HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 85.35 – Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts
What HS 85.35 covers
Heading 8535 covers "Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts." This crucial classification within Chapter 85 specifically addresses high-voltage electrical equipment designed for power transmission and distribution networks, industrial facilities, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The scope includes a wide array of devices such as high-voltage circuit breakers, disconnectors, switches, fuses, lightning arresters, and switchgear assemblies, all engineered to operate safely and reliably at voltages greater than 1000 volts. These components are essential for controlling, safeguarding, and maintaining the integrity of electrical grids, preventing damage from overloads, short circuits, and power surges. Their robust construction and specialized insulation are designed to withstand extreme electrical stress. Proper classification under 8535 is vital for trade compliance due to the high value and safety-critical nature of these goods. Misclassification can lead to significant customs delays, penalties, and even safety hazards if regulations are not met. This heading relates directly to Chapter 85's focus on electrical machinery and equipment by providing the foundational components for managing high-power electrical systems, distinguishing itself from lower-voltage counterparts and complete control panels by its voltage threshold and specific function.
- Covers
- High-voltage circuit breakers
- Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) components (>1000V)
- Outdoor high-voltage disconnectors
- High-voltage load break switches
- Power distribution switches (>1000V)
- High-voltage surge arresters
- High-voltage fuses (e.g., expulsion fuses)
- High-voltage contactors (for industrial use)
- High-voltage vacuum interrupters
- High-voltage reclosers
- High-voltage sectionalisers
- Instrument transformers (current/voltage transformers for >1000V protection)
- Lightning arresters for transmission lines
- High-voltage insulators (integral to apparatus)
- High-voltage switch-disconnectors
- High-voltage earthing switches
- High-voltage fuse cutouts
- Overhead line switches (>1000V)
- High-voltage motor starters (for >1000V motors).
- Examples
A German energy company imports state-of-the-art high-voltage circuit breakers from a Swedish manufacturer for a new power substation project in its national grid, ensuring reliable electricity supply. A Chinese state-owned enterprise exports massive high-voltage switchgear assemblies to an infrastructure development project in South Africa, facilitating the expansion of its industrial power network. An American utility provider sources specialized high-voltage surge arresters from a Japanese company to protect its transmission lines in areas prone to lightning strikes, typically shipped via ocean freight.
Subheadings under 85.35 6
Codes often confused with 85.35
Common mistake. A frequent error is confusing apparatus of 8535 with those of 8536. The critical distinction is the voltage threshold: 8535 is for apparatus exceeding 1000 volts, while 8536 is for apparatus not exceeding 1000 volts. Another common mistake is classifying high-voltage transformers (8504) here; while related to power distribution, 8535 specifically covers switching and protection, not voltage transformation. Additionally, a complete control panel incorporating 8535 apparatus would fall under 8537, not 8535, which is for individual components. Careful attention to the voltage rating and the specific function is paramount to avoid misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8535, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8535 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 Germany $2.0B 14% of world exports
- 2 China $1.8B 12% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $1.6B 11% of world exports
World total: $14.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.0B 15% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.0B 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $804M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $13.6B 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.
Questions about HS 85.35
What is HS code 8535?
HS code 8535 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. Heading 8535 covers "Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts." This crucial classification within Chapter 85 specifically addresses high-voltage electrical equipment designed for power transmission and distribution networks, industrial facilities, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The scope includes a wide array of devices such as high-voltage circuit breakers, disconnectors, switches, fuses, lightning arresters, and switchgear assemblies, all engineered to operate safely and reliably at voltages greater than 1000 volts. These components are essential for controlling, safeguarding, and maintaining the integrity of electrical grids, preventing damage from overloads, short circuits, and power surges. Their robust construction and specialized insulation are designed to withstand extreme electrical stress. Proper classification under 8535 is vital for trade compliance due to the high value and safety-critical nature of these goods. Misclassification can lead to significant customs delays, penalties, and even safety hazards if regulations are not met. This heading relates directly to Chapter 85's focus on electrical machinery and equipment by providing the foundational components for managing high-power electrical systems, distinguishing itself from lower-voltage counterparts and complete control panels by its voltage threshold and specific function.
What products fall under HS code 8535?
High-voltage circuit breakers, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) components (>1000V), outdoor high-voltage disconnectors, high-voltage load break switches, power distribution switches (>1000V), high-voltage surge arresters, high-voltage fuses (e.g., expulsion fuses), high-voltage contactors (for industrial use), high-voltage vacuum interrupters, high-voltage reclosers, high-voltage sectionalisers, instrument transformers (current/voltage transformers for >1000V protection), lightning arresters for transmission lines, high-voltage insulators (integral to apparatus), high-voltage switch-disconnectors, high-voltage earthing switches, high-voltage fuse cutouts, overhead line switches (>1000V), high-voltage motor starters (for >1000V motors).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8535?
A frequent error is confusing apparatus of 8535 with those of 8536. The critical distinction is the voltage threshold: 8535 is for apparatus exceeding 1000 volts, while 8536 is for apparatus not exceeding 1000 volts. Another common mistake is classifying high-voltage transformers (8504) here; while related to power distribution, 8535 specifically covers switching and protection, not voltage transformation. Additionally, a complete control panel incorporating 8535 apparatus would fall under 8537, not 8535, which is for individual components. Careful attention to the voltage rating and the specific function is paramount to avoid misclassification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8535?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8535 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.0B, 14% of world exports), China ($1.8B) and Switzerland ($1.6B). World exports came to about $14.4B, 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 8535?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8535 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.0B, 15% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($1.0B) and Germany ($804M). World imports came to about $13.6B, 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 8535 structured?
HS code 8535 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (35) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.