Of the various products imported from China, lighting has recently become very popular. No wonder more and more importers are choosing LED lights from China. LED lighting is long-lasting and consumes less energy than standard lighting. It is simply a lot more efficient than traditional lighting. Read further to familiarize yourself with the characteristic of importing LED lights to the United States from China and check the import duty on LED lights.
Production areas of LED lights in China
Guzhen, a separate part of Zhongshan, is known as one of the main sources of LED lighting. Apart from that, the most significant number of producers of LED lighting is in such cities as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Ningbo. In many of those cities, you can also visit lighting fairs.
Importing LED lights from China – trade fairs
Trade fairs are one of the best places to find a business partner. The following list contains selected events where you can find LED lighting and similar goods.
International Signs & Led Exhibition (ISLE)
Location: Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, Shenzhen, China
Website: isle.org.cn
Shanghai International Lighting Exhibition
Location: National Convention & Exhibition Center, Shanghai, China
Website: apppexpo.com/index/3/en
China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair
Location: Zhongshan Huangpu International Convention and Exhibition Center, Zhongshan, China
Website: en.jiagle.com/lighting-fair
Chengdu International Exhibition Lighting And Led
Location: Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Center, Chengdu, China
Website: chinamie.com/en/index.asp
Expo Lighting For Commercial Properties
Location: Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China
Website: hdeexpo.com/Portals/11/Templates/hde_light/index_EN.html
China (Ningbo) International Sourcing Fair on Lamps, Lanterns and Accessories & Led Illumination Exhibition
Location: Ningbo International Conference and Exhibition Center, Ningbo, China
Website: en.yishengexpo.com
Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition
Location: China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair Complex), Guangzhou, China
Website: guangzhou-international-lighting-exhibition.hk.messefrankfurt.com/guangzhou/zh-cn.html
Led China Shanghai
Location: Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China
Website: en.ledchina.com/shanghai
US import duty on LED lights from China
The importer has to remember about due duties. The current rates of US duty are in the HTS system, and we recommend checking it before ordering goods. The list below presents selected goods together with their codes and the corresponding amount of duty applicable in the USA.
- Light-emitting diode (LED) backlights modules (9405.40.82) – 0%
- Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (8539.50.00) – 2%
- Diodes, other than photosensitive or light-emitting diodes (LED) (8541.10.00) – 0%
- Light-emitting diodes (LED) (8541.40.20) – 0%
- Light-emitting diode (LED) backlights modules (parts) (9033.00.20) – 0%
These are examples of US import duties on LED lights from China. In matters of the ongoing US-China trade war, some goods imported from China to the US are subject to an additional 25% tariffs. It applies to, for example, subheading 8541.10.00, diodes, other than photosensitive or LED. If the product has an existing 0% duty, the new rate would be 25%. Implementing a special tariff is a way to protect domestic production.
Importing LED lights from China to the US
Before placing an order, you should have your supplier verified. One of the importer’s obligations is to prepare and gather documents necessary for clearance formalities. If you are the Importer of Record (IOR), the importer number will be your Social Security Number.
The importer is required to place on the market a product that is safe for the consumer. It is advised to ensure that your product complies with labeling requirements and US safety standards before importing. Otherwise, you could be declined entry by US Customs.
According to the IEC 62560, which sets standards for LED lighting, mandatory markings include a mark of origin, rated wattage, and rated frequency, as well as rated voltage or voltage range. Minimum safety requirements for LED, OLED, and PLED products and their components are specified by the UL 8750 Standard for LED Equipment for Use in Lighting Products, developed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Integrated lamps for sale in the US have to have a mark from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), meaning they comply with the safety regulations outlined in UL 1993 and UL 8750.
Above we presented import duty on LED lights from China. If you are interested in importing other goods, check out our other posts on that topic.