Portable Electric Lamps (Battery or Magneto Powered)

Heading 8512 covers lighting equipment specifically designed for use on bicycles or motor vehicles, while heading 8513 covers portable lamps designed to function independently of any vehicle — such as handheld flashlights, headlamps worn by a person, or camping lanterns. A lamp sold and designed as a bicycle light is classified under 8512 even if it can be detached and used handheld; the intended design use governs classification.

Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin portable lamps have accelerated sourcing shifts toward Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, all of which appear among the top suppliers under this heading. However, CBP scrutiny of transshipment — where goods are routed through third countries to avoid China-origin duties — has intensified, and importers must ensure that country-of-origin determinations are based on where substantial transformation occurs, not merely where goods are shipped from.