HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8504.32 – Transformers; n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 1kVA but not exceeding 16kVA
HS code 8504.32 is the 6-digit subheading for transformers, n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 1kVA but not exceeding 16kVA. It is used for industrial control transformers, isolation transformers for machinery, step-down transformers for commercial use, autotransformers for voltage adjustment and medical-grade isolation transformers.
What HS 8504.32 covers
This category covers medium-small dry-type electrical transformers, which are non-liquid dielectric and have a power handling capacity between 1kVA and 16kVA. These transformers are widely used in commercial buildings, light industrial machinery, HVAC systems, and specialized equipment where liquid-filled transformers are unsuitable due to fire risk or maintenance concerns. They are crucial for stepping down utility voltage to usable levels for various applications or providing isolation. International trade in these transformers is significant, supporting construction, manufacturing, and electrical infrastructure projects globally. Major importers include countries with active construction sectors and industrial growth, such as the United States, Germany, and Canada. Exporters often originate from nations with robust electrical equipment manufacturing capabilities, including China, Mexico, and European countries. Key considerations for buyers include efficiency, safety standards, noise levels, and suitability for specific environmental conditions.
- Covers
- Industrial control transformers
- Isolation transformers for machinery
- Step-down transformers for commercial use
- Autotransformers for voltage adjustment
- Medical-grade isolation transformers
- Marine transformers
- Solar inverter transformers
- Examples
- Square D control power transformers
- Eaton dry-type transformers
- Acme Electric industrial transformers
- Jefferson Electric transformers
- SolaHD industrial control transformers
Codes often confused with 8504.32
Common mistake. These are often confused with smaller (8504.31) or larger (8504.33) dry-type transformers if the kVA capacity is not precisely determined. They are distinct from liquid dielectric transformers (8504.2x) due to their insulation method.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850432, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850432 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $258M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $179M 16% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $103M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $217M 20% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $83M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $71M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8504.32 4
Brazil splits HS 8504.32 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8504.32.1 Of a power not exceeding 3 kVADe potência não superior a 3 kVA Group
- 8504.32.11 Transformers over 1 to 3 kVA, 60 Hz or lessPara frequências inferiores ou iguais a 60 Hz
- 8504.32.19 Transformers over 1 to 3 kVA, over 60 HzOutros
- 8504.32.2 Of a power exceeding 3 kVADe potência superior a 3 kVA Group
- 8504.32.21 Transformers over 3 to 16 kVA, 60 Hz or lessPara frequências inferiores ou iguais a 60 Hz
- 8504.32.29 Transformers over 3 to 16 kVA, over 60 HzOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8504.32
What is HS code 850432?
HS code 850432 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Transformers; n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 1kVA but not exceeding 16kVA. This category covers medium-small dry-type electrical transformers, which are non-liquid dielectric and have a power handling capacity between 1kVA and 16kVA. These transformers are widely used in commercial buildings, light industrial machinery, HVAC systems, and specialized equipment where liquid-filled transformers are unsuitable due to fire risk or maintenance concerns. They are crucial for stepping down utility voltage to usable levels for various applications or providing isolation. International trade in these transformers is significant, supporting construction, manufacturing, and electrical infrastructure projects globally. Major importers include countries with active construction sectors and industrial growth, such as the United States, Germany, and Canada. Exporters often originate from nations with robust electrical equipment manufacturing capabilities, including China, Mexico, and European countries. Key considerations for buyers include efficiency, safety standards, noise levels, and suitability for specific environmental conditions.
What products fall under HS code 850432?
Industrial control transformers, Isolation transformers for machinery, Step-down transformers for commercial use, Autotransformers for voltage adjustment, Medical-grade isolation transformers, Marine transformers, Solar inverter transformers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850432?
These are often confused with smaller (8504.31) or larger (8504.33) dry-type transformers if the kVA capacity is not precisely determined. They are distinct from liquid dielectric transformers (8504.2x) due to their insulation method.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850432?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850432 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($258M, 23% of world exports), China ($179M) and Malaysia ($103M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 850432?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850432 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($217M, 20% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($83M) and Germany ($71M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 850432 structured?
HS code 850432 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850432?
Brazil splits HS code 850432 into 4 NCM codes: 8504.32.11 (Transformers over 1 to 3 kVA, 60 Hz or less), 8504.32.19 (Transformers over 1 to 3 kVA, over 60 Hz), 8504.32.21 (Transformers over 3 to 16 kVA, 60 Hz or less), 8504.32.29 (Transformers over 3 to 16 kVA, over 60 Hz). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.