Product classification
HS code for High voltage circuit breaker: 8535.90
Electrical apparatus, n.e.c. in heading no. 8535, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of high voltage circuit breaker under HS 8535.90
The classification of high voltage circuit breakers under HS code 8535.90 applies to electrical apparatus used for switching or protecting electrical circuits that do not fall under the more specific subheadings of Heading 8535. While automatic circuit breakers are often found in 8535.21 or 8535.29, the 8535.90 code serves as a residual category for other high-voltage switching devices, including certain types of disconnectors and specialized protective apparatus. These devices are essential for managing power flow and preventing equipment damage in grids operating above 1,000 volts. The classification is driven by the device's function—interrupting or isolating electrical current—and its operational capacity in high-voltage environments. Technical documentation must confirm that the device is intended for use in circuits exceeding the 1kV threshold to justify this classification.
- Covers
- High-voltage isolating switches
- Make-and-break switches for HV systems
- Load break switches for power distribution
- High-voltage surge suppressors
- Rotary disconnectors for substations
- Earthing switches for high-voltage maintenance
- Also under 8535.90
- ABB SafePlus
- Siemens 8DA10
- Eaton Cooper Power Systems
- Schneider Electric SM6
- GE Alstom F35
Codes often confused with 8535.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 8536.90, which is the residual category for electrical apparatus rated for 1,000 volts or less. Additionally, automatic circuit breakers are frequently misclassified here when they should actually be placed under 8535.21 (for less than 72.5 kV) or 8535.29 (for 72.5 kV or more). It is also common to see these confused with HS code 8537, which covers complete control panels rather than individual switching components. Precise identification of the device's automatic or manual nature is required to distinguish between 8535.2x and 8535.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853590 (the code used for high voltage circuit breaker), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853590 (the code used for high voltage circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 853590, not only high voltage circuit breaker.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.3B 20% of world exports
- 2 China $807M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $681M 10% of world exports
World total: $6.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $802M 13% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $444M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $432M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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 high voltage circuit breaker
Brazil splits HS 8535.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8535.90.10Vacuum change-over switches, 100 A or more
- 8535.90.90Other HV switching and protecting apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high voltage circuit breaker
What is the HS code for High voltage circuit breaker?
The HS code for High voltage circuit breaker is 853590 (Electrical apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8535, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). High voltage circuit breakers and related switching apparatus are classified under HS code 8535.90 when they are not specifically categorized as automatic circuit breakers.
How do I classify High voltage circuit breaker for customs?
High voltage circuit breaker is classified under HS code 853590 — Electrical apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8535, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the voltage threshold for Heading 8535?
Heading 8535 is strictly for electrical apparatus designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts.
Which countries are the top exporters of high voltage circuit breaker (HS 853590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853590 (the code used for high voltage circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.3B, 20% of world exports), China ($807M) and the United States ($681M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of high voltage circuit breaker (HS 853590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853590 (the code used for high voltage circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($802M, 13% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($444M) and Germany ($432M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for High voltage circuit breaker the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853590 for High voltage circuit breaker 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 high voltage circuit breaker in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high voltage circuit breaker depends on the product's details: 8535.90.10 (Vacuum change-over switches, 100 A or more), 8535.90.90 (Other HV switching and protecting apparatus).