8539.39.90.00 - Other

This HTS subcategory, 8539.39.90.00, encompasses discharge lamps that do not fall under the more specific classifications within heading 8539. It serves as a residual category for various types of discharge lamps, including but not limited to, certain types of fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and other specialized discharge lighting technologies not explicitly defined elsewhere. The primary criterion for inclusion is that the lamp utilizes an electrical discharge through a gas to produce light, and it is not a distinct type such as an ultraviolet lamp or a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp used for specific display backlighting purposes.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 8539.39.10.00, is crucial. The sibling specifically enumerates cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) designated for the backlighting of flat panel displays. Therefore, this "Other" category would cover discharge lamps that are *not* CCFLs for this particular application, even if they are fluorescent in nature. This distinction emphasizes the specialized nature of the sibling category, leaving a broader scope for other discharge lamp types under this general heading.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification within 8539.39.90.00 is determined by the elimination of all other more specific discharge lamp classifications. Importers and exporters should carefully review the technical specifications and intended use of their discharge lamps to ensure they do not meet the criteria for more precisely defined categories before assigning this classification. This often involves considering the gas composition, electrode design, and the intended luminous flux or spectral output.