Product classification
HS code for Load break switch: 8535.30
Electrical apparatus, isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of load break switch under HS 8535.30
The load break switch is classified under HS code 8535.30. This classification is determined by the electrical characteristics and the intended application of the device within a power distribution network. Heading 8535 covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. A load break switch is a specialized disconnect switch designed to provide making and breaking of specified currents. Unlike simple isolators that can only be operated when the circuit is dead, these switches are capable of interrupting the flow of electricity while the circuit is under load. Subheading 8535.30 specifically identifies isolating switches and make-and-break switches. The classification is strictly based on the voltage rating; if the switch is rated for high-voltage systems, such as 11kV, 24kV, or 36kV distribution networks, it must be placed here. The technical design, which often includes arc-quenching mechanisms like SF6 gas or vacuum interrupters, supports its classification as a high-voltage make-and-break switch.
- Covers
- 11kV and 33kV load break switches
- SF6 gas-insulated load break switches
- Vacuum load break switches for high-voltage use
- Air-insulated load break switches
- Outdoor pole-mounted load break switches
- 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. A common error is classifying these devices under HS code 8536.50, which covers switches for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. It is critical to verify the rated voltage before classification. Another misclassification occurs with 8535.21, which is for automatic circuit breakers. While both can break a circuit, a load break switch does not typically provide the automatic overcurrent protection that a circuit breaker offers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853530 (the code used for load break switch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853530 (the code used for load break 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 load break switch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $1.0B 28% of world exports
- 2 Italy $503M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $256M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $392M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $248M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $158M 5.1% of world imports
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 load break 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 load break switch
What is the HS code for Load break switch?
The HS code for Load break switch is 853530 (Electrical apparatus; isolating and make-and-break switches, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for a load break switch designed for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts is 8535.30.
How do I classify Load break switch for customs?
Load break 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.
Can a load break switch be classified under 8536?
Only if the switch is rated for 1,000 volts or less. Any switch rated for higher voltages must be classified under heading 8535.
Which countries are the top exporters of load break switch (HS 853530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853530 (the code used for load break 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 load break switch (HS 853530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853530 (the code used for load break 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 Load break switch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853530 for Load break 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 load break switch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853530 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for load break 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.