Product classification
HS code for Disconnector switch: 8535.30
Electrical apparatus, isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of disconnector switch under HS 8535.30
The classification of a disconnector switch is determined by its technical function and operating voltage. Under the Harmonized System, electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits are categorized under heading 8535 when the rated voltage exceeds 1,000 volts. A disconnector switch, also known as an isolator, is a mechanical switching device that provides an isolating distance in the open position. Unlike circuit breakers, disconnectors are not typically designed to interrupt high-current faults but are used to ensure a circuit is completely de-energized for maintenance or safety. Following General Interpretative Rules (GRI) 1 and 6, this product is specifically assigned to subheading 8535.30, which covers isolating switches and make-and-break switches for high-voltage applications. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the switch is operated manually, pneumatically, or via an electric motor, provided the voltage threshold is met.
- Covers
- High-voltage air-break disconnectors
- Pantograph disconnector switches
- Load-break switches (above 1kV)
- Center-break and double-break isolators
- Earthing switches for high-voltage systems
- Also under 8535.30
- Siemens 3AP1
- ABB FSK II
- Eaton SVR
- Schneider Electric GenieEvo
- GE Alstom GL317
Codes often confused with 8535.30
Common mistake. Disconnector switches are frequently confused with those under HS code 8536.50. The primary distinction is the voltage rating; 8536 is reserved for apparatus operating at 1,000 volts or less. Additionally, they may be misclassified under 8535.21 or 8535.29, which are specifically for automatic circuit breakers. While both devices switch power, circuit breakers have an automatic trip mechanism for overcurrent protection, whereas disconnectors are primarily for isolation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853530 (the code used for disconnector switch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853530 (the code used for disconnector switch) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 853530, not only disconnector switch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $1.0B 28% of world exports
- 2 Italy $503M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $256M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $392M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $248M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $158M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $3.1B 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 disconnector switch
Brazil splits HS 8535.30 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8535.30.13Vacuum interrupters without drive, up to 1,600 A
- 8535.30.17Non-automatic HV switches, up to 1,600 A
- 8535.30.18Automatic non-immersed HV switches, up to 1,600 A
- 8535.30.19Other HV switches, up to 1,600 A
- 8535.30.23Vacuum interrupters without drive, over 1,600 A
- 8535.30.27Non-automatic HV switches, over 1,600 A
- 8535.30.28Automatic non-immersed HV switches, over 1,600 A
- 8535.30.29Other HV switches, over 1,600 A
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about disconnector switch
What is the HS code for Disconnector switch?
The HS code for Disconnector switch is 853530 (Electrical apparatus; isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for a disconnector switch designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts is 8535.30.
How do I classify Disconnector switch for customs?
Disconnector switch is classified under HS code 853530 — Electrical apparatus; isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a disconnector switch be classified under 8537?
No, HS code 8537 refers to boards, panels, and consoles equipped with two or more apparatuses of heading 8535 or 8536. An individual disconnector switch component is classified under 8535.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of disconnector switch (HS 853530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853530 (the code used for disconnector switch) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($1.0B, 28% of world exports), Italy ($503M) and China ($256M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of disconnector switch (HS 853530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853530 (the code used for disconnector switch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($392M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($248M) and the United Kingdom ($158M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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 Disconnector switch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853530 for Disconnector switch 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 disconnector switch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853530 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for disconnector switch depends on the product's details: 8535.30.13 (Vacuum interrupters without drive, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.17 (Non-automatic HV switches, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.18 (Automatic non-immersed HV switches, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.19 (Other HV switches, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.23 (Vacuum interrupters without drive, over 1,600 A), 8535.30.27 (Non-automatic HV switches, over 1,600 A), and more.