Lantern

🌟 Lantern (Portable Electric Lamps Powered by Internal Energy Sources)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
📌 One: Product Definition & Classification – What Exactly Is a “Lantern”?

A lantern is a portable electric lighting device designed to operate independently using its own power source—such as dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, or magnetos—excluding lighting equipment classified under heading 8512 (e.g., LED flashlights, torches, or industrial lighting).

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If it's a handheld, battery-powered, portable light with a built-in battery and housing → Lantern
- If it's a flashlight (typically small, focused beam, used for pointing) → Flashlight (separate HS Code)
- If it uses external power (e.g., mains electricity) → Not covered here

📦 Two: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Reference)

🔍 Critical Note:
- 8513.10.40.00 applies to general-purpose portable electric lanterns (not flashlights).
- 8513.10.20.00 is only for flashlights – even if it's a small lantern, if it's designed like a flashlight (focused beam, handheld), it must be declared as such.
- 9405.50.20.00 is for non-electric, fuel-burning lanterns – not battery-powered.
- 9405.42.84.40 is for LED-only electric lanterns with advanced control features.

💰 Three: 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown (With附加 Taxes & Legal Basis)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (with ongoing enforcement)

🎯 1. 8513.10.40.00 — Portable Electric Lamps (Other Than Flashlights)

📌 Explanation:
- This is a low-duty category – only 3.5% basic tariff.
- No additional 25% USITC or 10% IEEPA applies here.
- Perfect for bulk imports of general-purpose portable lanterns.
- Highly favorable compared to other lighting categories.

🎯 2. 8513.10.20.00 — Flashlights (Portable Electric Lamps)

📌 Explanation:
- Despite being battery-powered, flashlights are taxed at 12.5%, higher than general lanterns.
- No additional 25% or 10% tariffs apply (unlike some electronics).
- Still moderate compared to LED luminaires.
- Must be declared as "flashlight" – not "lantern" – to avoid misclassification.

🎯 3. 9405.50.20.00 — Non-Electrical Luminaires (Propane/Kerosene/Gasoline)

📌 Explanation:
- High-risk category: 25% USITC附加税 applies due to non-electric, fuel-based lighting.
- No de minimis → even a $50 lantern triggers full 27.9% duty.
- Not for battery-powered lanterns – only for propane, kerosene, gasoline models.
- High compliance risk – must prove fuel type and non-electric nature.

🎯 4. 9405.42.84.40 — Other Electric Luminaires (LED-Only, Not Elsewhere Specified)

📌 Explanation:
- Highest tariff among all – 28.9% due to 25% USITC附加税.
- Applies to LED-only electric lanterns not classified elsewhere.
- No de minimis → even small shipments are fully taxed.
- Must be confirmed that the lantern uses only LED and no other light sources.

🛠️ Four: Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)

✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)

✅ 2.申报技巧（Key Rules）

🔥 “Lantern ≠ Flashlight, LED ≠ Non-Electric, Power Source = Key!”

✅ 3. Special Cases Handling

🌍 Five: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Update)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is favorable for general lanterns (only 3.5% duty).
- Avoid 9405.42.84.40 and 9405.50.20.00 unless absolutely necessary – 28.9% and 27.9% are extremely high.
- Flashlights (8513.10.20.00) are 12.5% – still manageable.

📌 Six: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Errors!)

❌ Mistake 1: Calling a flashlight a lantern
👉 Result: Pay 3.5% instead of 12.5% → underpaid duty → audit, fines

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring a LED-only lantern as 8513.10.40.00
👉 Result: Pay 3.5% instead of 28.9% → massive underpayment → penalties + back duty

❌ Mistake 3: Using propane lantern as 8513.10.40.00
👉 Result: Pay 3.5% instead of 27.9% → misclassification → seizure or fine

❌ Mistake 4: Not providing circuit diagram or photos
👉 Result: Customs delays or rejection – no proof of classification

✅ Correct Declaration Phrase:

“Portable Electric Lantern, 5000lm, Battery-Powered (AA/AAA), LED Light Source, Not Flashlight, Model XYZ, FCC & RoHS Certified”

🎯 Seven: Final Verdict – Smart Classification = Big Savings!

🎯 Remember the Golden Rules:

🔹 “Lantern ≠ Flashlight” → 8513.10.40.00 vs 8513.10.20.00
🔹 “LED-only? → 28.9%!” → Avoid 9405.42.84.40 unless no alternative
🔹 “Fuel-based? → 27.9%!” → Avoid 9405.50.20.00 if possible
🔹 “De minimis? Only for 3.5% & 12.5% codes” → 28.9% and 27.9% are not exempt

📌 Pro Tip:

If your lantern is produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption → 0% tariff on 8513.10.40.00!
✅ Apply for Advance Ruling before shipment to lock in favorable HS Code and tariff.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + provide product photos + request HS Code pre-ruling
🚀 Avoid penalties, reduce costs, and ship with confidence!

✨ Expert Customs, Precise Classification, Maximum Savings!
💼 Your import success starts with the right HS Code!