Red Laser Flashlight
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9013105000 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8543709860 | 37.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8543707100 | 37.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π¦ Red Laser Flashlight
π HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Latest Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown | Pro-Level Clearance Strategy
π One Product, Multiple Codes β Know Which One Applies to Your Shipment!
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Red Laser Flashlight"?
A Red Laser Flashlight is a portable, self-powered device that emits a focused red laser beam for targeting, signaling, or illumination purposes. While it resembles a standard flashlight, its key distinguishing feature is the use of a laser diode (not an LED or incandescent bulb) as the light source.
β οΈ Critical Classification Insight:
- If the device uses a laser diode for light emission β Must be classified under laser-specific categories
- If it uses LED or incandescent bulb only β May fall under general lighting or hand-held lamps
- Even if it looks like a flashlight, the presence of a laser diode triggers higher scrutiny and different HS codes
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff List)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Tax Rate | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9013.10.50.00 |
Other optical instruments and apparatus, for illumination or lighting | Optical device, emits light, used for lighting purposes, fits "other optical instruments" | 22.8% | Classified under "optical instruments" due to its light-emitting function and optical design |
8513.10.20.00 |
Hand-held electric lamps, for portable lighting | Portable electric light, battery-powered, standard flashlight form | 22.5% | Fits "hand-held electric lamp" definition β no laser diode β not laser-specific |
8513.10.40.00 |
Hand-held electric lamps, using laser for illumination | Laser-based lighting, self-powered, portable, uses laser diode | 13.5% | Laser-specific classification β lower base tariff due to laser technology |
8543.70.98.60 |
Other electric light sources, independent function | Independent light source, not part of larger system, self-contained | 37.6% | Classified under "other machines and apparatus" β high tariff due to "122ζ‘ζ¬Ύ" (Section 122) |
8543.70.71.00 |
Electric light sources with independent function | Self-contained, standalone lighting device, emits light via electric means | 37.0% | Similar to above β highly scrutinized, not a simple flashlight |
π Key Differentiator:
- Laser diode present? β Use8513.10.40.00or8543.70.71.00
- No laser? β Use8513.10.20.00
- Optical instrument with lighting function? β Use9013.10.50.00
- Standalone, self-contained light source? β Use8543.70.71.00or8543.70.98.60
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown (U.S. Market, China Origin)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including all additional tariffs)
π― 1. 9013.10.50.00 β Optical Instruments for Illumination
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Duty | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied under 122 clause) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9013.10.50.00 β Section 301:9903.01.25 β Section 122:9903.01.24 |
π Why This Applies:
- The device is optical in nature, emits focused light, and functions as a lighting instrument β fits the "other optical instruments" category under 9013.10.50.00
- Even if it uses a laser, if it's used for illumination, it may be classified here instead of laser-specific codes
π― 2. 8513.10.20.00 β Hand-Held Electric Lamps (Standard Flashlights)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12.5% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Duty | 22.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 22.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8513.10.20.00 β Section 122:9903.01.24 |
π Why This Applies:
- The device is hand-held, battery-powered, portable, and used for lighting
- Even if it has a laser, if itβs not the primary function, and the device is structurally a flashlight, this code applies
- No Section 301 tariff β slightly lower than 9013.10.50.00
π― 3. 8513.10.40.00 β Hand-Held Electric Lamps Using Laser
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Duty | 13.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 13.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8513.10.40.00 β Section 122:9903.01.24 |
π Why This Applies:
- Laser is the primary light source β Must be classified under laser-specific subheading
- Lower base tariff (3.5%) due to laser technology classification
- Best option if laser is the core function
- No Section 301 tariff β lowest total duty among all options
π― 4. 8543.70.98.60 β Other Electric Light Sources (Independent Function)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.6% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Duty | 37.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 37.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8543.70.98.60 β Section 301:9903.01.25 β Section 122:9903.01.24 |
π Why This Applies:
- The device is self-contained, independent, not part of a larger system
- Classified under "other machines and apparatus" β high-risk category
- Section 301 tariff (25%) applies due to China origin
- Avoid this code if possible β highest duty
π― 5. 8543.70.71.00 β Electric Light Sources with Independent Function
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Duty | 37.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 37.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8543.70.71.00 β Section 301:9903.01.25 β Section 122:9903.01.24 |
π Why This Applies:
- Same as above β self-contained, standalone light source
- Section 301 tariff (25%) applies β highest penalty for China-origin products
- Avoid unless no other code fits
π οΈ IV. Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays & Penalties)
β 1. Essential Documentation (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Show laser wavelength, power, battery type, dimensions |
| β Circuit Diagram / Laser Module Details | βοΈ | Prove laser diode presence |
| β Product Photos (with laser beam visible) | βοΈ | Show beam direction, lens, housing |
| β CE/FCC/UL Certification | βοΈ | Prove safety compliance |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state βRed Laser Flashlight, 650nm, 5mW, Battery-Poweredβ |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff eligibility |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show unit count, packaging type |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (η³ζ₯ε£θ―)
π₯ "Laser present? β Use 8513.10.40.00 β 13.5% only!"
π₯ "No laser? β Use 8513.10.20.00 β 22.5%"
π₯ "Optical instrument? β Use 9013.10.50.00 β 22.8%"
π₯ "Avoid 8543.70.71.00/98.60 β 37%+!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Laser diode used, beam visible | 8513.10.40.00 |
8513.10.20.00 β higher duty |
| LED-only flashlight | 8513.10.20.00 |
8513.10.40.00 β misclassification |
| Self-contained light, no flashlight shape | 8543.70.71.00 |
9013.10.50.00 β risk of rejection |
| Used for targeting, not general lighting | 9013.10.50.00 |
8513.10.20.00 β lower duty |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Case | Solution |
|---|---|
| Laser power < 5mW | Still classified under 8513.10.40.00 β no exemption |
| Laser power > 5mW | May require FDA/CDRH registration β extra compliance step |
| OEM/Custom Branding | Provide branding proof + design specs to avoid "non-standard" label |
| Used in Military/Industrial | Apply for special-use exemption β requires prior approval |
π V. Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8513.10.40.00 |
13.5% | FCC, CE | Best for laser flashlights |
| π¨π³ China | 8513.10.40.00 |
5% | CCC | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8513.10.40.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/122 tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8513.10.40.00 |
5% | RCM | No 122 clause |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8513.10.40.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra duties |
π Takeaway:
- USA has the highest complexity due to Section 122 and 301 tariffs
- Laser flashlights are best in US if classified as8513.10.40.00
- Avoid8543.70.71.00/98.60β 37%+ is unsustainable
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Calling it a "flashlight" in invoice, but it has a laser
π Result: Misclassified as 8513.10.20.00 β 22.5% instead of 13.5% β extra $900 per $10k shipment
β Mistake 2: Not disclosing laser diode in specs
π Result: Customs may reclassify to 8543.70.71.00 β 37% duty β huge loss
β Mistake 3: Using "light source" in description
π Result: Triggered 8543.70.71.00 β 37%+ β high risk
β Correct Description:
"Red Laser Flashlight, 650nm, 5mW, Battery-Powered, Self-Contained, for Targeting & Signaling, Model XYZ, FCC & CE Certified"
π― VII. Final Verdict: How to Maximize Profit & Avoid Risk
β Best HS Code for Red Laser Flashlight:
8513.10.40.00β 13.5% total duty
- Laser is the light source? β Use this
- No laser? β Use8513.10.20.00
- Avoid8543.70.71.00/98.60at all costsβ Pro Tip:
- Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) before shipment
- Get a legal opinion on classification
- Use a U.S.-based customs broker with laser product experience
π£ π¨ Immediate Action Required:
π Contact a specialized customs broker
π Provide product photos, specs, laser module details
π Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling β Avoid delays, penalties, and 37% tariffs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with the Right HS Code!
πΌ Your profit margin depends on it β donβt gamble with classification!
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.