Find HS Code and trade information for neon sign

Neon Sign

A neon sign is a brightly lit, custom-designed light source, primarily used for advertising, but increasingly popular for artistic and decorative purposes. The technology relies on neon gas (though often other gases are used - see Common Types below) to produce a visible light through a process called gas discharge.

Material

The core components of a neon sign are:

• Glass Tubing: Typically bent borosilicate glass, chosen for its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures and vacuum conditions. The tubing's shape dictates the design of the sign.
• Electrodes: Located at the ends of each glass tube section, electrodes provide the high-voltage electricity needed to excite the gas.
• Gas Mixture: Historically, neon was the dominant gas, producing a red-orange light. Modern signs utilize a variety of gases and coatings.
• Backing/Support Structure: Often acrylic, metal (aluminum is common), or wood, providing a rigid base to mount the glass tubing.
• Transformer: A high-voltage transformer is essential to generate the thousands of volts required to initiate and maintain the gas discharge.
• Wiring & Mounting Hardware: Connectors, wires, and brackets for electrical connection and secure installation.

Purpose

• Advertising: The primary historical purpose, attracting customers to businesses with eye-catching displays.
• Decoration: Increasingly used in homes, bars, and events for aesthetic appeal and ambiance.
• Artistic Expression: Artists utilize neon signs as a medium for creating sculptures and installations.
• Signage: Indicating business names, open/closed status, or directions.

Function

Neon signs function based on the principle of luminescence.

1. High Voltage: A transformer delivers a high voltage across the electrodes within the glass tube.
2. Ionization: This voltage ionizes the inert gas filling the tube (e.g., neon, argon).
3. Gas Discharge: Ionized gas atoms collide with each other, releasing photons (light) as they return to their lower energy state. The color of the light depends on the specific gas used.
4. Visible Light: The emitted photons illuminate the glass tubing, creating the visible glow.

Usage Scenarios

• Business Frontage: Traditional application for attracting walk-in traffic.
• Bars & Restaurants: Creating a specific atmosphere and branding.
• Hotels & Motels: Signage and decorative elements.
• Arcades & Entertainment Venues: Visually stimulating displays.
• Residential Interiors: Accent lighting, room decor, and personalized statements.
• Event Decoration: Weddings, parties, and corporate events.
• Art Galleries & Museums: Neon art installations.

Common Types

• Traditional Neon: Uses neon gas to produce red-orange light. Other colors are achieved by coating the inside of the glass tube with phosphors.
• Argon Neon: Using a mixture of argon and neon, often produces blue and other cooler tones.
• Cold Cathode Neon: A more modern variant utilizing lower voltage and different gas mixtures.
• LED Neon: While not "true" neon, LED neon signs use LED strips encased in silicone tubing to mimic the appearance of traditional neon. They are more energy-efficient and durable, but have a different aesthetic.
• Custom Neon: Signs designed and built to specific shapes, sizes, and colors, often incorporating unique fonts and imagery.

Based on the provided information, “neon sign” can be classified under the following HS codes:

• 9405612000: Luminaires and lighting fittings including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like, having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof not elsewhere specified or included: Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like: Designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources: Of base metal: Of brass.

  • 94: Chapter 94 – Furniture; bedding, mattresses, support, stuffing and similar furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 05: Heading 05 – Luminaires and lighting fittings including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 61: Subheading 61 – Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like: Designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources.
  • 20: Further breakdown – Of base metal: Of brass. This code specifically applies to illuminated signs made of brass and utilizing LED light sources.

• 9405614000: Luminaires and lighting fittings including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated nameplates and the like, having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof not elsewhere specified or included: Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like: Designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources: Of base metal: Other.

  • 94: Chapter 94 – Furniture; bedding, mattresses, support, stuffing and similar furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 05: Heading 05 – Luminaires and lighting fittings including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 61: Subheading 61 – Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like: Designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources.
  • 40: Further breakdown – Of base metal: Other. This code applies to illuminated signs made of base metals other than brass and utilizing LED light sources.

Regarding HS codes 9405612000 and 9405614000, please note that the total tax rate is 60.7% and 61.0% respectively, comprising a base tariff of 5.7% or 6.0% and an additional 25.0% tariff, with a further 30% tariff applicable after April 2, 2025.