Product classification
HS code for High voltage switchgear 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 switchgear panel under HS 8537.20
High voltage switchgear panels are classified under HS code 8537.20. This classification is determined by the function of the product as a base (panel, console, or desk) equipped with two or more apparatuses from heading 8535 or 8536 for electric control or the distribution of electricity. The 'high voltage' designation is legally defined by the threshold of exceeding 1,000 volts. These panels typically house circuit breakers, switches, and fuses, acting as a centralized hub for managing power flow in high-capacity electrical grids. According to GRI 1, heading 8537 is the correct place for assemblies of switching and protecting apparatus, and subheading 8537.20 is the specific breakout for systems operating above the 1kV limit. This includes both indoor and outdoor switchgear assemblies used in utility substations and large industrial facilities.
- Covers
- High voltage distribution boards (>1000V)
- Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) panels
- Substation control panels and consoles
- Motor control centers for high voltage motors
- Metal-clad switchgear assemblies for power plants
- 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 error is classifying these panels under 8537.10, which is reserved for panels and boards operating at 1,000 volts or less. Another misclassification occurs when individual components, such as a single circuit breaker, are classified under 8537.20; individual switching components should be classified under 8535.30 or 8535.21/29. Only when these components are mounted together on a common base or panel for control/distribution does the 8537 classification apply. It is also distinct from 8517, which covers telecommunication switching apparatus.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage switchgear panel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage switchgear 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 switchgear panel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.6B 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.7B 15% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $547M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $11.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $640M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 China $476M 4.4% of world imports
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 switchgear 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 switchgear panel
What is the HS code for High voltage switchgear panel?
The HS code for High voltage switchgear 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).
How do I classify High voltage switchgear panel for customs?
High voltage switchgear 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.
What is the HS code for high voltage switchgear panels?
The HS code for panels and boards for electric control or distribution for a voltage exceeding 1,000V is 8537.20.
Does this code include the internal components?
Yes, HS code 8537.20 covers the entire assembly, including the panel base and the switches, fuses, or breakers mounted upon it.
Which countries are the top exporters of high voltage switchgear panel (HS 853720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage switchgear 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 switchgear panel (HS 853720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853720 (the code used for high voltage switchgear 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 switchgear panel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853720 for High voltage switchgear 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 switchgear panel in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for high voltage switchgear 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).