HSChapter 85
U.S. imports of electric sound and visual signaling apparatus, nesoi (bells, sirens, horns, indicator panels) (HS 853180) totaled $128.7M in April 2026, traded with 58 countries.
Importers of Electric Sound and Visual Signaling Apparatus, NESOI (Bells, Sirens, Horns, Indicator Panels) paid $9.7M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $90.4M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataElectric horns (8531800030/8531809031), sirens, doorbells and chimes (8531801500), fluorescent indicator panels (8531800010/8531809005), and other sound or visual signaling devices not elsewhere specified are grouped here, spanning automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. The heading explicitly excludes LCD and LED indicator panels (covered by 8531200020/8531200040) and burglar/fire alarms (8531100000 series), so correct classification requires confirming the signaling technology and function. Vietnam and Mexico lead US imports, with China and Germany also significant — Germany's presence reflecting industrial-grade siren and signaling equipment for safety applications.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Electric sound signaling apparatus designed and sold as a standalone unit for general use would typically fall under heading 8531. However, if the pedestrian warning system is specifically designed as a component of a motor vehicle's electrical equipment and is presented as such, it may be classified under heading 8512 (electrical lighting or signaling equipment for motor vehicles). The key factors are whether the article is purpose-built for vehicle installation and whether it is presented as a vehicle part or as a general signaling device.
Germany's position reflects its established industrial electronics sector, particularly for high-specification audible and visual warning systems used in manufacturing plants, emergency services, and critical infrastructure — applications where German-engineered products command premium positioning. These are typically not commodity consumer devices but rather industrial-grade sirens, multi-tone warning units, and specialized indicator systems where performance certification and durability standards drive sourcing decisions.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8531809051 | SIGNALING APPARATUS, ELECTRIC, NESOI | $60.6M | 11.32% | $3.2M |
| 8531809026 | INDICATOR PANELS, NESOI | $47.9M | 10.13% | $4.7M |
| 8531809041 | SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS,ELECTRIC, NESOI | $12.3M | 11.74% | $1.0M |
| 8531801500 | DOORBELLS, CHIMES, BUZZERS AND SIMILAR APPARATUS | $5.7M | 10.96% | $592K |
| 8531809031 | HORNS AS ELECTRIC SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS, NESOI | $1.3M | 14.31% | $159K |
| 8531809005 | INDICATOR PANELS INCORPORATING FLUORESCENT DEVICES | $877K | 12.80% | $17K |
SIGNALING APPARATUS, ELECTRIC, NESOI
INDICATOR PANELS, NESOI
SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS,ELECTRIC, NESOI
DOORBELLS, CHIMES, BUZZERS AND SIMILAR APPARATUS
HORNS AS ELECTRIC SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS, NESOI
INDICATOR PANELS INCORPORATING FLUORESCENT DEVICES
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8531800050 | SIGNALING APPARATUS, ELECTRIC, NESOI | $32.6M |
| 8531800040 | SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS,ELECTRIC, NESOI | $4.3M |
| 8531800025 | INDICATOR PANELS, NESOI | $3.1M |
| 8531800030 | HORNS (ELECTRIC SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS) | $1.8M |
| 8531800010 | INDICATOR PANELS INCORPORATING FLUORESCENT DEVICES | $936K |
SIGNALING APPARATUS, ELECTRIC, NESOI
418.0K no
SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS,ELECTRIC, NESOI
479.7K no
INDICATOR PANELS, NESOI
8.0K no
HORNS (ELECTRIC SOUND SIGNALING APPARATUS)
12.1K no
INDICATOR PANELS INCORPORATING FLUORESCENT DEVICES
9.1K no
STATIC CONVERTERS; ADP POWER SUPPLIES
HS 850440
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $31.5M | $6.9M | -$24.6M |
| Illinois | $30.3M | $4.0M | -$26.4M |
| California | $11.1M | $3.9M | -$7.2M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $41.6M | -- | -$41.6M |
| LONG BEACH, CA | $14.1M | -- | -$14.1M |
| LAREDO, TX | $7.7M | $1.4M | -$6.3M |