HS Code Subheading

Electrical resistors; wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (excluding heating)

8533.31 Subheading
Section XVI — Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

About HS Code 853331

This HS code covers wirewound variable electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, specifically designed for power handling capacities not exceeding 20 watts. These components are crucial for precise control and adjustment in a wide range of electronic circuits, from audio equipment volume controls to sensor calibration and small motor speed regulation. Importers are typically manufacturers of consumer electronics, test and measurement instruments, and specialized industrial control systems. Exporters are often precision component manufacturers with expertise in winding techniques and contact materials. Key trade considerations include linearity, rotational life, and stability, as these directly impact the performance and longevity of the end product.

Products Under This Code

Rotary potentiometers (wirewound, low power), slide potentiometers (wirewound, low power), trim potentiometers (wirewound), multi-turn potentiometers (wirewound), audio volume controls (wirewound), sensor adjustment potentiometers

Real World Examples

Bourns 3362 series trimpots, ALPS RK27 series audio pots, Vishay Spectrol 132 series, Panasonic EVU series

Common Misclassification

Can be mistaken for 853340 (other variable resistors) if not specifically wirewound, or 853321 (fixed resistors <20W) if its variable nature is overlooked.

Products Classified Under 8533.31

Industry

This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.

Trade Overview

China, Taiwan, and Japan are major exporters; USA, Germany, and Mexico are significant importers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 853331?

HS code 853331 covers: Electrical resistors; wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (excluding heating). This HS code covers wirewound variable electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, specifically designed for power handling capacities not exceeding 20 watts. These components are crucial for precise control and adjustment in a wide range of electronic circuits, from audio equipment volume controls to sensor calibration and small motor speed regulation. Importers are typically manufacturers of consumer electronics, test and measurement instruments, and specialized industrial control systems. Exporters are often precision component manufacturers with expertise in winding techniques and contact materials. Key trade considerations include linearity, rotational life, and stability, as these directly impact the performance and longevity of the end product.

What products fall under HS code 853331?

Rotary potentiometers (wirewound, low power), slide potentiometers (wirewound, low power), trim potentiometers (wirewound), multi-turn potentiometers (wirewound), audio volume controls (wirewound), sensor adjustment potentiometers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 853331?

Can be mistaken for 853340 (other variable resistors) if not specifically wirewound, or 853321 (fixed resistors <20W) if its variable nature is overlooked.

How is HS code 853331 structured?

HS code 853331 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (33) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.