Product classification

HS code for Electrical connector: 8536.90

Electrical apparatus, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.

Classification of electrical connector under HS 8536.90

Electrical connectors are classified under HS code 8536.90 because they serve as essential apparatus for making connections to or in electrical circuits. This heading specifically covers equipment used for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically GIR 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings. Heading 8536 includes a variety of components such as switches, relays, and fuses, but it also explicitly mentions "other apparatus for making connections." Since connectors are designed to join electrical conductors together to form a continuous path for electricity, they fit perfectly within this description. The residual subheading 8536.90 is used for connectors that do not fall under the more specific categories of lamp-holders or plugs and sockets. These components are vital in ensuring the integrity of electrical systems in automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics applications.

Covers: Terminal blocks and strips
Crimp-on wire connectors
Coaxial connectors (RF connectors)
Printed circuit board (PCB) connectors
Solderless terminals and lugs
Wire nuts and twist-on wire connectors
D-subminiature connectors
Also under 8536.90: Wago terminal blocks
Phoenix Contact connectors
ABB fuse holders
Eaton busbar systems
HellermannTyton cable glands

Codes often confused with 8536.90

Common mistake. Electrical connectors are frequently confused with HS code 8536.69, which is specifically reserved for plugs and sockets. While all plugs and sockets are connectors, not all connectors are plugs and sockets. Another common error involves HS code 8544; if a connector is imported as part of a pre-assembled wire harness or cable, the entire assembly may be classified under 8544 depending on the primary character of the goods. Additionally, connectors for fiber optics are classified under 8536.70, not 8536.90.

8536.69Electrical apparatus; plugs and sockets, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts 85.44Insulated wire, cable and other electric conductors, connector fitted or not; optical fibre cables of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors 8536.70Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables

Top exporters and importers of HS 853690 (the code used for electrical connector), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853690 (the code used for electrical connector) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 853690, not only electrical connector.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

1 China $12.4B 23% of world exports
2 Hong Kong $6.4B 12% of world exports
3 Germany $4.4B 8.2% of world exports

World total: $53.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 China $7.9B 14% of world imports
2 Hong Kong $5.5B 10% of world imports
3 Mexico $5.1B 9.2% of world imports

World total: $54.7B 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 electrical connector

Brazil splits HS 8536.90 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

8536.90.10Flat ribbon cable connectors
8536.90.20Sliding current collectors for overhead conductors
8536.90.30Sockets for electronic microstructures
8536.90.40Printed circuit board connectors
8536.90.50Capacitor connection terminals
8536.90.60Feedthrough connectors for hermetic compressors
8536.90.90Other low-voltage connecting apparatus

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Access via API

POST /api/classify/

{
  "query": "electrical connector"
}

API docs →

Questions about electrical connector

What is the HS code for Electrical connector?

The HS code for Electrical connector is 853690 (Electrical apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The primary HS code for electrical connectors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts is 8536.90.

How do I classify Electrical connector for customs?

Electrical connector is classified under HS code 853690 — Electrical apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to high-voltage connectors?

No, connectors designed for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts are classified under heading 8535, typically under 8535.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of electrical connector (HS 853690)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853690 (the code used for electrical connector) in UN Comtrade data were China ($12.4B, 23% of world exports), Hong Kong ($6.4B) and Germany ($4.4B). World exports came to about $53.8B, 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 electrical connector (HS 853690)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853690 (the code used for electrical connector) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.9B, 14% of world imports), Hong Kong ($5.5B) and Mexico ($5.1B). World imports came to about $54.7B, 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 Electrical connector the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853690 for Electrical connector 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 electrical connector in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 853690 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for electrical connector depends on the product's details: 8536.90.10 (Flat ribbon cable connectors), 8536.90.20 (Sliding current collectors for overhead conductors), 8536.90.30 (Sockets for electronic microstructures), 8536.90.40 (Printed circuit board connectors), 8536.90.50 (Capacitor connection terminals), 8536.90.60 (Feedthrough connectors for hermetic compressors), and more.