Product classification
HS code for Control panel housing: 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.
Classification of control panel housing under HS 8538.10
Control panel housings are classified under HS code 8538.10 because they are defined as parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8537. Heading 8537 covers boards, panels, consoles, and other bases equipped with two or more apparatuses for electric control or the distribution of electricity. According to Note 2(b) to Section XVI, parts that are suitable for use solely with a particular kind of machine are to be classified with those machines. However, subheading 8538.10 is specifically designated for the physical structures—boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, and other bases—that are not yet equipped with their electrical apparatus. This classification applies to the empty shell or enclosure designed to protect and organize electrical components. The material of the housing (steel, plastic, or aluminum) does not change this classification as long as the item is clearly identifiable as a base for electrical control equipment.
- Covers
- Empty steel electrical cabinets
- Junction box housings for industrial wiring
- Unfitted control desk frames
- Wall-mounted switchboard enclosures
- Modular rack enclosures for PLC systems
- Also under 8538.10
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8537.10 or 8537.20. These codes are only for panels that are already "equipped" with their apparatus (switches, fuses, or controllers). If the housing is empty, it must be classified under 8538.10. Another error is classifying these items by their material, such as 7326 for general steel articles or 3926 for plastic articles. Since these are identifiable parts of electrical systems, the specific heading 8538 takes precedence over general material headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853810 (the code used for control panel housing), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853810 (the code used for control panel housing) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 853810, not only control panel housing.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $560M 10% of world exports
- 2 Italy $467M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $390M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $572M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $446M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $375M 6.7% of world imports
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 control panel housing
Brazil classifies control panel housing under NCM 8538.10.00: HS 8538.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about control panel housing
What is the HS code for Control panel housing?
The HS code for Control panel housing is 853810 (Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus). The correct HS code for an empty control panel housing or cabinet is 8538.10.
How do I classify Control panel housing for customs?
Control panel housing is classified under HS code 853810 — Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8538.10 include internal wiring or busbars?
No, 8538.10 is strictly for the housing or base without the electrical apparatus. If it includes significant electrical components, it may move to heading 8537.
Which countries are the top exporters of control panel housing (HS 853810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853810 (the code used for control panel housing) 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 control panel housing (HS 853810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853810 (the code used for control panel housing) 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.
Is the HS code for Control panel housing the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853810 for Control panel housing 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 control panel housing in Brazil?
In Brazil, control panel housing (HS 853810) is classified under NCM 8538.10.00.