Video Light
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8513102000 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405416000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8513104000 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405294010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8539214080 | 37.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🎥 Video Light (Portable LED/Incandescent Stage Lighting)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level通关 Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Video Lights"?
Video lights are essential lighting equipment used in film production, photography, live streaming, and stage performances. In international trade, they are primarily classified based on their power source, portability, and light source technology.
Key Classification Logic: * Portable Electric Lamps (Chapter 85): If the light has its own power source (battery or internal battery) or is designed for portable use, it typically falls under HS 8513. * Luminaires/Fixtures (Chapter 94): If the light is a fixed fixture, lacks a self-contained power source, or is considered general lighting infrastructure, it may fall under HS 9405. * Light Sources Only (Chapter 85): If it’s just the bulb component (e.g., tungsten-halogen), it falls under HS 8539.
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the device is portable and functions like a flashlight/stage light → HS 8513 (Lowest Tax).
- If it is a fixed fixture (e.g., ceiling-mounted, stand-mounted without battery) → HS 9405 (High Tax).
- If it is just the bulb → HS 8539 (Medium Tax).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the four possible classifications for "Video Lights":
| HS Code | Product Description (Inferred) | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) | Key Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8513.10.40.00 |
Portable Electric Lamps (General) | Best Case: Portable LED video lights, battery-powered stage lights | 13.5% | Base: 3.5% + 122 Clause: 10%. No Section 301 tariff. Lowest Risk/Cost. |
8513.10.20.00 |
Spotlights (Electric Lighting) | Portable spotlights with self-contained energy drive | 22.5% | Base: 12.5% + 122 Clause: 10%. Higher base rate than 8513.10.40. |
9405.29.40.10 |
Brass-made Luminaires/Fixtures | Fixed video light fixtures (non-portable), potentially brass or metal housing | 38.7% | Base: 3.7% + 25% Section 301 + 10% 122 Clause. High Section 301 applies. |
9405.41.60.00 |
LED Luminaires/Fixtures | Fixed LED video lights, metal housing, no battery | 41.0% | Base: 6.0% + 25% Section 301 + 10% 122 Clause. Highest Tax. |
8539.21.40.80 |
Tungsten-Halogen Lamps | Replacement bulbs for video lights, filament/discharge structure | 37.6% | Base: 2.6% + 25% Section 301 + 10% 122 Clause. Only applies if selling bulbs only. |
🔍 Key Insight:
- Portable vs. Fixed: This is the single most important factor. Portable lights (HS 8513) avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff. Fixed lights (HS 9405) incur it. - Material Matters: Some HS 9405 codes trigger higher base rates if deemed "base metal" or "brass."
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 8513.10.40.00 – Portable Electric Lamps (The "Gold Standard" for Portables)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% |
| Section 301 (25%) | 0% (Exempt for this subheading) |
| 122 Clause (10%) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 13.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis | 8513.10.40.00 + 122 Clause: 10% |
📌 Explanation:
- This is the most advantageous classification for portable video lights. - The absence of the 25% Section 301 tariff makes it significantly cheaper than fixed fixtures. - Must be portable: Must have a handle, battery, or be designed for easy movement.
🎯 2. 8513.10.20.00 – Spotlights (Portable)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12.5% |
| Section 301 (25%) | 0% |
| 122 Clause (10%) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 22.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis | 8513.10.20.00 + 122 Clause: 10% |
📌 Explanation:
- Also exempt from Section 301. - Higher base rate (12.5% vs 3.5%) due to specific "spotlight" designation.
🎯 3. 9405.41.60.00 – LED Luminaires (Fixed)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 (25%) | +25% (Applied to China-origin) |
| 122 Clause (10%) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 41.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis | 9405.41.60.00 + Section 301 + 122 Clause |
📌 Explanation:
- Highest tax burden. - Applies to fixed LED lights (e.g., panel lights, studio fixtures on stands). - The 25% Section 301 tariff is the main driver of cost.
🎯 4. 9405.29.40.10 – Brass/Metal Luminaires (Fixed)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Section 301 (25%) | +25% |
| 122 Clause (10%) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis | 9405.29.40.10 + Section 301 + 122 Clause |
📌 Explanation:
- Fixed fixtures with brass or similar metal housing. - Also subject to full Section 301 tariffs.
🎯 5. 8539.21.40.80 – Tungsten-Halogen Lamps (Bulbs Only)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.6% |
| Section 301 (25%) | +25% |
| 122 Clause (10%) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.6% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 37.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis | 8539.21.40.80 + Section 301 + 122 Clause |
📌 Explanation:
- Only for selling replacement bulbs, not complete lights. - Still subject to Section 301.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specifications | ✔️ | Must clearly state: "Portable," "Battery Powered," or "LED Video Light." |
| ✅ Photographs | ✔️ | Show the light in operation, including any battery pack or handle. |
| ✅ Circuit Diagram/Structure | ✔️ | To prove portability (e.g., integrated battery) vs. fixed wiring. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Use precise description: "Portable LED Video Light, Model XYZ, Battery Operated." |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin | ✔️ | Essential for determining Section 301 applicability (China origin = 25% penalty). |
| ✅ FCC/CE Certification | ✔️ | Required for electronic lighting equipment in the US. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
🔥 "Portable is King! Portable Avoids 25%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-powered LED Light | 8513.10.40.00 (13.5%) |
9405.41.60.00 (41.0%) |
Overpay 27.5%! |
| Fixed Studio Panel Light | 9405.41.60.00 (41.0%) |
8513.10.40.00 (13.5%) |
Misclassification Risk! |
| Bulbs Only | 8539.21.40.80 (37.6%) |
9405.41.60.00 (41.0%) |
Slight overpayment, but risk of wrong category. |
| Light + Stand + Battery | Declare as Complete Unit | Split into "Light" + "Stand" | Stand may be taxed separately at high rates. |
📌 Critical Tip:
- If the light has a rechargeable battery or AC adapter and is marketed as "portable," always aim for HS 8513. - Do not declare a portable light as "Luminare" (HS 9405) unless it is fixed.
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Portable Video Light | Provide customer PO and design specs to prove portability. |
| Light with Remote Control | Still portable if the unit itself is movable. Declare as 8513.10.40.00. |
| Hard Case Included | Declare as "complete set." Do not split case and light. |
| Non-Chinese Origin | If from Vietnam/Malaysia, Section 301 (25%) may be exempt, lowering total tax significantly. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8513.10.40.00 |
13.5% | Best Rate for Portables. Avoid HS 9405 (41%). |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8513.10.40.00 |
8.5%~10% | Lower base tariff, no Section 301. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 8513.10.40.00 |
~5%~7% | No Section 301. CE Mark required. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 8513.10.40.00 |
~6%~8% | PSE Certification required for batteries. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most sensitive market due to Section 301 tariffs. - Portability is your best defense. Ensure your product is clearly defined as portable to utilize HS 8513.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a portable LED light as "LED Lamp" (HS 9405)
👉 Result: Pay 41% instead of 13.5%. Loss: 27.5% of CIF value.
❌ Mistake 2: Splitting a portable light + battery into separate items
👉 Result: Battery may be taxed under a different code with high duties, or rejected for safety regulations.
❌ Mistake 3: Not providing proof of portability (e.g., no battery, no handle)
👉 Result: Customs reclassifies as "Fixed Fixture" (HS 9405), applying 25% Section 301.
❌ Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like "Stage Light"
👉 Result: Customs may choose the highest applicable code (HS 9405). Always specify "Portable."
✅ Correct Practice:
"Portable LED Video Light, 50W, 5600K, Battery Powered, with Handle, Model ABC, FCC Certified"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Portable = 8513 = 13.5% Fixed = 9405 = 41%"
🔹 "HS Code decides your cost, 25% Section 301 is the killer!"
📌 Pro Tip:
- If your video lights are portable, ensure the product manual, packaging, and invoice all emphasize "Portable," "Battery Operated," or "Handheld."
- If possible, apply for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to confirm HS 8513 classification before shipping.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a professional customs broker.
🚀 Provide clear product photos and specs.
💼 Save 27.5% in taxes by choosing the right HS Code!
✨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
💼 Every dollar saved in tariffs 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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.