Product classification
HS code for Fixed resistors (high power): 8533.29
Electrical resistors, fixed, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors).
Classification of fixed resistors (high power) under HS 8533.29
Fixed resistors with a power handling capacity exceeding 20 Watts, excluding carbon types, are classified under HS code 8533.29. This classification falls within Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System, which deals with electrical equipment. Heading 8533 covers electrical resistors that are not used for heating. The determination of the subheading 8533.29 is based on two primary criteria: the material of the resistive element and the power rating. Unlike carbon resistors (8533.10), these are typically wirewound or metal-clad resistors designed to dissipate significant heat generated by high current loads. The 20W threshold is a specific dividing line in the HS nomenclature; resistors at or below 20W fall under 8533.21, while those exceeding 20W move to 8533.29. These components are essential in industrial power supplies, motor controllers, and dynamic braking systems. The classification process follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the product is first identified as a non-heating resistor and then categorized by its specific power handling capability as defined in the legal text of the subheading.
- Covers
- High-power wirewound resistors (>20W)
- Aluminum housed power resistors
- Ceramic encased power resistors
- Braking resistors for variable frequency drives
- Load bank resistors exceeding 20W capacity
- Also under 8533.29
- Ohmite 200 series
- Vishay Dale RH series
- TE Connectivity Corcom series
- Caddock MP series
Codes often confused with 8533.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using 8533.21 for resistors that actually exceed the 20W limit. Importers must verify the manufacturer's datasheet to confirm the wattage. Additionally, high-power resistors are sometimes confused with 8516.80 (heating resistors). The distinction lies in intent: if the resistor is designed to dissipate heat as a byproduct of limiting current, it is 8533; if it is designed to generate heat for warming a space or liquid, it is 8516.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853329 (the code used for fixed resistors (high power)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853329 (the code used for fixed resistors (high power)) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 12% 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 853329, not only fixed resistors (high power).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $140M 12% of world exports
- 2 Germany $131M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $125M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $164M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $106M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $88M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 fixed resistors (high power)
Brazil classifies fixed resistors (high power) under NCM 8533.29.00: HS 8533.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fixed resistors (high power)
What is the HS code for Fixed resistors (high power)?
The HS code for Fixed resistors (high power) is 853329 (Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors)). The HS code for fixed resistors with a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (excluding carbon types) is 8533.29.
How do I classify Fixed resistors (high power) for customs?
Fixed resistors (high power) is classified under HS code 853329 — Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is power capacity determined for classification?
Power capacity is determined by the manufacturer's rated wattage at a specific ambient temperature, usually 25 or 70 degrees Celsius, as indicated in the technical specifications.
Which countries are the top exporters of fixed resistors (high power) (HS 853329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853329 (the code used for fixed resistors (high power)) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($140M, 12% of world exports), Germany ($131M) and the United States ($125M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 fixed resistors (high power) (HS 853329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853329 (the code used for fixed resistors (high power)) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($164M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($106M) and Germany ($88M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Fixed resistors (high power) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853329 for Fixed resistors (high power) 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 fixed resistors (high power) in Brazil?
In Brazil, fixed resistors (high power) (HS 853329) is classified under NCM 8533.29.00.