HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8538.90 – Electrical apparatus; parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537

HS code 8538.90 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537. It is used for circuit breaker contacts, relay coils, switch actuators, fuse links and terminal block covers.

What HS 8538.90 covers

This broad 'other parts' category encompasses a vast array of components specifically designed for use solely or principally with the electrical switching, protecting, connecting, or control apparatus of headings 8535, 8536, and 8537. This includes items such as contacts, coils, housings, and mounting hardware for circuit breakers, relays, switches, and control panels. These parts are essential for the repair, maintenance, and assembly of electrical infrastructure across all voltage levels, from residential to heavy industrial applications. The global trade is characterized by a complex supply chain involving specialized component manufacturers, distributors, and end-users in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Key considerations include material specifications, precision manufacturing, and compatibility with specific equipment models and brands.

Covers
  • Circuit breaker contacts
  • Relay coils
  • Switch actuators
  • Fuse links
  • Terminal block covers
  • Contactor auxiliary contacts
  • Indicator lights for panels
  • Mounting brackets for electrical components
Examples
  • Siemens spare contacts for circuit breakers
  • Schneider Electric auxiliary blocks
  • ABB fuse bases
  • Eaton replacement coils
  • Rockwell Automation push-button components

Codes often confused with 8538.90

Common mistake. Often confused with the finished apparatus themselves (8535, 8536, 8537) if not clearly identifiable as parts, or with general hardware (e.g., 7318 for screws) if not specific to electrical apparatus.

85.35Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts85.36Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts; connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables85.37Boards, 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)73.18Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

Top exporters and importers of HS code 853890, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853890 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 12% 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 China $6.0B
  2. 2 Germany $5.7B
  3. 3 United States $4.9B

World total: $40.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $4.9B
  2. 2 United States $4.1B
  3. 3 China $3.5B

World total: $41.0B 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 8538.90 3

Brazil splits HS 8538.90 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8538.90.10 Assembled PCBs for switchgear and control panelsCircuitos impressos com componentes elétricos ou eletrônicos, montados
  2. 8538.90.20 Parts of circuit breakers of 72.5 kV or moreDe disjuntores, para uma tensão igual ou superior a 72,5 kV
  3. 8538.90.90 Other parts for switchgear and control panelsOutras

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 8538.90

What is HS code 853890?

HS code 853890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537. This broad 'other parts' category encompasses a vast array of components specifically designed for use solely or principally with the electrical switching, protecting, connecting, or control apparatus of headings 8535, 8536, and 8537. This includes items such as contacts, coils, housings, and mounting hardware for circuit breakers, relays, switches, and control panels. These parts are essential for the repair, maintenance, and assembly of electrical infrastructure across all voltage levels, from residential to heavy industrial applications. The global trade is characterized by a complex supply chain involving specialized component manufacturers, distributors, and end-users in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Key considerations include material specifications, precision manufacturing, and compatibility with specific equipment models and brands.

What products fall under HS code 853890?

Circuit breaker contacts, relay coils, switch actuators, fuse links, terminal block covers, contactor auxiliary contacts, indicator lights for panels, mounting brackets for electrical components

What are common misclassifications for HS code 853890?

Often confused with the finished apparatus themselves (8535, 8536, 8537) if not clearly identifiable as parts, or with general hardware (e.g., 7318 for screws) if not specific to electrical apparatus.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853890?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.0B, 15% of world exports), Germany ($5.7B) and the United States ($4.9B). World exports came to about $40.5B, 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 853890?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853890 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($4.9B, 12% of world imports), the United States ($4.1B) and China ($3.5B). World imports came to about $41.0B, 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 853890 structured?

HS code 853890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853890?

Brazil splits HS code 853890 into 3 NCM codes: 8538.90.10 (Assembled PCBs for switchgear and control panels), 8538.90.20 (Parts of circuit breakers of 72.5 kV or more), 8538.90.90 (Other parts for switchgear and control panels). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.