85366100
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES›Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V; connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables
Lamp holders, plugs and sockets - Lamp holders
Definition and scope of subheading 8536 61 - lamp holders
Subheading 8536 61 of the Combined Nomenclature covers lamp holders (lamp sockets) for circuits with a voltage not exceeding 1000 V. Lamp holders provide mechanical retention and electrical connection for light sources (incandescent lamps, fluorescent tubes, LED lamps) in luminaires. The subheading includes Edison screw holders (E14, E27, E40), bayonet holders (B22, B15), fluorescent tube holders (G13, G5), compact fluorescent lamp holders (G23, G24, 2G11) and LED module holders (GU10, GU5.3, GX53). The key classification criterion is the function of providing electrical connection and mechanical retention for a light source. Lamp holders must be distinguished from luminaires (heading 9405), which are complete lighting devices. Lamp holders imported separately as components are classified under 8536 61, while those mounted in luminaires are classified together with the luminaire under 9405. Classification follows GRI Rules 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements for lamp holders under subheading 8536 61
Lamp holders under subheading 8536 61 placed on the EU market are subject to the LVD (2014/35/EU) and require CE marking. The harmonised standard IEC/EN 60838 specifies safety requirements and test methods for lamp holders. The RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) restricts hazardous substances. The Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) and related implementing regulations on light sources may indirectly affect lamp holder requirements. CBAM does not apply. WEEE 2 covers finished luminaires, not lamp holders as components. Import requires an EORI number and customs declaration. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, technical specification, CE declaration of conformity and RoHS declaration.
Duty rates and trade measures for subheading 8536 61
Current MFN duty rates for lamp holders under subheading 8536 61 should be verified in TARIC. Lamp holders are mass-produced lighting components, mainly in China and Southeast Asia. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs. In the context of Ecodesign regulations phasing out halogen and CFL lamps, the market is shifting towards LED-compatible sockets. Importers should check TARIC for trade measures. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be restricted. VAT is charged on import. The correct 10-digit TARIC code should be verified before clearance.
Lamp holders - IEC standards and safety compliance
Importing lamp holders (CN 8536 61) into the European Union requires compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/EU and CE marking. An EORI number and correct customs declaration are mandatory. MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC, as ITA preferences or EU FTA rates (e.g. CETA, EPA, EU-Korea) may apply. Import from Russia and Belarus is subject to EU sanctions. National import VAT applies at the destination Member State rate.
Frequently asked questions
How to distinguish a lamp holder (8536 61) from a luminaire (9405)?
A lamp holder (subheading 8536 61) is a component serving solely to provide mechanical retention and electrical connection for a light source. A luminaire (heading 9405) is a complete lighting device containing a lamp holder, housing, reflector and possibly a driver. Lamp holders imported separately as spare parts or components are classified under 8536 61. Those mounted in luminaires are classified together with the luminaire under heading 9405. In case of doubt, a BTI ruling is recommended.
Are lamp holders subject to the Ecodesign Directive?
Lamp holders are not directly subject to Ecodesign regulations (2009/125/EC), which target light sources and luminaires. However, Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 on light sources and Regulation (EU) 2019/2015 on energy labelling indirectly affect the lamp holder market, as the phase-out of halogen lamps and CFLs reduces demand for traditional sockets and increases demand for LED-compatible holders. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Are lamp holders subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers only emissions-intensive goods: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity. Lamp holders under subheading 8536 61 are electrical components in Chapter 85 and fall outside CBAM scope. No CBAM registration, certificates or declarations are required.
What regulations apply when importing lamp holders CN 8536 61?
Importing lamp holders (CN 8536 61) requires the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/EU compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.
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