Product classification

HS code for Lightning arrester: 8535.40

Electrical apparatus, lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts).

Classification of lightning arrester under HS 8535.40

Lightning arresters are classified under HS code 8535.40. This code is found within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8535 is specifically designated for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors are critical safety components used in high-voltage power distribution systems to protect equipment from transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes or switching surges. The classification is determined by the device's function (protection against overvoltage) and its rated operating voltage, which must be above the 1,000-volt threshold.

Covers
  • High-voltage lightning arresters
  • Station-class surge arresters
  • Transmission line surge suppressors
  • Intermediate-class voltage limiters
  • Distribution-class lightning protection units
Also under 8535.40
  • Siemens 3EK7
  • ABB PEXLIM
  • Eaton Cooper Power Systems
  • Hubbell Power Systems
  • GE Alstom P420

Codes often confused with 8535.40

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for lightning arresters is HS code 8536.30. While 8536.30 also covers surge suppressors and voltage limiters, it is strictly for apparatus used in circuits with a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts (low voltage). Importers must verify the voltage rating of the equipment to choose between 8535 and 8536. Additionally, lightning rods (simple metal conductors) are classified under 7326 or 7419 depending on the metal, rather than as electrical apparatus.

8536.30Electrical apparatus; for protecting electrical circuits, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts85.35Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts85.36Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts; connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables73.26Iron or steel; articles, n.e.c. in chapter 7374.19Copper; articles thereof n.e.c. in chapter 74

Top exporters and importers of HS 853540 (the code used for lightning arrester), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853540 (the code used for lightning arrester) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 853540, not only lightning arrester.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $178M
  2. 2 China $146M
  3. 3 United States $79M

World total: $826M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $102M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $63M
  3. 3 Germany $42M

World total: $896M 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 lightning arrester

Brazil splits HS 8535.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8535.40.10Lightning arresters for power transmission lines
  • 8535.40.90Other HV arresters, limiters and surge suppressors

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

Questions about lightning arrester

What is the HS code for Lightning arrester?

The HS code for Lightning arrester is 853540 (Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts)). The HS code for lightning arresters designed for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts is 8535.40.

How do I classify Lightning arrester for customs?

Lightning arrester is classified under HS code 853540 — Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How are surge protectors for home electronics classified?

Surge protectors for household use (low voltage) are classified under HS code 8536.30, as they operate at voltages well below the 1,000-volt limit.

Which countries are the top exporters of lightning arrester (HS 853540)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853540 (the code used for lightning arrester) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($178M, 22% of world exports), China ($146M) and the United States ($79M). World exports came to about $826M, 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 lightning arrester (HS 853540)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853540 (the code used for lightning arrester) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($102M, 11% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($63M) and Germany ($42M). World imports came to about $896M, 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 Lightning arrester the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853540 for Lightning arrester 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 lightning arrester in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 853540 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lightning arrester depends on the product's details: 8535.40.10 (Lightning arresters for power transmission lines), 8535.40.90 (Other HV arresters, limiters and surge suppressors).