Product classification
HS code for PFC capacitors: 8532.10
Electrical capacitors, fixed, designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits and having a reactive power handling capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar (power capacitors).
Classification of PFC capacitors under HS 8532.10
Power Factor Correction (PFC) capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.10. This classification is specific to fixed capacitors designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits that possess a reactive power handling capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar. These are often referred to as "power capacitors" in industrial contexts. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from smaller electronic capacitors based on their intended application in power distribution and industrial electrical systems. Heading 8532 covers all electrical capacitors, but the 8532.10 subheading is unique because it defines the product by its performance threshold (0.5 kvar) and its frequency compatibility. These capacitors are used to improve the efficiency of electrical systems by reducing the reactive power component, thereby "correcting" the power factor and reducing energy losses. For customs purposes, the technical specifications found in the product's data sheet—specifically the kvar rating and the frequency—are the primary evidence used to justify this classification. If a capacitor is designed for DC circuits or for high-frequency applications, it cannot be classified here. The construction of these capacitors usually involves a dielectric of paper or plastic film, often oil-filled, to handle the high power loads associated with industrial power factor correction.
- Covers
- Industrial shunt capacitors for power factor correction
- High-voltage PFC capacitor banks
- Motor run capacitors exceeding 0.5 kvar
- Three-phase power capacitors for 50/60 Hz grids
- Fixed power factor correction units
- Also under 8532.10
- ABB Power Capacitors
- Siemens SIKAP Capacitors
- Schneider Electric VarPlus Capacitors
- Eaton Power Factor Correction Units
Codes often confused with 8532.10
Common mistake. PFC capacitors are often misclassified under 8532.21 through 8532.29, which are for other fixed capacitors with a capacity of less than 0.5 kvar. They may also be confused with 8532.30 if they are variable or adjustable. Another error is classifying them under 8535 or 8536 as switchgear or electrical apparatus, but heading 8532 is more specific for the component itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853210 (the code used for PFC capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853210 (the code used for PFC capacitors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 12% 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 853210, not only PFC capacitors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $188M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $77M 10% of world exports
- 3 India $56M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $761M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $130M 12% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $122M 11% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $120M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 code for PFC capacitors
Brazil classifies PFC capacitors under NCM 8532.10.00: HS 8532.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PFC capacitors
What is the HS code for PFC capacitors?
The HS code for PFC capacitors is 853210 (Electrical capacitors; fixed, designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits and having a reactive power handling capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar (power capacitors)). The HS code for fixed power capacitors (>= 0.5 kvar, 50/60 Hz) is 8532.10.
How do I classify PFC capacitors for customs?
PFC capacitors is classified under HS code 853210 — Electrical capacitors; fixed, designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits and having a reactive power handling capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar (power capacitors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the capacitor is rated at 0.4 kvar?
If the reactive power is less than 0.5 kvar, it must be classified under the appropriate subheading for "other fixed capacitors" (8532.21 to 8532.29) based on its dielectric material.
Which countries are the top exporters of PFC capacitors (HS 853210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853210 (the code used for PFC capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($188M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($77M) and India ($56M). World exports came to about $761M, 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 PFC capacitors (HS 853210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853210 (the code used for PFC capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($130M, 12% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($122M) and Malaysia ($120M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 PFC capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853210 for PFC capacitors 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 PFC capacitors in Brazil?
In Brazil, PFC capacitors (HS 853210) is classified under NCM 8532.10.00.