, not elsewhere specified or included: Other. If the lighter socket is made of plastic and doesn't fall into other specific categories, it could be classified here. The total tax rate is 60.3%, consisting of a 5.3% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.

• 3925.10.00.00: This HS code covers builders' ware of plastics, not elsewhere specified or included: Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, of a capacity exceeding 300 liters (If the lighter socket is part of a larger container). If the lighter socket is integrated into a larger plastic container exceeding 300 liters in capacity, this HS code may apply. The total tax rate is 61.3%, consisting of a 6.3% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective after April 2, 2025.