LED Camping Lantern
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8543707100 | 37.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8543709860 | 37.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405428410 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π LED Camping Lantern: Global HS Code Classification & 2026 Customs Strategy
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tax Breakdown | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What is an "LED Camping Lantern"?
The LED Camping Lantern is a portable, battery-powered lighting device designed for outdoor recreation, emergency backup, and temporary lighting. In international trade, its classification hinges on power source, portability, and functionality.
Key Classification Logic: 1. Portable Battery-Powered: If it relies on dry cells/batteries and is designed for handheld or standalone use β Heading 8513. 2. Stationary/Decorative/Fixed: If it lacks battery power or is intended as a permanent fixture β Heading 9405. 3. General Electrical Device: If it has unique electronic functions beyond simple illumination β Heading 8543.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Battery + Portable =8513(Lowest Tax) β
- AC Plug/Stationary =9405(High Tax) β
- Smart/Electronic Functions =8543(Medium Tax) β οΈ
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Total Tax Rate (CN Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|
8513.10.20.00 |
Portable Battery-Powered Lamp (High Power/Industrial Grade) | Relies on batteries; classified as a portable electric lamp for general illumination. | 22.5% |
8513.10.40.00 |
Portable Battery-Powered Lamp (Consumer/Standard Grade) | Standard camping lantern; battery-driven, portable, for lighting. | 13.5% |
8543.70.71.00 |
Other Electric Machines/Apparatus (Specialized) | Treated as a general "electric apparatus" rather than a simple lamp; often for devices with specific functional modules. | 37.0% |
8543.70.98.60 |
Other Electric Machines/Apparatus (Generic) | "Other machines" with independent electric light source functions; broader category for complex units. | 37.6% |
9405.42.84.10 |
Other Electric Luminaires (Stationary/Decorative) | Classified as a general lighting fixture (lamp); may apply if the device is viewed as a fixed lighting unit or lacks clear "portable" battery specs. | 38.9% |
π Focus Point:
-8513is the "Golden Ticket": It offers the lowest tax burden (13.5%~22.5%) for genuine portable battery lanterns. -9405&8543are "Risk Zones": These incur high tariffs (37%~39%) due to being categorized as "Furniture/Lamps" or "General Machinery."
π° III. 2026 Tariff Breakdown (Detailed Tax Logic)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. The "Low Tax" Strategy: 8513.10.40.00 & 8513.10.20.00
(Portable Electric Lamps)
| Tax Component | 8513.10.40.00 (Standard) |
8513.10.20.00 (High Spec) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty (MFN) | 3.5% | 12.5% |
| Section 301 / "Add-on" | 0.0% (Exempt) | 0.0% (Exempt) |
| Section 122 (China Specific) | +10.0% | +10.0% |
| π₯ Total Effective Rate | 13.5% | 22.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Commercial Import) | β No (Commercial Import) |
π Legal Path:
- Base: HTSUS 8513.10
- Section 301: Exempt from the 25% "Section 301" add-on because portable lamps are often excluded from the specific "electrical machinery" lists targeted in this section.
- Section 122: Applies an additional 10% surcharge specifically on Chinese-origin electrical goods.
π― 2. The "High Tax" Trap: 8543.70.71.00 & 8543.70.98.60
(Other Electric Machines)
| Tax Component | 8543.70.71.00 |
8543.70.98.60 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.0% | 2.6% |
| Section 301 / "Add-on" | +25.0% | +25.0% |
| Section 122 (China Specific) | +10.0% | +10.0% |
| π₯ Total Effective Rate | 37.0% | 37.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No | β No |
π Warning:
- Misclassifying a camping lantern as a "general machine" (8543) triggers the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- This is a 240% price increase compared to the8513classification!
π― 3. The "Furniture/Lamp" Penalty: 9405.42.84.10
(Electric Luminaires)
| Tax Component | 9405.42.84.10 |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.9% |
| Section 301 / "Add-on" | +25.0% |
| Section 122 (China Specific) | +10.0% |
| π₯ Total Effective Rate | 38.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Warning:
- If Customs views your lantern as a "stationary lamp" or "decorative fixture" rather than a "portable lamp," you face the highest tax tier (38.9%).
π οΈ IV. Clearance Action Plan (Avoiding the "Tax Trap")
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | Must explicitly state: "Battery Powered", "Portable", "No AC Cord". | Proves eligibility for 8513 (Exempt from 25% Section 301). |
| User Manual | Must emphasize "Outdoor Use," "Handheld," "Rechargeable/Disposal Battery." | Confirms "Portability" intent for Customs officers. |
| Battery Certification | UN38.3, MSDS for Li-ion or Alkaline batteries. | Essential for shipping; confirms power source type. |
| Circuit Diagram | Show battery connection; no AC adapter circuitry. | Disproves "Stationary Lamp" (9405) classification. |
| Commercial Invoice | Description: "Portable LED Camping Lantern, Battery Operated". | Avoids generic terms like "Electric Lamp" which trigger 9405. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Golden Rule")
π₯ Mantra: "Battery First, Portable Second, No AC!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Genuine Camping Lantern (Battery + Handle) | 8513.10.40.00 |
13.5% (Optimal) |
| Lantern with AC Adapter Included | Risk of 9405 or 8543 |
37%~39% (Costly) |
| Smart Lantern (App Control/Bluetooth) | Still 8513 if portable! |
13.5% (Keep it simple) |
| Stationary Tent Light (AC Only) | 9405.42.84.10 |
38.9% (High Tax) |
β οΈ Critical Tip:
- DO NOT describe the item as "Electric Lamp," "Furniture," or "Lighting Fixture" in the commercial invoice.
- DO use: "Portable Battery-Operated LED Lantern."
β 3. Special Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM/White Label | Provide brand authorization; ensure HS Code remains 8513. |
| Lantern + Power Bank Combo | If sold as a set, classify as the dominant item (Lantern 8513). Do not split. |
| Military/Utility Grade | If highly industrial, may still be 8513 but requires stronger proof of "portability." |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty (CN) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8513.10.40.00 |
13.5% | Avoid 9405 (38.9%) at all costs! |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8513 |
Low (0-5%) | No Section 301; Section 122 not applicable. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8513 |
Low (5-10%) | CUSMA free if Canadian origin. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8513 |
5-10% | No high Section 301 equivalents. |
π Conclusion:
The US market is unique due to the Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges. Accurate classification as8513(Portable Lamp) is the single most important factor to saving ~25% on your landed cost.
π VI. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Labeling as "LED Light" or "Lamp"
π Result: Customs may auto-assign 9405 (38.9%).
β
Fix: Always use "Portable Battery Lantern".
β Mistake 2: Including an AC charger in the main unit description
π Result: Raises suspicion of "Stationary" use (9405).
β
Fix: Separate the AC charger in the box or describe it as an accessory.
β Mistake 3: Failing to prove "Battery Operation"
π Result: No proof of portability β Higher classification.
β
Fix: Provide photos of the battery compartment in the spec sheet.
β Mistake 4: Misinterpreting "Smart Features"
π Result: Thinking Bluetooth = 8543 (37%).
β
Fix: If it's still a portable light, it stays 8513. The Bluetooth is just a feature, not a new machine.
π― VII. Final Verdict: Save Your Margin!
π― The Strategy:
"Battery + Portable =
8513= 13.5% Tax"
"AC + Stationary =9405= 38.9% Tax"
Your Action Items: 1. Verify your product specs explicitly state "Battery Powered" and "Portable." 2. Rename your invoice: "Portable LED Camping Lantern." 3. Avoid generic terms like "Electric Lamp" or "Lighting Fixture." 4. Prepare UN38.3 and circuit diagrams for Customs verification.
π£ Ready to Ship?
π Contact your Customs Broker with this guide.
π Correct HS Code = Instant Cost Savings.
π‘ Don't let a 25% error eat your profit!
β¨ Smart Classification. Zero Surprise Tax. Maximum Profit.
πΌ Your Cargo, Your Rules, Your Savings.
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.