85393100
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›Electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultraviolet or infra-red lamps; arc-lamps; light-emitting diode (LED) light sources
Discharge lamps, other than ultraviolet lamps - Fluorescent, hot cathode
Definition and scope of subheading 8539 31
Subheading 8539 31 covers fluorescent lamps with double caps - linear T5 (G5), T8 (G13) and T12 tubes used in office, industrial and commercial lighting. The key criterion is tubular construction with caps at both ends. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) with single caps are classified under 8539 32. LED tubes are classified under 8539 52. Under Regulation (EU) 2019/2020, T8 and T5 fluorescent tubes were phased out from the EU market from 25 August 2023.
Ecodesign phase-out of linear fluorescent lamps
Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 phased out T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps from 25 August 2023, due to energy efficiency requirements and mercury content restrictions (RoHS 2 and the Minamata Convention). Import remains permitted for exempt specialist categories (UV, germicidal, scientific). WEEE 2 requires separate collection and recycling as hazardous waste containing mercury. CBAM does not apply.
Duty rates for subheading 8539 31
MFN rates should be verified in TARIC. The linear fluorescent market is shrinking. Preferential rates under FTAs. VAT is charged. TARIC code should be verified.
Double-capped fluorescent lamps T5/T8 - regulations
Importing double-capped fluorescent lamps (CN 8539 31) into the European Union requires compliance with RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/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. Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 sets energy requirements for light sources. National import VAT applies at the destination Member State rate.
Frequently asked questions
Can T8 and T5 fluorescent tubes still be imported into the EU?
Import is formally possible but sale of T8 and T5 tubes for general lighting is prohibited since 25 August 2023. Permitted categories include specialist UV, germicidal and scientific lamps. LED tube replacements are classified under 8539 52.
Why were fluorescent tubes phased out in the EU?
Due to low energy efficiency (Ecodesign requirements) and mercury content (restricted under RoHS 2 and the Minamata Convention). LED replacements achieve higher efficiency and contain no mercury.
Are fluorescent lamps subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM covers only emissions-intensive goods. Fluorescent lamps fall outside CBAM scope.
What regulations apply when importing double-capped fluorescent lamps CN 8539 31?
Importing double-capped fluorescent lamps (CN 8539 31) requires RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.
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