HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8538.10 – Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus

HS code 8538.10 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus. It is used for empty electrical enclosures, control panel cabinets (unassembled), switchboard frames, server racks (for industrial control) and junction box housings.

What HS 8538.10 covers

This HS code specifically covers the empty enclosures, frames, and structural parts designed to house the electrical control and distribution apparatus of heading 8537. These are essentially the 'shells' or 'cabinets' before any electrical components are installed, providing crucial protection for sensitive equipment from environmental factors, ensuring safety, and offering an organized structure for complex electrical systems. The trade is primarily driven by manufacturers of finished control panels and system integrators who assemble custom electrical solutions. Importers are often panel builders, OEMs, and electrical contractors, while exporters are specialized enclosure manufacturers. Key aspects include material durability (e.g., steel, aluminum, polycarbonate), ingress protection (IP ratings), thermal management capabilities, and compliance with industrial design standards.

Covers
  • Empty electrical enclosures
  • Control panel cabinets (unassembled)
  • Switchboard frames
  • Server racks (for industrial control)
  • Junction box housings
  • Modular panel sections
  • Mounting plates for control panels
Examples
  • Rittal AE enclosures
  • Hoffman PROLINE cabinets
  • Eldon mild steel enclosures
  • Schneider Electric Spacial S3D
  • Hammond Manufacturing CSD series

Codes often confused with 8538.10

Common mistake. Can be confused with 853710 or 853720 if the apparatus is partially or fully equipped, or with 7326 (other articles of iron or steel) if not clearly identifiable as parts for 8537.

8537.10Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts8537.20Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts73.26Iron or steel; articles, n.e.c. in chapter 7385.37Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, bases with apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 for electricity control and distribution, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517)

Top exporters and importers of HS code 853810, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853810 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 10% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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. 1 India $560M
  2. 2 Italy $467M
  3. 3 Germany $390M

World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $572M
  2. 2 France $446M
  3. 3 Germany $375M

World total: $5.6B 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.

Brazil NCM code for 8538.10

Brazil does not split HS 8538.10: its NCM code is 8538.10.00.

  1. 8538.10.00 Control boards and panels without apparatusQuadros, painéis, consoles, cabinas, armários e outros suportes, da posição 85.37, desprovidos dos seus aparelhos

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.38 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8538.10

What is HS code 853810?

HS code 853810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus. This HS code specifically covers the empty enclosures, frames, and structural parts designed to house the electrical control and distribution apparatus of heading 8537. These are essentially the 'shells' or 'cabinets' before any electrical components are installed, providing crucial protection for sensitive equipment from environmental factors, ensuring safety, and offering an organized structure for complex electrical systems. The trade is primarily driven by manufacturers of finished control panels and system integrators who assemble custom electrical solutions. Importers are often panel builders, OEMs, and electrical contractors, while exporters are specialized enclosure manufacturers. Key aspects include material durability (e.g., steel, aluminum, polycarbonate), ingress protection (IP ratings), thermal management capabilities, and compliance with industrial design standards.

What products fall under HS code 853810?

Empty electrical enclosures, control panel cabinets (unassembled), switchboard frames, server racks (for industrial control), junction box housings, modular panel sections, mounting plates for control panels

What are common misclassifications for HS code 853810?

Can be confused with 853710 or 853720 if the apparatus is partially or fully equipped, or with 7326 (other articles of iron or steel) if not clearly identifiable as parts for 8537.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853810?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853810 in UN Comtrade data were India ($560M, 10% of world exports), Italy ($467M) and Germany ($390M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 853810?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853810 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($572M, 10% of world imports), France ($446M) and Germany ($375M). World imports came to about $5.6B, 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 853810 structured?

HS code 853810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (38) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853810?

In Brazil, HS code 853810 is NCM 8538.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.