Product classification
HS code for Electrical enclosure: 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 electrical enclosure under HS 8538.10
Electrical enclosures that are imported or exported without their internal electrical components are classified under HS code 8538.10. This code is situated within Chapter 85 and specifically serves as a parts category for the equipment described in heading 8537. Heading 8538 covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536, or 8537. Subheading 8538.10 is unique because it specifically names boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, and other bases for the goods of heading 8537, not equipped with their apparatus. This means that the item is the physical structure intended to house electrical components but is currently empty. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 2(a), where the enclosure is recognized as an incomplete article that has the essential character of a part for a control panel. Once the enclosure is fitted with two or more electrical devices like switches or relays, it must be reclassified under heading 8537. Importers often confuse these with general metal or plastic containers, but their specific design features—such as mounting rails for circuit breakers, cable entry points, and specialized gaskets for electrical safety—identify them as electrical enclosures.
- Covers
- Empty steel electrical cabinets
- Empty plastic junction boxes for electrical use
- Wall-mount electrical enclosures without components
- Floor-standing empty control desks
- Server racks designed specifically for electrical control housing
- 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 common misclassification is 8537.10, which is only for enclosures that are already equipped with electrical apparatus. Another error is using 7326.90, which is a general category for other articles of iron or steel. Because these cabinets are specifically designed for electrical use, the specific part code 8538.10 takes precedence over general material-based codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853810 (the code used for electrical enclosure), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853810 (the code used for electrical enclosure) 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 electrical enclosure.
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 electrical enclosure
Brazil classifies electrical enclosure 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 electrical enclosure
What is the HS code for Electrical enclosure?
The HS code for Electrical enclosure 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 HS code for an empty electrical enclosure is 8538.10.
How do I classify Electrical enclosure for customs?
Electrical enclosure 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.
What if the enclosure has a single switch installed?
If it has only one apparatus, it might still be 8538.10 or 8536; however, if it has two or more, it must be classified under 8537.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of electrical enclosure (HS 853810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853810 (the code used for electrical enclosure) 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 electrical enclosure (HS 853810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853810 (the code used for electrical enclosure) 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 Electrical enclosure the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853810 for Electrical enclosure 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 enclosure in Brazil?
In Brazil, electrical enclosure (HS 853810) is classified under NCM 8538.10.00.