Product classification

HS code for High voltage control panel: 8537.20

Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.

Classification of high voltage control panel under HS 8537.20

High voltage control panels are classified under HS code 8537.20. This classification applies to assemblies of electrical apparatus, such as switches, fuses, and circuit breakers, mounted on a base (board, panel, or console) for the purpose of electric control or distribution. The defining characteristic for 8537.20 is that the assembly must be designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Unlike individual components classified in 8535, Heading 8537 focuses on the integrated system. These panels are used in substations, power plants, and heavy industrial facilities to manage complex electrical networks. They often include protective relays, meters, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) housed within a metal-clad or metal-enclosed structure. The classification remains 8537.20 even if the panel is shipped without some of its internal instruments, provided it retains the essential character of a control or distribution board.

Covers
  • High-voltage switchgear assemblies
  • Motor control centers (MCC) for high-voltage motors
  • Substation control and relay panels
  • Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) panels
  • High-voltage distribution boards
  • Metal-clad switchgear for industrial power
Also under 8537.20
  • ABB UniGear ZS1
  • Siemens NXPLUS C
  • Eaton Magnum DS
  • Schneider Electric Premset
  • GE Grid Solutions switchgear

Codes often confused with 8537.20

Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying these panels under HS code 8537.10, which is strictly for panels rated for 1,000 volts or less. Another error involves classifying the panel as an individual circuit breaker under 8535.21 or 8535.29. While those components are inside the panel, the assembly as a whole must be classified under 8537. Additionally, if the panel is specifically for telecommunications, it might be confused with 8517, though 8537.20 is the standard for power distribution. It is essential to check the system's nominal operating voltage to ensure it exceeds the 1kV limit.

8537.10Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts8535.21Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV8535.29Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or more85.37Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, bases with apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 for electricity control and distribution, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517)85.17Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular/wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), excluding items of 8443, 8525, 8527, or 8528

Top exporters and importers of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage control panel), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage control panel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 853720, not only high voltage control panel.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.6B
  2. 2 Germany $1.7B
  3. 3 Türkiye $547M

World total: $11.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.5B
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $640M
  3. 3 China $476M

World total: $10.9B 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 control panel

Brazil splits HS 8537.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8537.20.10Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS), over 52 kV
  • 8537.20.90Other control boards and panels, over 1,000 V

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about high voltage control panel

What is the HS code for High voltage control panel?

The HS code for High voltage control panel is 853720 (Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for control panels and distribution boards for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts is 8537.20.

How do I classify High voltage control panel for customs?

High voltage control panel is classified under HS code 853720 — Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can a panel with both LV and HV components be 8537.20?

Yes, if the panel is designed to control or distribute high-voltage electricity (over 1,000V), it is generally classified under 8537.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of high voltage control panel (HS 853720)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage control panel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($1.7B) and Türkiye ($547M). World exports came to about $11.5B, 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 control panel (HS 853720)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage control panel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($640M) and China ($476M). World imports came to about $10.9B, 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 control panel the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853720 for High voltage control panel 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 control panel in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 853720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high voltage control panel depends on the product's details: 8537.20.10 (Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS), over 52 kV), 8537.20.90 (Other control boards and panels, over 1,000 V).