Microchannel Plate Image Intensifier

Microchannel plate (MCP) intensifiers amplify photocathode-emitted electrons through millions of channels for superior night/low-light imaging. Classified HTS 8540.20.4000 as image intensifiers/photocathode tubes. Key component in advanced night vision and astronomy.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China3.3%+35.0%38.3%
🇲🇽Mexico3.3%+10.0%13.3%
🇨🇦Canada3.3%+10.0%13.3%
🇩🇪Germany3.3%+10.0%13.3%
🇯🇵Japan3.3%+10.0%13.3%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

8540.71Lower: 13.7% vs 38.3%

If microwave amplifier tubes

Different tube technology (microwave vs photocathode) changes subheading.

8525.82.00.00Lower: 35% vs 38.3%

If radiation-hardened variants

Radiation-tolerant cameras meeting 50k Gy threshold classify under 8525.82.

9013.90Lower: 14.5% vs 38.3%

If parts of laser detection systems

Laser-related photocathode components go to Chapter 90 parts.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Channel density and gain specs required for classification; ITAR licensing mandatory for Gen 3+ MCPs

Pitfall: complete NVG assemblies classify under 9005.30

Related Products under HTS 8540.20.40.00

Plumbicon Television Camera Tube

The Plumbicon is a specialized television camera tube using a lead oxide photoconductive target for high-quality broadcast video imaging. It falls under HTS 8540.20.4000 as a television camera tube, distinct from modern digital sensors, featuring photocathode technology for electron conversion. Primarily used in professional studio cameras before CCD dominance.

Image Intensifier Photocathode Tube

Image intensifier tubes convert low-light photons via photocathode to amplified electrons, creating visible images for night operations. Classified under HTS 8540.20.4000 as 'image intensifiers; other photocathode tubes' per hierarchy. Used in military night vision devices and scientific low-light imaging.

Vidicon Camera Tube

Vidicon tubes employ photoconductive targets activated by photocathodes for analog television camera applications in legacy broadcast and industrial video. HTS 8540.20.4000 covers these as 'other' television camera tubes. Common in vintage studio equipment and space-rated cameras.

Photomultiplier Tube PMT

Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) use photocathodes to detect low-level light via electron multiplication for scintillation counters and spectroscopy. Falls under HTS 8540.20.4000 as 'other photocathode tubes.' Essential for particle physics and medical imaging detectors.

High-Speed Streak Camera Tube

Streak camera tubes capture ultra-fast events using photocathodes with time resolution under 50 nanoseconds for ballistics testing. HTS 8540.20.4000 applies to these specialized television camera tubes not meeting digital subheading specs. Used in research and defense applications.

Photocathode Image Converter Tube

Image converter tubes directly transform IR/UV photons via photocathodes to visible spectrum electrons for spectrum conversion. HTS 8540.20.4000 explicitly includes image converters as other photocathode tubes. Applied in scientific spectroscopy and covert surveillance.