Product classification
HS code for Circuit breaker: 8536.20
Electrical apparatus, automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of circuit breaker under HS 8536.20
The classification of circuit breakers under HS code 853620 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. Heading 8536 encompasses electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. Subheading 853620 specifically targets automatic circuit breakers. These devices are designed to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when an overload or short circuit is detected, thereby preventing damage to the electrical system and reducing fire risks. The classification depends strictly on the rated voltage; if the device is designed for systems exceeding 1,000 volts, it must be classified under heading 8535. For low-voltage applications common in residential, commercial, and light industrial settings, 853620 is the primary classification. This includes devices that use thermal, magnetic, or electronic trip units to sense faults. The physical construction, whether it is a miniature version for a distribution board or a larger molded case unit, does not change the primary heading as long as the voltage threshold is met and the function remains the automatic protection of the circuit.
- Covers
- Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) for residential use
- Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB) for industrial power distribution
- Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB) with integrated overcurrent protection
- Automatic trip units for low-voltage switchgear
- Motor protection circuit breakers (MPCB) rated under 1000V
- Also under 8536.20
- Siemens Sentron
- ABB S200
- Schneider Electric Acti9
- Eaton Cutler-Hammer
- Legrand DX3
Codes often confused with 8536.20
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing 853620 with 853521 or 853529. These codes are reserved for automatic circuit breakers intended for high-voltage applications exceeding 1,000 volts. Additionally, 853630 is often incorrectly used; while it covers other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits, it is intended for devices like surge suppressors that do not function as automatic breakers. Fuses are classified under 853610 and should not be confused with resettable breakers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853620 (the code used for circuit breaker), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853620 (the code used for circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 853620, not only circuit breaker.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.7B 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.1B 9.1% of world exports
- 3 France $1.1B 8.7% of world exports
World total: $12.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3B 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $753M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 France $529M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $11.7B 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 circuit breaker
Brazil classifies circuit breaker under NCM 8536.20.00: HS 8536.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about circuit breaker
What is the HS code for Circuit breaker?
The HS code for Circuit breaker is 853620 (Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for automatic circuit breakers for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts is 853620.
How do I classify Circuit breaker for customs?
Circuit breaker is classified under HS code 853620 — Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include smart circuit breakers?
Yes, as long as the primary function is the automatic interruption of the circuit for protection and the voltage is under 1,000V, smart or Wi-Fi-enabled breakers remain under 853620.
Which countries are the top exporters of circuit breaker (HS 853620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853620 (the code used for circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 14% of world exports), the United States ($1.1B) and France ($1.1B). World exports came to about $12.4B, 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 circuit breaker (HS 853620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853620 (the code used for circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($753M) and France ($529M). World imports came to about $11.7B, 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 Circuit breaker the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853620 for Circuit breaker 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 circuit breaker in Brazil?
In Brazil, circuit breaker (HS 853620) is classified under NCM 8536.20.00.