HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8535.21 – Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV
HS code 8535.21 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV. It is used for medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers, SF6 circuit breakers (MV), air circuit breakers (MV), molded case circuit breakers (MV) and switchgear circuit breakers.
What HS 8535.21 covers
This HS code covers automatic circuit breakers designed for medium-voltage applications, specifically for voltages exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5 kilovolts. These devices are fundamental to the protection and control of electrical circuits in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and power distribution networks. They automatically interrupt current flow during fault conditions, preventing equipment damage and ensuring operational continuity. Importers include industrial manufacturers, construction companies, and utility contractors involved in building and maintaining electrical infrastructure. Exporters are global leaders in electrical equipment manufacturing, offering advanced solutions. Key considerations in trade are interrupting capacity, operating mechanism (e.g., vacuum, SF6), and compliance with stringent international safety and performance standards.
- Covers
- Medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers
- SF6 circuit breakers (MV)
- Air circuit breakers (MV)
- Molded case circuit breakers (MV)
- Switchgear circuit breakers
- Reclosers (MV)
- Examples
- Siemens 3AH series
- ABB VD4 series
- Schneider Electric EasyPact MVS
- Eaton VCP-W series
Codes often confused with 8535.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with low-voltage circuit breakers (853620) or very high-voltage circuit breakers (853529), making the specific voltage range (1kV to <72.5kV) critical for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 853521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853521 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 Mexico $190M 13% of world exports
- 2 China $163M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $150M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $379M 25% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $88M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $64M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 code for 8535.21
Brazil does not split HS 8535.21: its NCM code is 8535.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.35 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8535.21
What is HS code 853521?
HS code 853521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV. This HS code covers automatic circuit breakers designed for medium-voltage applications, specifically for voltages exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5 kilovolts. These devices are fundamental to the protection and control of electrical circuits in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and power distribution networks. They automatically interrupt current flow during fault conditions, preventing equipment damage and ensuring operational continuity. Importers include industrial manufacturers, construction companies, and utility contractors involved in building and maintaining electrical infrastructure. Exporters are global leaders in electrical equipment manufacturing, offering advanced solutions. Key considerations in trade are interrupting capacity, operating mechanism (e.g., vacuum, SF6), and compliance with stringent international safety and performance standards.
What products fall under HS code 853521?
Medium-voltage vacuum circuit breakers, SF6 circuit breakers (MV), air circuit breakers (MV), molded case circuit breakers (MV), switchgear circuit breakers, reclosers (MV)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 853521?
Can be confused with low-voltage circuit breakers (853620) or very high-voltage circuit breakers (853529), making the specific voltage range (1kV to <72.5kV) critical for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853521 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($190M, 13% of world exports), China ($163M) and the United States ($150M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 853521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853521 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($379M, 25% of world imports), Türkiye ($88M) and Brazil ($64M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 853521 structured?
HS code 853521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (35) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853521?
In Brazil, HS code 853521 is NCM 8535.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.