mini flashlight
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405428440 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π¦ Mini Flashlight (Portable Electric Lamps)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Mini Flashlights"?
A mini flashlight is a portable, battery-operated electric lighting device. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its specific design, brightness intensity, and intended use. While generally considered "lighting appliances," specific features can shift the HS Code between portable electric lamps (Chapter 85) and general lighting fixtures (Chapter 94), leading to drastically different tax liabilities.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- Portable/Electric Lamp Category (Chapter 85): Focuses on the portable, battery-powered nature. Includes "Mini" and "Strong Light" variants.
- General Lighting Fixture Category (Chapter 94): Focuses on the fixture aspect. If classified as a standard "lamp" rather than a "portable device," it falls under higher tariff brackets due to trade policies.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are three primary classification paths for Mini Flashlights:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
8513.10.20.00 |
Mini High-Brightness Flashlight, Mini Strong-Light Flashlight, Ordinary Flashlight | Portable lighting devices;ε½’ζδΈΊζη΅η (Shape: Flashlight); No material conflict. | 22.5% |
8513.10.40.00 |
Mini Strong-Light Flashlight, Ordinary Flashlight | Portable electric lamps; Strong-light feature implies power-supplied lighting function. | 13.5% |
9405.42.84.40 |
Flashlight (Typical Lighting Appliance) | General lighting appliances; Fits definition of lamps/lighting fixtures; Inferred as LED/electric light source. | 38.9% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Codes8513are preferred for portable, battery-operated flashlights. They offer lower and more stable tariff rates.
- Code9405classifies the flashlight as a general lighting fixture. This incurs the highest tax burden due to additional duties. Avoid this code unless the product is not truly "portable" or lacks standard flashlight features.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 Tariff Schedule (Including Section 122 and USITC Duties)
π― 1. 8513.10.20.00 ββ Mini High-Brightness / Ordinary Flashlight
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12.5% |
| Section 301 (Add-on) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 (Specific) | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC: 8513.10.20.00 β Section 122 Tariff 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code covers standard portable flashlights, including high-brightness and mini variants.
- The total tax is 22.5%, comprising a 12.5% base tariff and a 10% Section 122 surcharge.
- No Section 301 tariff applies here.
π― 2. 8513.10.40.00 ββ Mini Strong-Light / Ordinary Flashlight (Lower Rate Option)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% |
| Section 301 (Add-on) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 (Specific) | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC: 8513.10.40.00 β Section 122 Tariff 10% |
π Note:
- If your "Mini Flashlight" can be described as a "Strong-Light" or "Ordinary" flashlight under this specific subheading, it qualifies for a significantly lower base rate.
- Total tax is only 13.5%, saving 9% compared to the previous code.
- The 10% Section 122 surcharge still applies.
π― 3. 9405.42.84.40 ββ Flashlight as General Lighting Appliance (High Risk)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% |
| Section 301 (Add-on) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 (Specific) | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC: 9405.42.84.40 β Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Warning:
- This code classifies the flashlight as a lamp/lighting fixture rather than a portable electric device.
- It attracts the 25% Section 301 tariff (Trump-era trade war duties) in addition to the 10% Section 122 duty.
- Total 38.9% makes this the most expensive classification. Only use if the product is structurally a fixed or semi-fixed lamp, not a handheld device.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Type (Mini/Strong-light), Power Source (Battery), Lumen Output. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing portability, switches, and battery compartment. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Mini Electric Flashlight, Battery Operated, Portable." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents to prove it's a single portable unit, not a set of fixtures. |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for US imports to verify Chinese origin and apply correct surcharges. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Mnemonics)
π₯ "Portable is Key, Avoid Chapter 94, Strong Light Saves Money!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Mini Flashlight | 8513.10.20.00 or 8513.10.40.00 |
Declare as "Lamp" β 9405... |
Tax jumps from 13.5%-22.5% to 38.9% |
| "Strong-Light" Feature Available | 8513.10.40.00 |
Declare as "High-Brightness" (8513.10.20.00) |
Pay 9% more (22.5% vs 13.5%) |
| Fixed/Decorative Flashlight-Style Lamp | 9405.42.84.40 |
Declare as "Portable Flashlight" | Misclassification penalty + retroactive tax |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Products | If it includes additional tools (e.g., screwdriver), still declare as Flashlight if primary function is lighting. Do not split. |
| OEM/White Label | Ensure invoice description matches the physical product (portable). Avoid terms like "Decorative Light" if it's a standard flashlight. |
| Section 122 Application | Both 8513 codes are subject to Section 122. Ensure customs broker knows this to avoid delays. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tax (CN Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8513.10.40.00 |
13.5% (Best Case) / 22.5% | FCC (if wireless) / RoHS | Avoid 9405 due to 301 Tariff. |
| π¨π³ China | 8513.10.20.00 |
~15% (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable) | Lower than US tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8513.10.00 |
~15% | CE / RoHS | No Section 122/301 equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8513.10.00 |
~15% | UKCA / CE | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most tax-sensitive market for flashlights due to Section 301 and Section 122 duties.
- Choosing the right subheading (8513.10.40.00vs8513.10.20.00) can save significant costs.
- Never classify a standard handheld flashlight as9405unless legally required.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying all flashlights under 9405 (Lighting Fixtures).
π Result: Tax increases to 38.9%. Avoid!
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Strong-Light" feature.
π Result: Missing out on the 13.5% rate (8513.10.40.00) and paying 22.5% (8513.10.20.00).
β Error 3: Failing to disclose Section 122 duties.
π Result: Customs holds shipment for duty reassessment.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Mini Electric Flashlight, LED, Battery Operated, Portable, Strong-Light Feature, Model XYZ, FCC Certified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Portable Flashlight = Chapter 85 (8513)"
πΉ "Try for 8513.10.40.00 (13.5%)"
πΉ "Fallback to 8513.10.20.00 (22.5%)"
πΉ "Never use 9405 (38.9%) unless necessary"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting to the US, pre-classify your product. If your flashlight has "Strong-Light" capabilities, explicitly state it in the product description and documentation to qualify for the lower 13.5% tariff rate. For standard flashlights, budget for 22.5%.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare detailed product specs highlighting "Portable" and "Strong-Light" features.
π Clear your goods efficiently and maximize your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in global trade.
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.