Product classification
HS code for Medium voltage circuit breakers: 8535.21
Electrical apparatus, automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV.
Classification of medium voltage circuit breakers under HS 8535.21
Medium voltage circuit breakers are classified under HS code 8535.21, a designation within Chapter 85 which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8535 is reserved for electrical apparatus used for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. The subheading 8535.21 specifically identifies automatic circuit breakers designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts but less than 72.5 kV. This range encompasses what is industrially defined as "medium voltage," typically used in power distribution networks, industrial plants, and large commercial buildings. The classification is determined by the device's ability to automatically interrupt current flow after a fault is detected, distinguishing it from manual switches or fuses. Technical parameters such as the rated voltage and the breaking capacity are critical for this classification. By using 8535.21, trade officials can distinguish these industrial-grade components from high-voltage transmission equipment (above 72.5 kV) and low-voltage residential equipment (under 1,000 V). The construction of the breaker, whether vacuum, SF6 gas, or oil-insulated, does not change this primary classification as long as the voltage limits are met.
- Covers
- Vacuum circuit breakers (VCB) for 1kV to 72.5kV
- SF6 gas circuit breakers for medium voltage distribution
- Oil circuit breakers within the 1kV-72.5kV range
- Air blast circuit breakers for medium voltage applications
- Reclosers for medium voltage overhead lines
- Also under 8535.21
- Siemens 3AH series
- ABB VD4 series
- Schneider Electric EasyPact MVS
- Eaton VCP-W series
Codes often confused with 8535.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8536.20, which covers automatic circuit breakers for voltages not exceeding 1,000 volts (low voltage). Another common error is using 8535.29, which is reserved for high-voltage circuit breakers exceeding 72.5 kV. Furthermore, simple disconnect switches or isolators that do not have automatic breaking capabilities should be classified under 8535.30 rather than 8535.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853521 (the code used for medium voltage circuit breakers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853521 (the code used for medium voltage circuit breakers) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 853521, not only medium voltage circuit breakers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $190M 13% of world exports
- 2 China $163M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $150M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $379M 25% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $88M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $64M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 code for medium voltage circuit breakers
Brazil classifies medium voltage circuit breakers under NCM 8535.21.00: HS 8535.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about medium voltage circuit breakers
What is the HS code for Medium voltage circuit breakers?
The HS code for Medium voltage circuit breakers is 853521 (Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV). The HS code is 8535.21, covering automatic circuit breakers for voltages between 1,000 volts and 72.5 kV.
How do I classify Medium voltage circuit breakers for customs?
Medium voltage circuit breakers is classified under HS code 853521 — Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kV. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fuses included in this HS code?
No, fuses for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts are classified under HS code 8535.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of medium voltage circuit breakers (HS 853521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853521 (the code used for medium voltage circuit breakers) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($190M, 13% of world exports), China ($163M) and the United States ($150M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 medium voltage circuit breakers (HS 853521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853521 (the code used for medium voltage circuit breakers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($379M, 25% of world imports), Türkiye ($88M) and Brazil ($64M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Medium voltage circuit breakers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853521 for Medium voltage circuit breakers 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 medium voltage circuit breakers in Brazil?
In Brazil, medium voltage circuit breakers (HS 853521) is classified under NCM 8535.21.00.