Product classification

HS code for High voltage switch: 8535.30

Electrical apparatus, isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.

Classification of high voltage switch under HS 8535.30

The classification of high voltage switches is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically focusing on the technical specifications of the apparatus. HS code 8535.30 is designated for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, fuses, lightning arresters, voltage limiters, surge suppressors, plugs and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Specifically, this subheading covers isolating switches and make-and-break switches. These devices are essential for the safe operation of high-voltage power lines and substations. They allow operators to de-energize specific sections of a grid for maintenance or to reroute power. The classification is determined by the fact that these are not automatic circuit breakers but are instead switches designed for manual or commanded operation to open or close a circuit under load or no-load conditions. The voltage threshold is the primary determinant for this specific code.

Covers
  • High-voltage isolating switches
  • Make-and-break switches for power grids
  • Disconnectors for electrical substations
  • Rotary switches for high-voltage applications
  • Load break switches exceeding 1,000V
Also under 8535.30
  • Siemens 3AP1
  • ABB FSK II
  • Eaton SVR
  • Schneider Electric GenieEvo
  • GE Alstom GL317

Codes often confused with 8535.30

Common mistake. One of the most frequent errors is confusing 8535.30 with 8536.50. The latter is used for switches operating at 1,000 volts or less. Another common mistake is using 8535.21, which is specifically for automatic circuit breakers. While both are used in high-voltage environments, a circuit breaker has an automatic tripping mechanism for overcurrent protection, whereas an isolating switch is primarily for circuit isolation. Additionally, some may try to classify these under 8537, which covers boards and panels equipped with two or more apparatuses; if the switch is imported as part of a complete control panel, 8537 would be the correct heading.

8536.50Electrical apparatus; switches n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts8535.21Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV85.37Boards, 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)

Top exporters and importers of HS 853530 (the code used for high voltage switch), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853530 (the code used for high voltage switch) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 28% 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 853530, not only high voltage switch.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Switzerland $1.0B
  2. 2 Italy $503M
  3. 3 China $256M

World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $392M
  2. 2 Germany $248M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $158M

World total: $3.1B 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 switch

Brazil splits HS 8535.30 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8535.30.13Vacuum interrupters without drive, up to 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.17Non-automatic HV switches, up to 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.18Automatic non-immersed HV switches, up to 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.19Other HV switches, up to 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.23Vacuum interrupters without drive, over 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.27Non-automatic HV switches, over 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.28Automatic non-immersed HV switches, over 1,600 A
  • 8535.30.29Other HV switches, over 1,600 A

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

Questions about high voltage switch

What is the HS code for High voltage switch?

The HS code for High voltage switch is 853530 (Electrical apparatus; isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for a high voltage switch (isolating or make-and-break) is 8535.30, provided the voltage exceeds 1,000 volts.

How do I classify High voltage switch for customs?

High voltage switch is classified under HS code 853530 — Electrical apparatus; isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 8535 and 8536?

The primary difference is the voltage rating; heading 8535 is for apparatus exceeding 1,000 volts, while 8536 is for apparatus not exceeding 1,000 volts.

Which countries are the top exporters of high voltage switch (HS 853530)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853530 (the code used for high voltage switch) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($1.0B, 28% of world exports), Italy ($503M) and China ($256M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 switch (HS 853530)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853530 (the code used for high voltage switch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($392M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($248M) and the United Kingdom ($158M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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 switch the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853530 for High voltage switch 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 switch in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 853530 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for high voltage switch depends on the product's details: 8535.30.13 (Vacuum interrupters without drive, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.17 (Non-automatic HV switches, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.18 (Automatic non-immersed HV switches, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.19 (Other HV switches, up to 1,600 A), 8535.30.23 (Vacuum interrupters without drive, over 1,600 A), 8535.30.27 (Non-automatic HV switches, over 1,600 A), and more.