Product classification
HS code for Miniature circuit breaker: 8536.20
Electrical apparatus, automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of miniature circuit breaker under HS 8536.20
Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) are classified under HS code 8536.20. This heading is designated for electrical apparatus used for switching or protecting electrical circuits, specifically automatic circuit breakers designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. MCBs are critical safety components that automatically interrupt an electrical circuit during an overcurrent or short circuit event to prevent fire and equipment damage. The classification is determined by the device's function as an automatic switch and its operational voltage limit, which is typical for residential, commercial, and light industrial applications. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and the 8536 group specifically addresses apparatus for protecting or making connections to electrical circuits for lower voltages.
- Covers
- Single-pole miniature circuit breakers
- Multi-pole MCBs for three-phase circuits
- DIN rail mounted circuit breakers
- Residential circuit breakers for distribution boards
- Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers
- Also under 8536.20
- Siemens Sentron
- ABB S200
- Schneider Electric Acti9
- Eaton Cutler-Hammer
- Legrand DX3
Codes often confused with 8536.20
Common mistake. MCBs are often confused with high-voltage circuit breakers, which are classified under HS code 8535.21 or 8535.29 if they exceed 1,000 volts. They may also be misclassified under 8536.10, which is reserved for fuses. While both protect circuits, a circuit breaker is a resettable switch, whereas a fuse is a one-time sacrificial element. Additionally, residual current devices (RCDs) or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) without overcurrent protection may fall under 8536.30, though many modern units combine both functions and are classified based on their primary protective feature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853620 (the code used for miniature circuit breaker), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853620 (the code used for miniature circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 853620, not only miniature circuit breaker.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.7B 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.1B 9.1% of world exports
- 3 France $1.1B 8.7% of world exports
World total: $12.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.3B 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $753M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 France $529M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $11.7B 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 miniature circuit breaker
Brazil classifies miniature circuit breaker under NCM 8536.20.00: HS 8536.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about miniature circuit breaker
What is the HS code for Miniature circuit breaker?
The HS code for Miniature circuit breaker is 853620 (Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) for voltages up to 1,000V is 8536.20.
How do I classify Miniature circuit breaker for customs?
Miniature circuit breaker is classified under HS code 853620 — Electrical apparatus; automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include industrial breakers?
Yes, as long as the industrial circuit breaker is rated for 1,000 volts or less and functions automatically, it falls under 8536.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of miniature circuit breaker (HS 853620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853620 (the code used for miniature circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 14% of world exports), the United States ($1.1B) and France ($1.1B). World exports came to about $12.4B, 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 miniature circuit breaker (HS 853620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853620 (the code used for miniature circuit breaker) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($753M) and France ($529M). World imports came to about $11.7B, 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 Miniature circuit breaker the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853620 for Miniature circuit breaker 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 miniature circuit breaker in Brazil?
In Brazil, miniature circuit breaker (HS 853620) is classified under NCM 8536.20.00.