Microchannel Plate Image Intensifier
A microchannel plate (MCP) image intensifier that amplifies electrons emitted by a photocathode through millions of microscopic channels, enabling superior night vision and low-light imaging. It is classified under tariff item 8540.20.00 as an image intensifier, a type of photo-cathode tube, because it relies on a photocathode to convert light into electrons and then multiplies those electrons for a brighter output.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as part of a complete night-vision camera or camcorder
Complete cameras with image intensifiers are classified under television cameras, not as standalone tubes.
If the intensifier is a bare optical component without a photocathode
Contact lenses and other optical elements without photo-cathode function fall under optical goods.
If the device is a semiconductor-based photosensitive sensor rather than a vacuum tube
Semiconductor-based transducers are classified under heading 85.41, not 85.40.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the product is declared as an image intensifier under 8540.20.00, not as a finished night-vision device, to avoid misclassification
• Have technical documentation showing the photocathode and MCP structure ready for CBSA verification
• Verify whether the item qualifies for duty-free treatment under a free trade agreement by providing a valid certificate of origin
Related Products under Tariff item 8540.20.00
3-CCD Color Prism Camera Tube
A 3-CCD color prism camera tube uses a prism to split incoming light into RGB components, each captured by separate color cathode-ray tubes for superior broadcast quality. It qualifies as a color television camera tube under this tariff item.
Broadcast Studio Color Camera CRT
A broadcast studio color camera CRT is designed for professional TV studios, capturing live color footage with high resolution via electron beam scanning on a color target. It falls under this tariff item as a specialized television camera tube.
Color Camera Tube with Shadow Mask
A color camera tube with shadow mask incorporates a shadow mask for precise electron beam alignment to color phosphors, essential for accurate RGB reproduction. It is classified under this tariff item as a color television camera tube.
Color Field Sequential Camera Tube
A color field sequential camera tube uses field-sequential color filtering with a single high-speed color CRT for television cameras, common in early color TV systems. It qualifies under this tariff item as a color television camera tube.
Color Image Orthicon Tube
A color Image Orthicon tube is an advanced cathode-ray tube for television cameras using low-velocity electron scanning for high-sensitivity color imaging in low light. It is classified under this tariff item for its color photocathode technology.
Color Security Surveillance Camera Tube
A color security surveillance camera tube is a color cathode-ray tube for CCTV security cameras providing 24/7 color monitoring for television-style surveillance systems. It falls under this tariff item as a color television camera tube.