HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8535.40 – Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts)
HS code 8535.40 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). It is used for high-voltage surge arresters, metal oxide varistors (MOVs) for high voltage, transmission line surge protectors, distribution surge arresters and substation surge arresters.
What HS 8535.40 covers
This category encompasses high-voltage lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors, vital for protecting electrical systems from transient overvoltages. These devices are indispensable in power generation, transmission, and distribution networks, safeguarding expensive equipment like transformers, switchgear, and power lines from damage caused by lightning strikes or switching surges. Importers and exporters include specialized electrical component manufacturers, utility companies, and engineering firms involved in large-scale energy projects. Key considerations in trade are the device's energy absorption capacity, surge current rating, and insulation coordination, which must meet stringent international standards to ensure grid reliability and safety.
- Covers
- High-voltage surge arresters
- Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) for high voltage
- Transmission line surge protectors
- Distribution surge arresters
- Substation surge arresters
- Polymer surge arresters
- Examples
- Siemens 3EK7
- ABB PEXLIM
- Eaton Cooper Power Systems
- Hubbell Power Systems
- GE Alstom P420
Codes often confused with 8535.40
Common mistake. Often confused with 8536.30 (circuit protection for voltage not exceeding 1000V) if the voltage rating is not carefully checked, or 8535.90 for other high-voltage protective devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 853540, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853540 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $178M 22% of world exports
- 2 China $146M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $79M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $826M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $102M 11% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $63M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $42M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $896M 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 8535.40 2
Brazil splits HS 8535.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8535.40.10 Lightning arresters for power transmission linesPara-raios para proteção de linhas de transmissão de eletricidade
- 8535.40.90 Other HV arresters, limiters and surge suppressorsOutros
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 8535.40
What is HS code 853540?
HS code 853540 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). This category encompasses high-voltage lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors, vital for protecting electrical systems from transient overvoltages. These devices are indispensable in power generation, transmission, and distribution networks, safeguarding expensive equipment like transformers, switchgear, and power lines from damage caused by lightning strikes or switching surges. Importers and exporters include specialized electrical component manufacturers, utility companies, and engineering firms involved in large-scale energy projects. Key considerations in trade are the device's energy absorption capacity, surge current rating, and insulation coordination, which must meet stringent international standards to ensure grid reliability and safety.
What products fall under HS code 853540?
High-voltage surge arresters, metal oxide varistors (MOVs) for high voltage, transmission line surge protectors, distribution surge arresters, substation surge arresters, polymer surge arresters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 853540?
Often confused with 8536.30 (circuit protection for voltage not exceeding 1000V) if the voltage rating is not carefully checked, or 8535.90 for other high-voltage protective devices.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853540?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853540 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($178M, 22% of world exports), China ($146M) and the United States ($79M). World exports came to about $826M, 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 853540?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853540 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($102M, 11% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($63M) and Germany ($42M). World imports came to about $896M, 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 853540 structured?
HS code 853540 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853540?
Brazil splits HS code 853540 into 2 NCM codes: 8535.40.10 (Lightning arresters for power transmission lines), 8535.40.90 (Other HV arresters, limiters and surge suppressors). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.