Product classification
HS code for Fixed resistors: 8533.10
Electrical resistors, fixed carbon resistors, composition or film types (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors).
Classification of fixed resistors under HS 8533.10
Fixed resistors of the carbon composition or carbon film types are classified under HS code 8533.10. This classification is governed by the provisions of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8533 specifically encompasses electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, but excludes heating resistors. The sub-classification 8533.10 is determined by the material composition of the resistive element. Carbon resistors are made from a mixture of finely ground carbon and a ceramic binder (composition) or a thin film of carbon deposited on an insulating substrate (film). These components are fundamental in electronic circuits for limiting current flow and providing voltage division. The classification is based on the physical properties of the carbon element rather than the power rating, provided they are not designed as heating elements. Under GRI 1, the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes dictate the classification, and 8533.10 is the specific provision for these carbon-based electronic components.
- Covers
- Carbon film fixed resistors
- Carbon composition resistors
- Surface mount (SMD) carbon resistors
- Carbon-based resistor networks in single-in-line packages
- MELF (Metal Electrode Leadless Face) carbon resistors
- Also under 8533.10
- Yageo Carbon Film Resistors
- Vishay Metal Film Resistors
- Bourns Potentiometers
- Panasonic Carbon Composition Resistors
- KOA Speer Chip Resistors
Codes often confused with 8533.10
Common mistake. A common error is classifying carbon resistors under 8533.21 or 8533.29. These codes are reserved for "other" fixed resistors, typically metal film, metal oxide, or wirewound types. If the resistive layer is carbon, 8533.10 takes precedence regardless of the power handling capacity. Another misclassification occurs with 8516.80, which is for electric heating resistors; electronic resistors used for signal processing must never be classified as heating elements.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853310 (the code used for fixed resistors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853310 (the code used for fixed resistors) in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 14% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.7% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 853310, not only fixed resistors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $65M 13% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $61M 13% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $60M 12% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.7% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $484M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $82M 14% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $70M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $63M 11% of world imports
World total: $578M 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
Brazil classifies fixed resistors under NCM 8533.10.00: HS 8533.10 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
What is the HS code for Fixed resistors?
The HS code for Fixed resistors is 853310 (Electrical resistors; fixed carbon resistors, composition or film types (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors)). The HS code for fixed carbon resistors (composition or film) is 8533.10. Other fixed resistors are classified under 8533.21 or 8533.29.
How do I classify Fixed resistors for customs?
Fixed resistors is classified under HS code 853310 — Electrical resistors; fixed carbon resistors, composition or film types (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are SMD resistors included in 8533.10?
Yes, if the resistive element of the Surface Mount Device (SMD) is made of carbon film or composition, it is classified under 8533.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of fixed resistors (HS 853310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853310 (the code used for fixed resistors) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($65M, 13% of world exports), Malaysia ($61M) and Singapore ($60M). World exports came to about $484M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.7% of its exports here ($2.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of fixed resistors (HS 853310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853310 (the code used for fixed resistors) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($82M, 14% of world imports), Mexico ($70M) and India ($63M). World imports came to about $578M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853310 for Fixed resistors 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, fixed resistors (HS 853310) is classified under NCM 8533.10.00.