Standard Flashlight
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9405428440 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405490000 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8512202080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Standard Flashlight: The Ultimate Global Trade Guide (2026 Edition)
π HS Code Masterclass | US/China Tariff Deep Dive | Professional Clearance Strategy
π The "Standard Flashlight" Conundrum: Why 5 Codes Exist for One Product!
The "Standard Flashlight" is a deceptively simple product. While it seems to be a single item, under international trade law, its classification depends entirely on technical design, power source, and intended use. A misclassification can cost you 25% to 45% in extra duties.
β οΈ The Critical Split:
- Portable Battery-Powered Lamp: If it uses a single dry cell (AA/AAA) or a dedicated rechargeable cell not part of a vehicle, it falls under 8513 (Lowest Duty).
- General Electric Lamp: If it is a generic LED lamp or battery-operated lighting device (broad category), it falls under 9405 or 8512 (Highest Duty).
π¦ δΊγHS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Data-Driven Analysis)
Based on the official data for "Standard Flashlight," here is the exact breakdown of the 5 possible classifications, their logic, and the massive tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Tax Scenario | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8513.10.40.00 | Portable Electric Lamp: Matches "Flashlight" definition perfectly. Designed for portability, uses battery power. | Lowest Duty | 13.5% |
| 8513.10.20.00 | Portable Electric Lamp: Matches "Portable Electric Light" (Flashlight) explicitly. | Medium Duty | 22.5% |
| 8512.20.20.80 | Lighting Equipment: Classified broadly as "Lighting Equipment." No specific "Portable" constraint mentioned. | High Duty | 35.0% |
| 9405.49.00.00 | Electric Lamps & Lighting Fittings: Fits the "Electric lighting device" description but broader than "Portable." | Very High | 38.9% |
| 9405.42.84.40 | LED & Lighting Appliances: Specific to LED sources. Highly specific but carries the highest penalty. | Highest | 38.9% |
π Key Insight:
The difference between 13.5% (8513.10.40.00) and 38.9% (9405.42.84.40) is 25.4%. On a $10,000 shipment, this is a $2,540 difference. Why does this happen? Because 8513 is for portable lamps, while 9405 is for general electric lamps.
π° δΈγ2026 Tariff Structure & Detailed Breakdown
β Applicable Market: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective: 2025β2026 (Current Policy)
π― 1. The "Golden Code": 8513.10.40.00 (Best Case)
Why it wins: It specifically defines a "Portable electric light" (Flashlight).
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% | General USMF (Most Favored Nation) |
| Section 301 / Additional | 0.0% | Crucial: No additional 25% "Section 301" tariff applies here. |
| "122 Clause" (Section 301 Phase 4) | 10% | Targeted on specific Chinese consumer goods. |
| TOTAL TAX | 13.5% | π’ Best Scenario |
π Explanation:
- Base: 3.5% is the standard duty for portable lamps.
- Section 301 (25%): Exempt. This is the biggest saving.
- 122 Clause (10%): Still applies.
- Strategy: If your flashlight is truly "portable" and battery-powered, fight for this code to save 25% immediately.
π― 2. The "Standard Code": 8513.10.20.00
Why it's safe: Explicitly matches "Portable electric light."
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12.5% | Higher base rate for certain portable items. |
| Section 301 / Additional | 0.0% | No 25% penalty. |
| "122 Clause" | 10% | Standard Phase 4 tariff. |
| TOTAL TAX | 22.5% | π‘ Moderate Risk |
π Explanation:
- Same 0% Section 301 penalty as above.
- The difference (12.5% vs 3.5% base) depends on the specific battery type or internal circuit design.
π― 3. The "Trap Codes": 9405.42.84.40, 9405.49.00.00, 8512.20.20.80
Why they hurt: These codes classify the flashlight as "General Lighting" or "Lighting Equipment," triggering the 25% Section 301 penalty.
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% - 3.9% | Low base rate. |
| Section 301 / Additional | 25.0% | π₯ HUGE PAIN: 25% penalty applied. |
| "122 Clause" | 10% | Standard Phase 4 tariff. |
| TOTAL TAX | 35.0% - 38.9% | π΄ Disaster Scenario |
π Explanation:
- Base: Might be low (e.g., 0% or 3.9%).
- Section 301 (25%): Applied. This is the "penalty" for being a generic electrical appliance.
- 122 Clause (10%): Applied on top.
- Result: Even if the base is 0%, the 35-38.9% total is crippling.
π οΈ εγCustoms Clearance Strategy (Actionable Advice)
β 1. Product Description Optimization (The "Name Game")
Do NOT simply write "Flashlight" on the commercial invoice. You must be specific to lock in 8513.
- β BAD: "Standard Flashlight, LED, Plastic." (Triggers 9405/8512 analysis).
- β
GOOD: "Portable Battery-Powered LED Lamp, Uses AA/AAA Dry Cells, Handheld, Non-Vehicle."
- Why: The phrase "Portable Battery-Powered" and "Dry Cells" points directly to 8513.
β 2. Technical Documentation (The "Proof")
Customs officers will look for these specific details to justify 8513.10.40.00:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | Must state: "Power Source: Battery (Dry Cell or Rechargeable)" and "Not for Vehicle Use." |
| Photos | Show the battery compartment. If it uses a plug-in power cord only, it might fail the "Portable" test. |
| Circuit Diagram | Show a simple driver circuit, not a complex "lighting system" circuit. |
β 3. Classification Logic Flow (Decision Tree)
Use this logic to select your HS Code:
- Is it battery-powered?
- NO (Plug-in only) β Go to 9405 (High Tax).
- YES β Continue.
- Is it portable (handheld) and not for vehicle use?
- NO (Headlight, Floodlight) β Go to 8512 (High Tax).
- YES β Go to 8513 (Low Tax).
- Is it a "Portable Electric Light"?
- YES β Claim 8513.10.40.00 (13.5% Total).
π δΊγGlobal Comparison: Why US Market is Different
| Market | Recommended Code | Total Duty | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8513.10.40.00 |
13.5% | Must prove "Portable" to avoid 25% penalty. |
| π¨π³ China | 8513.10.40.00 |
~12.5% | Lower base rate, no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8513.10.00 |
~2.2% | No Section 301; strict but low tax. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8513.10.00 |
~6.0% | No Section 301; strict portability rules. |
π Conclusion:
The US market is the most dangerous due to the 25% Section 301 penalty. A generic "Flashlight" in the US hits 38.9%, while a correctly classified "Portable Lamp" hits 13.5%.
π¨ ε γCommon Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| β Mistake | π« Consequence | β Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Listing as "Electric Lamp" (General) | Triggers 38.9% tax (9405). | Use specific term "Portable Electric Lamp" (8513). |
| Claiming "LED" only | Triggers 38.9% tax (9405.42). | Focus on "Portable" and "Battery" usage. |
| Ignoring "Vehicle" status | Triggers 35% tax (8512). | Explicitly state "Not for Vehicle Use" on docs. |
| Splitting Shipment | Risk of "De Minimis" abuse detection. | Declare as one unit unless legally split. |
π― δΈγFinal Checklist for Clearance
- Invoice Text: "Portable Battery-Powered LED Flashlight, Handheld, Not for Vehicle."
- HS Code: Prioritize
8513.10.40.00. - Duty Estimate: Calculate based on 13.5% (Base 3.5% + 10% 122 Clause).
- Verification: Ensure battery type is clearly defined (AA/AAA/Lithium).
- Pre-Clearance: If possible, request a Binding Ruling from US Customs before shipping.
π£ Call to Action:
π Don't let a 25% tariff kill your profit margin!
Audit your product specs TODAY. Ensure "Portable" and "Battery" are front and center in your documentation.
Secure your clearance with the correct 8513.10.40.00 code.
β¨ Professional Trade Compliance starts with Precision.
πΌ Save $2,500 per $10,000 shipment by classifying correctly!
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.