Harmonized System Codes • Schedule B • Harmonized Commodity Description

HS Code 85401210: Cathode-ray Television Picture Tubes

Cathode-ray television picture tubes have been a significant part of the television industry for decades. These tubes are responsible for projecting images on the screen, enabling us to enjoy our favorite shows, movies, and other visual content. In this article, we will delve into the details of HS Code 85401210, which specifically refers to cathode-ray television picture tubes, including video monitors, that are monochrome, non-high definition, and have a faceplate diagonal larger than 29 cm.

Cathode-ray television picture tubes, also known as CRT tubes or CRT displays, have been widely used in television sets until the advent of flat-panel display technologies like LCD and LED. Despite their decline in popularity, CRT tubes are still used in certain applications, such as surveillance monitors, medical equipment, and vintage gaming consoles.

HS Code 85401210: Understanding the Components

Let's break down the components of HS Code 85401210 to gain a better understanding of what it entails:

• HS Code: HS stands for Harmonized System, which is an internationally standardized system for classifying traded products. HS codes are used by customs authorities to identify and categorize goods.
• 8540: This is the chapter heading for "Thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes (for example, vacuum or vapour or gas-filled valves and tubes, mercury arc rectifying valves and tubes, cathode-ray tubes, television camera tubes)."
• 1210: This is the sub-heading for "Cathode-ray tubes."

Therefore, HS Code 85401210 specifically refers to cathode-ray television picture tubes that meet the defined criteria mentioned earlier.

Characteristics of Cathode-ray Television Picture Tubes

Let's explore some of the characteristics of cathode-ray television picture tubes covered by HS Code 85401210:

• Monochrome: The tubes covered by this HS code are monochrome, meaning they display images in shades of a single color. These tubes lack the color phosphor dots found in color CRT tubes.
• Non-High Definition: The CRT tubes covered by this HS code are non-high definition, which means they do not offer the enhanced resolution and image quality that high-definition screens provide.
• Faceplate Diagonal > 29 cm: The faceplate diagonal refers to the measurement of the diagonal length of the viewing area of the CRT tube. The tubes covered by this HS code have a faceplate diagonal larger than 29 cm, indicating a relatively larger screen size.

It is important to note that HS Code 85401210 only covers cathode-ray television picture tubes meeting these specific criteria. Different HS codes exist for CRT tubes with varying characteristics, such as color display, high definition, or smaller screen sizes.

Applications and Significance

Although CRT technology has been largely replaced by flat-panel displays, cathode-ray television picture tubes covered by HS Code 85401210 still find relevance in certain areas:

• Surveillance Monitors: Due to their durability and reliability, CRT tubes are commonly used in surveillance systems where continuous monitoring is required.
• Medical Equipment: Some medical imaging devices, such as X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment, still utilize CRT tubes for displaying diagnostic images.
• Vintage Gaming Consoles: Enthusiasts and collectors of vintage gaming consoles prefer the authentic experience provided by CRT tubes, as these consoles were originally designed to be used with this technology.

While the demand for cathode-ray television picture tubes covered by HS Code 85401210 may have diminished in the consumer market, their significance in specific industries and niche applications cannot be overlooked.

HS Code 85401210 refers to cathode-ray television picture tubes that are monochrome, non-high definition, and have a faceplate diagonal larger than 29 cm. Despite the declining popularity of CRT technology in mainstream consumer electronics, these tubes continue to find utility in surveillance systems, medical equipment, and vintage gaming consoles. Understanding HS codes helps in accurate classification and identification of goods during international trade.