Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are one of the main products in the lighting market in China. Due to the rapid development of the Chinese lighting industry, the country has become the world’s leading manufacturer of such products. Therefore, it is worth checking out what Chinese suppliers in this industry offer. We present everything you need to know about importing LED lighting from China to the EU.
LED lighting production areas in China
Before looking for a provider, it is worth checking where most of them are located. Chinese LED lighting manufacturers are mainly concentrated in Guangzhou province, in cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhongshan. Guzhen in Zhongshan is considered the center of lighting productions and is often referred to as the lighting capital of China. The smallest but also important manufacturing areas for LED lighting are Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
Import of LED lighting from China to the EU: types of duties
When importing from China, it is crucial to check the tariff rates for your chosen product. You can find the customs rates for goods imported into the European Union in the TARIC system. There you will also check the HS codes for various items.
Lighting is found in Section XVI “Machinery and mechanical devices; electric equipment; parts of it; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories ”.
Below you can see the tariff rates for some lighting products.
* Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (8539500000) – 3.7%
* Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Including Laser Diodes (8541401000) – 0%
* Fluorescent lamps, hot cathode (8539319090) – 2.7%
* Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFL) for Flat Panel Backlighting (8539392000) – 0%
As you can see, the tax rates for lighting are especially low. Therefore, its import could be beneficial for you. However, remember to check the LED lighting requirements beforehand. It is essential to know the applicable regulations to launch the product on the European market.
Requirements to import LED lighting from China to the EU
For electrical appliances, for example LED lighting, one of the mandatory requirements is the CE marking. If you want to import and sell such products in the European Union, they must be CE marked. These products must first be tested to ensure that they meet the correct regulations. Then, based on your results, you will receive a document: test reports. Allows a certification body to issue a CE certificate. With these two documents, the manufacturer can issue a Declaration of Conformity and affix the CE mark to each product.
In the EU, safety principles are regulated by New Approach Directives and Harmonized Standards. They provide all the details on security, testing, and other essential information. If you are interested in importing LED lighting from China to the EU, please familiarize yourself with the RoHS and LVD directives.
Also read our article REACH Regulation: substances and products
LED lighting trade shows in China
There are two main ways to find a Chinese supplier. You can check one of the online purchases. B2B sites or attend a trade show in China. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. However, we highly recommend visiting one of the trade shows and seeing what the vendors have in their offering. This way, you can check the quality of their products on the spot, talk to them face-to-face, and negotiate prices.
Below we compiled a list of some of the lighting trade shows organized in China.
China International Lighting Fair (Guzhen)
Location: Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center
Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition
Location: China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair Complex)
Prolight + Sound Guangzhou
Location: China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair Complex)
DPES Sign Expo China
Location: Poly World Trade Center
Shanghai International Lighting Exhibition
Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center
Tianfu International Lighting Fair
Location: Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Center
LED CHINA 2022
Location: Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center
International exhibition of signs and leds
Location: Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center
In conclusion on importing LED lighting from China to the EU
Importing LED lighting from China is popular due to low tax rates and market demand. Most of the suppliers of these products are located in Guangdong province. If you want to import lighting, please refer to the RoHS and LVD directives, and make sure the products have the CE mark and the full set of necessary documents. Before importing, always check your supplier to make sure they are trustworthy.