Product classification
HS code for High voltage circuit breakers: 8535.29
Electrical apparatus, automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or more.
Classification of high voltage circuit breakers under HS 8535.29
High voltage circuit breakers designed for extreme electrical loads are classified under HS code 8535.29. This specific subheading is reserved for automatic circuit breakers that operate at a voltage of 72.5 kV or higher. These are critical infrastructure components used in national power grids and large-scale industrial substations. The classification is determined by two primary factors: the device must be an "automatic" circuit breaker (capable of interrupting a circuit without manual intervention during a fault) and it must meet the 72.5 kV threshold. These breakers utilize advanced technologies such as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas, vacuum interrupters, or air-blast mechanisms to quench the powerful electrical arcs that form when high-voltage contacts separate. The engineering complexity of these units distinguishes them from lower-voltage protective devices.
- Covers
- SF6 gas-insulated circuit breakers (72.5 kV+)
- Vacuum circuit breakers for transmission voltages
- Air-blast circuit breakers for high-voltage grids
- Oil circuit breakers for 110kV and above
- Live-tank and dead-tank high-voltage breakers
- Generator circuit breakers for large power plants
- Also under 8535.29
- ABB HPL series
- Siemens 3AP series
- GE Grid Solutions GL series
- Hitachi EHV circuit breakers
Codes often confused with 8535.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8535.21, which is intended for automatic circuit breakers rated for more than 1,000 volts but less than 72.5 kV. Using the wrong code can lead to significant duty discrepancies. Another error is classifying these under 8535.90, which is for non-automatic switching apparatus. Furthermore, if the breaker is part of a pre-assembled switchgear unit, it may need to be classified under 8537.20 as a control panel rather than an individual component. Importers must verify the maximum rated voltage to choose between 8535.21 and 8535.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853529 (the code used for high voltage circuit breakers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853529 (the code used for high voltage circuit breakers) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% 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 853529, not only high voltage circuit breakers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $438M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $280M 21% of world exports
- 3 Germany $121M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $322M 22% of world imports
- 2 United States $111M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Canada $74M 5.1% 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 high voltage circuit breakers
Brazil classifies high voltage circuit breakers under NCM 8535.29.00: HS 8535.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high voltage circuit breakers
What is the HS code for High voltage circuit breakers?
The HS code for High voltage circuit breakers is 853529 (Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or more). The HS code for automatic circuit breakers rated for 72.5 kV or more is 8535.29.
How do I classify High voltage circuit breakers for customs?
High voltage circuit breakers is classified under HS code 853529 — Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 8535.21 and 8535.29?
The distinction is based on the voltage rating; 8535.21 is for breakers between 1kV and 72.5kV, while 8535.29 is for those 72.5kV and above.
Which countries are the top exporters of high voltage circuit breakers (HS 853529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853529 (the code used for high voltage circuit breakers) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($438M, 33% of world exports), China ($280M) and Germany ($121M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 breakers (HS 853529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853529 (the code used for high voltage circuit breakers) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($322M, 22% of world imports), the United States ($111M) and Canada ($74M). 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 High voltage circuit breakers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853529 for High voltage circuit breakers 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 breakers in Brazil?
In Brazil, high voltage circuit breakers (HS 853529) is classified under NCM 8535.29.00.