8539.31.00.50 - With a single plug-in base

This HTS classification, 8539.31.00.50, specifically pertains to fluorescent discharge lamps that utilize a single plug-in base for their electrical connection. These lamps are characterized by their gas-filled tubes that emit light when an electric current passes through them, often requiring a ballast for operation. The "plug-in base" is the defining feature, indicating a connector designed for quick and easy insertion and removal from a socket, common in many lighting fixtures.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. HTS 8539.31.00.60 covers similar fluorescent discharge lamps but specifically those with a single screw-in base, such as traditional Edison screw-base lamps. Furthermore, HTS 8539.31.00.70 encompasses all "other" fluorescent discharge lamps that do not fit the specific plug-in or screw-in base criteria, representing a broader catch-all for this product type.

As a leaf node, this classification does not have further subcategories. Therefore, accurate classification hinges on the precise nature of the lamp's base. Any fluorescent discharge lamp that is not a plug-in type will be classified under one of its sibling categories. This level of detail ensures that specific types of lighting equipment are correctly categorized for import and export purposes.