U.S. imports of Electric Sound and Visual Signaling Apparatus, NESOI (Bells, Sirens, Horns, Indicator Panels) (HS 853180) totaled $130.0M in August 2026, imported from 66 countries.
Importers of Electric Sound and Visual Signaling Apparatus, NESOI (Bells, Sirens, Horns, Indicator Panels) paid $11.6M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 8.95% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 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.
5.2K import shipments a month
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$130.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$44.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.5B of Electric Sound and Visual Signaling Apparatus, NESOI (Bells, Sirens, Horns, Indicator Panels) and exported $540.8M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 1 of 4 in heading 8531
Subheading 853180 · $130.0M of $336.3M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8531809051 | Signaling Apparatus, Electric, NESOI | $74.3M | 7.57% | 58.89% | $5.6M |
| 8531809026 | Indicator Panels, NESOI | $33.2M | 11.58% | 95.31% | $3.8M |
| 8531809041 | Sound Signaling Apparatus, Electric, NESOI | $15.1M | 8.85% | 67.39% | $1.3M |
| 8531801500 | Doorbells, Chimes, Buzzers and Similar Apparatus | $5.8M | 12.07% | 90.64% | $705K |
| 8531809031 | Horns As Electric Sound Signaling Apparatus, NESOI | $741K | 5.63% | 45.77% | $42K |
| 8531809005 | Indicator Panels Incorporating Fluorescent Devices | $403K | 10.60% | 98.55% | $43K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Vietnam and Mexico together supply 52% of it. China pays 17.1% duty; Mexico 0.8%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
28.5% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 8.95% of imports for consumption.