torch accessories
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405428440 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405490000 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8512202080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π± Torch Accessories (Flashlights & Portable Lighting)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Torch Accessories"?
In international trade, "Torch Accessories" often refers to Flashlights and Portable Electric Lamps. These are critical tools for outdoor activities, emergency rescue, industrial inspection, and daily household use. The classification depends heavily on whether the product is considered a standalone "Portable Electric Lamp" (Chapter 85) or a general "Luminarie/Lighting Fitting" (Chapter 94).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a handheld, battery-operated portable lamp with its own housing and power source β It typically falls under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery).
- If it is a fixed lighting fixture or a decorative lamp not primarily designed for portable hand-held use β It may fall under Chapter 94 (Furniture/Luminaries).
- Note: In common trade practice, "Torch" (Flashlight) is almost always classified under 8513 if it meets the specific definition of a portable electric lamp. Misclassification into Chapter 94 often leads to higher tariffs due to trade remedies.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability Scenario | Portability/Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
8513.10.20.00 |
Portable electric lamps, designed to be carried in the hand or on the person. | Standard Flashlights, Headlamps, Tactical Lights. Most accurate for "Torch Accessories". | β Hand-held, Battery/Rechargeable |
8513.10.40.00 |
Other portable electric lamps (Sub-category refinement). | Specific types of portable lamps with distinct features from 8513.10.20. | β Hand-held, Portable |
9405.42.84.40 |
Luminaires and lighting fittings, including searchlights and spotlights, and parts thereof. | General Lighting Fixtures, Decorative Torches, Outdoor Floodlights, Stationary Searchlights. | β Fixed/Stationary/Large |
9405.49.00.00 |
Other luminaires and lighting fittings. | Electric Lighting Devices not elsewhere specified. Broad "catch-all" for electric lights. | β οΈ Varies, often larger units |
8512.20.20.80 |
Other electrical lighting or signaling equipment. | Vehicle/Marine Lighting, or lighting equipment not specifically covered in 8513. | β οΈ Specific Application |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Torch Accessories" = Flashlights: If the product is a handheld flashlight,8513.10.20.00or8513.10.40.00are the most technically accurate.
- Risk of Misclassification: Classifying a handheld flashlight under 9405.42.84.40 or 9405.49.00.00 triggers significantly higher tariffs (Section 301 + IEEPA).
- Do Not Split: If selling "Torch Accessories" like batteries, chargers, or lenses separately, they have different HS codes. This guide assumes the Flashlight Unit itself.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Post-Trade War Tariffs Applied)
π― 1. 8513.10.20.00 β Portable Electric Lamps (Flashlights)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (Note: Some previous iterations had 25%, but current specific sub-headings may vary. However, the data provided states 0% Surtax here, but adds 122 Clause). |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 22.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Section 321 de minimis often excluded for specific Chinese goods under trade remedies, though 8513 sometimes has nuances. Assume NO exemption for safety). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8513.10.20.00 β 122 Clause:10% β Base:12.5% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification for handheld flashlights among the options provided.
- The 122 Clause (10%) is a specific enforcement tariff.
- Total 22.5% is significantly lower than the Chapter 94 options.
π― 2. 8513.10.40.00 β Other Portable Electric Lamps
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 13.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8513.10.40.00 β 122 Clause:10% β Base:3.5% |
π Explanation:
- Lowest Tariff Option: If your "Torch" fits this specific sub-heading, it is the cheapest to import.
- Caution: You must ensure the product strictly meets the definition of this specific sub-heading. If it doesn't, CBP will reject it and reclassify to 8513.10.20.00 (22.5%) or worse.
π― 3. 9405.42.84.40 β Luminaires/Lighting Fittings (Searchlights/Spotlights)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9405.42.84.40 β USITC:25% β IEEPA:10% β Base:3.9% |
π Explanation:
- High Cost: Even though the base tariff is low (3.9%), the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% IEEPA/122 Clause make this expensive.
- Use Case: Only use if the item is a stationary searchlight or decorative lamp, NOT a handheld flashlight.
π― 4. 9405.49.00.00 β Other Luminaires/Lighting Fittings
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9405.49.00.00 β USITC:25% β IEEPA:10% β Base:3.9% |
π Explanation:
- Same high tariff as above. Avoid this for handheld torches.
π― 5. 8512.20.20.80 β Other Electrical Lighting/Signaling Equipment
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8512.20.20.80 β USITC:25% β IEEPA:10% β Base:0% |
π Explanation:
- Intermediate Cost: Cheaper than Chapter 94 (38.9%) but more expensive than Chapter 85 Flashlights (13.5%-22.5%).
- Use Case: If the item is a vehicle light or marine signal light that doesn't fit 8513, this might apply.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Handheld Portable Electric Lamp," Battery Type, Voltage, Lumens. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the item being held in hand to prove portability. Avoid images showing fixed mounting. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Portable LED Flashlight, Model XYZ, for Handheld Use." DO NOT write "Lamp" or "Fixture." |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Ensure weight and dimensions match the portable nature. |
| β Test Reports | βοΈ | FCC (for electronics), UL/ETL (safety), Battery UN38.3 (if lithium-ion). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βPortable is Key, Handheld is Gold, Chapter 85 Saves Money, Chapter 94 Costs a Pound!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld Flashlight | 8513.10.20.00 or 8513.10.40.00 |
Declaring as 9405.42.84.40 |
Tariff jumps from ~13-22% to 38.9%. Overpayment & Audit Risk. |
| Headlamp (Wearable) | 8513.10.20.00 |
Declaring as 8512.20.20.80 |
Tariff jumps from 22.5% to 35%. |
| Stationary Searchlight | 9405.42.84.40 |
Declaring as 8513.10.20.00 |
Misclassification Penalty. CBP will reclassify and charge back-duties + penalties. |
| Batteries Only | 8507.60.00.00 |
Declaring as part of Torch | Separate Declaration Needed. Lithium batteries have special shipping rules. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Torch + Head Strap Bundle | Declare as Flashlight (8513). The strap is an accessory. Do not split. |
| Rechargeable Torch with Dock | If the dock is essential and sold separately, declare dock separately (8513 or 8537). If sold with the torch, declare as Flashlight (8513). |
| Waterproof/Tactical Torch | Still 8513. Add "Waterproof" to description, but don't change HS Code. |
| Carrying Case | Accessory. Declare separately or include in main shipment with note "Case not for sale" if gift. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8513.10.20.00 |
22.5% (Base 12.5% + 122 10%) | FCC + UL | Best Rate. Avoid 9405 (38.9%). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8513.10.80 |
0% (Generally) | CE + RoHS | Low tariff, strict safety standards. |
| π¨π³ China | 8513.10.20 |
5%~20% (Import Duty) | CCC | Domestic production is cheaper. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8513.10.90 |
0% | UKCA + CE | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8513.10.00 |
0%~3.2% | PSE + JIS | Low tariff, high quality standards. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most tax-sensitive market due to Section 301 and 122 Clause tariffs.
- Accurate classification under8513saves 15-25% in tariffs compared to Chapter 94.
- EU/Japan/UK have lower tariffs, making classification less critical for cost, but still important for compliance.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Calling a "Flashlight" a "Lamp" or "Fixture"
π Result: CBP reclassifies to 9405 β Tariff increases by 15-25% β Delays & Penalties.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "122 Clause"
π Result: Underpaying tariffs by 10% β Back-duties + Interest upon audit.
β Mistake 3: Declaring Lithium Batteries as "Accessories" without UN38.3
π Result: Shipment Rejected/Destroyed by airline or customs. Battery safety is paramount.
β Mistake 4: Splitting Handheld Torch and Stand into two HS Codes unnecessarily
π Result: Complexity increases, risk of error rises. If sold together, declare as one unit.
β Correct Action:
"Portable LED Flashlight, Handheld, Rechargeable, IP67 Waterproof, Model ABC, FCC Certified, for Outdoor Use"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Handheld = 8513 (Low Tax), Fixed = 9405 (High Tax)."
πΉ "Check the 122 Clause, Don't Forget the 10%."
πΉ "Photos Prove Portability, Text Proves Purpose."
π Pro Tip:
If your "Torch" is highly specialized (e.g., for marine navigation), consult a customs broker to see if
8512.20.20.80(35%) or9405.49.00.00(38.9%) is safer than8513(22.5%). Always err on the side of the lower tariff if legally justifiable.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker for a Pre-Ruling if your product is unique.
π Ensure your Commercial Invoice clearly states "Handheld Portable Electric Lamp".
π¦ Pack properly to demonstrate portability (e.g., not fixed to a large fixture).
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point of Tariff Saved is Pure Profit!
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.