Product classification
HS code for Distribution board: 8537.10
Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of distribution board under HS 8537.10
Distribution boards designed for electrical control or the distribution of electricity at voltages not exceeding 1,000 volts are classified under HS code 8537.10. This classification is based on the definition provided in heading 8537, which covers boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, and other bases equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36. These apparatuses typically include switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and terminals. The primary function of a distribution board is to house these components in a centralized location to manage and protect electrical circuits within a residential, commercial, or industrial environment. The classification 8537.10 is specifically for low-voltage applications. The board may include programmable controllers or other digital logic devices, provided the primary purpose remains the control or distribution of electricity. This classification follows GRI 1 and 6, as the product is defined by the assembly of multiple electrical components onto a single structural base or within an enclosure.
- Covers
- Electrical fuse boards (under 1000V)
- Circuit breaker panels
- Lighting control panels
- Motor control centers (MCC)
- Programmable logic controller (PLC) panels
- Also under 8537.10
- Siemens SIVACON S8
- Schneider Electric PrismaSeT
- Eaton Pow-R-Line Xpert
- Rittal TS 8 enclosures
- Rockwell Automation control panels
Codes often confused with 8537.10
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8537.20, which is reserved for boards and panels designed for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts (high voltage). It is essential to verify the rated voltage of the equipment before classification. Another common error is classifying individual components, such as a single circuit breaker, under 8536. However, once two or more such components are mounted together on a base or in a cabinet for control purposes, the entire assembly must be classified under 8537. Additionally, empty enclosures without electrical components should be classified according to their constituent material (e.g., 7326 for steel or 8538 for parts of boards).
Top exporters and importers of HS 853710 (the code used for distribution board), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853710 (the code used for distribution board) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 853710, not only distribution board.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $16.5B 17% of world exports
- 2 China $12.2B 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $8.7B 8.9% of world exports
World total: $98.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $20.2B 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $12.0B 13% of world imports
- 3 China $4.8B 5.1% of world imports
World total: $93.7B 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 codes for distribution board
Brazil splits HS 8537.10 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8537.10.11CNC controls, 32-bit or more, colour monitor
- 8537.10.19Other CNC control units, up to 1,000 V
- 8537.10.20Programmable controllers (PLC)
- 8537.10.30Electric power demand controllers
- 8537.10.90Other control boards and panels, up to 1,000 V
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about distribution board
What is the HS code for Distribution board?
The HS code for Distribution board is 853710 (Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for electrical distribution boards and control panels for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts is 8537.10.
How do I classify Distribution board for customs?
Distribution board is classified under HS code 853710 — Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the voltage limit for this HS code?
This specific code (8537.10) is strictly for equipment with a rated voltage of 1,000 volts or less. Anything higher falls under 8537.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of distribution board (HS 853710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853710 (the code used for distribution board) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($16.5B, 17% of world exports), China ($12.2B) and Mexico ($8.7B). World exports came to about $98.2B, 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 distribution board (HS 853710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853710 (the code used for distribution board) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($20.2B, 22% of world imports), Germany ($12.0B) and China ($4.8B). World imports came to about $93.7B, 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 Distribution board the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853710 for Distribution board 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 distribution board in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853710 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for distribution board depends on the product's details: 8537.10.11 (CNC controls, 32-bit or more, colour monitor), 8537.10.19 (Other CNC control units, up to 1,000 V), 8537.10.20 (Programmable controllers (PLC)), 8537.10.30 (Electric power demand controllers), 8537.10.90 (Other control boards and panels, up to 1,000 V).