Product classification
HS code for Fixed resistors (low power): 8533.21
Electrical resistors, fixed, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors).
Classification of fixed resistors (low power) under HS 8533.21
Fixed resistors with a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W are classified under HS code 853321. This classification is found in Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8533 is dedicated to electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, but excluding heating resistors. The classification for fixed resistors is split based on their power rating. Subheading 853321 is specifically for those with a power handling capacity of 20W or less. These components are fundamental in electronic circuitry for controlling current flow and providing voltage division. The classification is determined by the fixed nature of the resistance value and the technical specification of its power dissipation limit, which is a critical safety and functional parameter in electrical engineering.
- Covers
- Metal film resistors (fixed, <= 20W)
- Carbon film resistors (fixed, <= 20W)
- Surface mount device (SMD) chip resistors
- Wirewound resistors (fixed, <= 20W)
- Thick film and thin film resistors
- Precision resistors for signal processing
- Also under 8533.21
- Vishay Dale RN series
- Yageo RC series
- Panasonic ERJ series
- KOA Speer RN73 series
Codes often confused with 8533.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 853329, which is reserved for fixed resistors with a power handling capacity exceeding 20W. These are typically much larger power resistors used in industrial applications. Another common error is using 853310, which is specifically for fixed carbon resistors (composition or film types); if a resistor is carbon-based, 853310 takes precedence over 853321. Additionally, variable resistors, such as potentiometers or rheostats, are often incorrectly placed here but belong under 853331 or 853340. Heating resistors are also excluded from this heading and should be classified under 8516.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853321 (the code used for fixed resistors (low power)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853321 (the code used for fixed resistors (low power)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 853321, not only fixed resistors (low power).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 17% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $1.1B 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $912M 13% of world exports
World total: $7.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $664M 10% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $657M 10.0% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 codes for fixed resistors (low power)
Brazil splits HS 8533.21 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8533.21.10Fixed wirewound resistors, up to 20 W
- 8533.21.20SMD fixed resistors, up to 20 W
- 8533.21.90Other fixed resistors, up to 20 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fixed resistors (low power)
What is the HS code for Fixed resistors (low power)?
The HS code for Fixed resistors (low power) is 853321 (Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors)).
How do I classify Fixed resistors (low power) for customs?
Fixed resistors (low power) is classified under HS code 853321 — Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for low power fixed resistors?
The HS code for fixed electrical resistors with a power handling capacity of 20W or less is 853321.
Are SMD resistors classified under 853321?
Yes, most surface mount (SMD) resistors used in consumer electronics have a power rating well below 20W and are classified under 853321, unless they are carbon-based.
Which countries are the top exporters of fixed resistors (low power) (HS 853321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853321 (the code used for fixed resistors (low power)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 17% of world exports), Hong Kong ($1.1B) and Germany ($912M). World exports came to about $7.0B, 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 (low power) (HS 853321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853321 (the code used for fixed resistors (low power)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($664M) and Hong Kong ($657M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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 Fixed resistors (low power) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853321 for Fixed resistors (low 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 (low power) in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853321 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for fixed resistors (low power) depends on the product's details: 8533.21.10 (Fixed wirewound resistors, up to 20 W), 8533.21.20 (SMD fixed resistors, up to 20 W), 8533.21.90 (Other fixed resistors, up to 20 W).