China produces 30% of the world’s LED lights. Every year, many people, especially from North America and the EU, import from Chinese LED lighting factories for resale or personal home use. However, newcomers often have questions about importing LED fixtures from China. Here are the top 3 concerns they commonly have.
What are the HS code and duty for LED lights from China?
Import HS code for LED lights
Internationally, LED lights are mainly classified under HS codes 8539, 8541, and 9405. Additional digits are added to further specify products’ features and uses. Below are classifications and descriptions from hts.usitc.gov (US Harmonized Tariff Schedule).
Import duties on LED lights from China can vary based on the type of LED lighting and the tax policies of the importing country. To find the correct duty rate, check the LED light HS codes with your supplier or search on your country’s official Customs website. Let’s take the US as an example.
Import HS code for LED lights
Generally, US import duties on LED lights from China range from 2% to 8%, with some products being duty-free. Here are 2 examples.
HS code 8539.52.00 applies to LED lamps, which have a duty rate of 2%.
HS code 9405.31.00 refers to lighting fixtures that use only LED light sources, such as chandeliers or wall lights, with a duty rate of 8%.
In addition, the US imposes Section 301 tariffs on certain products imported from China, including LED lights. These tariffs are divided into four lists, and the additional duty depends on which list your product falls under—for example, List 3 adds 25%, and List 4 adds 7.5%. To find the exact duty rate for your LED lights, it’s best to consult a customs broker for accurate info.
Low-voltage DC lights: EMC testing is usually sufficient.
Mains-powered AC lights: Require EMC + LVD testing.
In the US market
FCC Compliance
Regular lights: FCC-SDoC.
Lights with WiFi or Bluetooth: Require FCC-ID.
DOE Certification
Mandatory energy efficiency certification for products like LED bulbs and power supplies.
ETL or UL Certification (for Amazon)
Both ETL and UL are not mandatory. But if you want to list your LED lighting product on Amazon US, you can choose either ETL or UL test report (no annual fees or factory inspections needed).
In the Australian market
SAA Certification: Focuses on safety and performance.
C-Tick Certification: Ensures electromagnetic compatibility.
In the Japanese market
PSE certification is mandatory for electrical products to meet Japanese safety standards.
Alibaba or JingSourcing: which is better for importing LED lights?
Finding LED lighting suppliers on Alibaba is undeniably easy. However, the real challenge lies in getting a reliable supplier, which is especially difficult for newcomers. For example, one of our clients previously purchased dimmable pendant lights with remote controls from an Alibaba supplier, but he encountered several quality issues:
The inner packaging was too tight, causing rectangular fixtures to deform.
The lamp covers had circular holes.
Wave-style designs were missing metal components.
The lamp tubes weren’t properly embedded into the frames.
Frustrated with these issues, he eventually turned to us for help. JingSourcing can help you solve these issues and make your LED fixture sourcing process much easier than using Alibaba.
With 10 years of experience in LED lighting wholesale and customization, we’ve served many happy international clients, including but not limited to:
New sellers just start lighting businesses, like Amazon store owners.
Successful LED lighting retailers and trading companies look to optimize their supply chains for better prices and quality.
Advertising agencies and design firms source large festive and landscape lighting.
Star-rated hotels and villa resorts purchase varied lights, mostly crystal LED chandeliers.
Overseas lighting factories repeatedly order complete kits for local production.
General merchandise wholesalers buy standard home lighting fixtures in bulk.
Whether you’re buying lights for your home renovation or business purposes—either in the early stages or during business expansion—we can help you quickly find reliable lighting factories and secure truly competitive prices. This is based on our deep knowledge of LED and fixture materials plus production workmanship.
Knowing the lighting industry inside out, we can accurately inspect the quality and details of lighting products—some of which are often overlooked by clients or inexperienced third-party inspectors. Throughout the QC process, we keep communication transparent by sharing photos, videos, or live video calls with you. We’ll resolve any issues identified without re-inspection fees.
Once everything is confirmed to be OK, we arrange logistics, ensuring all fixture parts fit perfectly in both the packaging structure and size.
