Product classification
HS code for Metal film resistors: 8533.21
Electrical resistors, fixed, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors).
Classification of metal film resistors under HS 8533.21
Metal film resistors are classified under HS code 8533.21. This classification falls within Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8533 is dedicated to electrical resistors (including rheostats and potentiometers), excluding heating resistors. The specific subheading 8533.21 is designated for fixed resistors with a power handling capacity not exceeding 20 Watts. Metal film resistors are constructed by depositing a thin layer of metal or metal oxide onto a ceramic or glass substrate. This technical composition is what distinguishes them from carbon-based resistors. Under the Harmonized System, the classification is driven by the physical nature of the resistive element and the electrical capacity of the component. Since most metal film resistors used in precision electronics, telecommunications, and consumer devices operate at low wattages (typically 1/8W, 1/4W, or 1/2W), they almost always fall under the 20W threshold of 8533.21. The precision and stability of metal film technology make them a distinct category in trade statistics compared to wirewound or carbon composition types.
- Covers
- Precision metal film fixed resistors
- Surface mount (SMD) metal film resistors
- Metal oxide film resistors (fixed)
- Thin-film resistors for high-frequency applications
- MELF (Metal Electrode Leadless Face) resistors
- Also under 8533.21
- Vishay Dale RN series
- Yageo RC series
- Panasonic ERJ series
- KOA Speer RN73 series
Codes often confused with 8533.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 8533.10, which is reserved for fixed carbon resistors (composition or film). While they look similar, the material of the resistive layer is the deciding factor. Another error involves HS code 8533.31, which is for wirewound fixed resistors under 20W. Wirewound resistors use a metal wire wrapped around a core, whereas metal film resistors use a deposited layer. Finally, if the resistor exceeds 20W in power handling, it must be moved to HS code 8533.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853321 (the code used for metal film resistors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853321 (the code used for metal film resistors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 853321, not only metal film resistors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 17% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $1.1B 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $912M 13% of world exports
World total: $7.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $664M 10% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $657M 10.0% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 metal film resistors
Brazil splits HS 8533.21 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8533.21.10Fixed wirewound resistors, up to 20 W
- 8533.21.20SMD fixed resistors, up to 20 W
- 8533.21.90Other fixed resistors, up to 20 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal film resistors
What is the HS code for Metal film resistors?
The HS code for Metal film resistors is 853321 (Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors)). The HS code for fixed metal film resistors with a power capacity of 20W or less is 8533.21.
How do I classify Metal film resistors for customs?
Metal film resistors is classified under HS code 853321 — Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are variable metal film resistors covered here?
No, variable resistors (potentiometers or rheostats) are classified under subheadings 8533.40 or 8533.31/39, depending on their construction and power rating.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal film resistors (HS 853321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853321 (the code used for metal film resistors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 17% of world exports), Hong Kong ($1.1B) and Germany ($912M). World exports came to about $7.0B, 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 metal film resistors (HS 853321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853321 (the code used for metal film resistors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($664M) and Hong Kong ($657M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Metal film resistors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853321 for Metal film resistors 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 metal film resistors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853321 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metal film resistors depends on the product's details: 8533.21.10 (Fixed wirewound resistors, up to 20 W), 8533.21.20 (SMD fixed resistors, up to 20 W), 8533.21.90 (Other fixed resistors, up to 20 W).