Glow sticks (Tariff notice 26)
Check the tariff classification of glow sticks.
New explanatory notes
A new Combined Nomenclature Explanatory Note was published on 24/06/2025.
Explanatory Notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union
(C/2025/3460)
This is considered a change in Northern Ireland practice.
Classification (Combined Nomenclature (CN) code)
9505 90 00
Reason
Pursuant to Article 9(1), point (a), of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87, the Explanatory notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union are amended as follows:
On page 414, the following explanatory note is inserted:
This subheading includes products consisting of glow sticks of different dimensions and lengths, and a variety of connectors, handles or mountings from which single use articles can be assembled. They are intended for fun and entertainment at parties, concerts and other festive occasions.
Examples of such articles are imitation bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pairs of glasses; glowsticks on a handle, or other 2 or 3 dimensional objects.
The glow sticks consist of an outer plastic tube holding a clear, colourless (transparent) liquid and a glass tube with a coloured liquid. When the plastic tube is bent, the inner glass tube breaks and the liquid from the glass tube reacts with the liquid in the plastic tube. The chemical reaction that occurs produces light that lasts for several hours (this process is known as chemiluminescence).
However, glow sticks presented separately (without connectors, mountings etc.) are excluded (heading 3824).
Contact details
Tariff Classification
Customs Policy and Strategy
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14 Westfield Avenue
Stratford
London
E20 1HZ
Email: tariff.classification@hmrc.gov.uk
This Tariff notice is published for information purposes only.