Product classification
HS code for Carbon film resistors: 8533.10
Electrical resistors, fixed carbon resistors, composition or film types (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors).
Classification of carbon film resistors under HS 8533.10
Carbon film resistors are classified under HS code 8533.10. This code is situated within Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8533 specifically covers electrical resistors (including rheostats and potentiometers), other than heating resistors. Subheading 8533.10 is dedicated to fixed carbon resistors, which include both composition types and film types. Carbon film resistors are manufactured by depositing a thin layer of carbon onto a ceramic substrate. This layer acts as the resistive element. The classification is straightforward based on the function (electrical resistance) and the material (carbon film). It excludes heating resistors, which are classified under 8516. These components are ubiquitous in electronic circuits, used to limit current flow, provide voltage division, and protect sensitive components. The classification under 8533.10 is determined by the fact that the resistive element is made of carbon and that the resistor is a "fixed" type, meaning its resistance value cannot be adjusted. This distinguishes it from variable resistors or potentiometers found in other subheadings of 8533. The precision and power rating of the resistor do not change its primary classification under this code.
- Covers
- Fixed carbon film resistors
- Carbon composition resistors
- Carbon film resistor networks (fixed)
- Axial lead carbon resistors
- Surface mount (SMD) carbon film resistors
- Also under 8533.10
- Yageo Carbon Film Resistors
- Vishay Metal Film Resistors
- Bourns Potentiometers
- Panasonic Carbon Composition Resistors
- KOA Speer Chip Resistors
Codes often confused with 8533.10
Common mistake. Carbon film resistors are often confused with metal film resistors, which are classified under 8533.21 (if under 20W). They are also occasionally misclassified under 8545 as carbon electrodes, though their function is resistive rather than conductive.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853310 (the code used for carbon film resistors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853310 (the code used for carbon film resistors) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 14% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.7% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 853310, not only carbon film resistors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $65M 13% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $61M 13% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $60M 12% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.7% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $484M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $82M 14% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $70M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $63M 11% of world imports
World total: $578M 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 carbon film resistors
Brazil classifies carbon film resistors under NCM 8533.10.00: HS 8533.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon film resistors
What is the HS code for Carbon film resistors?
The HS code for Carbon film resistors is 853310 (Electrical resistors; fixed carbon resistors, composition or film types (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors)). The HS code for fixed carbon film resistors is 8533.10.
How do I classify Carbon film resistors for customs?
Carbon film resistors is classified under HS code 853310 — Electrical resistors; fixed carbon resistors, composition or film types (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do they differ from metal film resistors?
Carbon film resistors use a carbon layer as the resistive element (8533.10), while metal film resistors use a metal or metal oxide layer and are classified under 8533.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon film resistors (HS 853310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853310 (the code used for carbon film resistors) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($65M, 13% of world exports), Malaysia ($61M) and Singapore ($60M). World exports came to about $484M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.7% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of carbon film resistors (HS 853310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853310 (the code used for carbon film resistors) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($82M, 14% of world imports), Mexico ($70M) and India ($63M). World imports came to about $578M, 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.
Is the HS code for Carbon film resistors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853310 for Carbon film resistors is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for carbon film resistors in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon film resistors (HS 853310) is classified under NCM 8533.10.00.