Product classification
HS code for Potentiometers: 8533.40
Electrical resistors, variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating).
Classification of potentiometers under HS 8533.40
Potentiometers are classified under HS code 8533.40. This code is situated within Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Specifically, heading 8533 covers electrical resistors, including variable resistors like rheostats and potentiometers. A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. Because it is a variable resistor, it is excluded from the subheadings for fixed resistors (8533.10 and 8533.21). The classification 8533.40 is a "catch-all" for variable resistors that are not wirewound (which are sometimes classified under 8533.31 or 8533.39 depending on power rating). Most modern electronic potentiometers used in consumer electronics and industrial controls fall under 8533.40. These components are essential for controlling volume in audio equipment, adjusting light levels in dimmers, and providing position feedback in robotics. The classification is determined by the component's ability to change its resistance value through mechanical adjustment. Under the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation, the specific function as a variable resistor dictates its placement in 8533.40, regardless of the specific material used for the resistive element, such as carbon film or cermet, provided it is not wirewound.
- Covers
- Rotary potentiometers
- Linear slide potentiometers
- Trimmer potentiometers (trimpots)
- Logarithmic and linear taper potentiometers
- Joystick potentiometers (as components)
- Also under 8533.40
- Bourns 3386 series cermet trimmers
- ALPS RK09 series carbon pots
- Vishay Sfernice P16 series
- Honeywell RTY series rotary position sensors
Codes often confused with 8533.40
Common mistake. Potentiometers are often misclassified with fixed resistors under HS codes 8533.10 or 8533.21. The primary distinction is the ability to vary the resistance manually or mechanically. They may also be confused with rotary switches under HS code 8536.50; however, a switch makes or breaks a circuit, while a potentiometer varies the resistance. If the potentiometer is part of a larger control panel or assembly, it might be classified under HS code 8537.10. Furthermore, wirewound variable resistors for power handling exceeding 20 watts are classified under 8533.39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853340 (the code used for potentiometers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853340 (the code used for potentiometers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% 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 853340, not only potentiometers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $935M 25% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $413M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $281M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $784M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $403M 11% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $339M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $3.7B 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 codes for potentiometers
Brazil splits HS 8533.40 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8533.40.11Thermistors
- 8533.40.12Varistors for 1,000 V or less
- 8533.40.13Other varistors, over 1,000 V
- 8533.40.19Other non-linear semiconductor resistors
- 8533.40.91Carbon throttle position potentiometers
- 8533.40.92Other carbon potentiometers
- 8533.40.99Other variable resistors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potentiometers
What is the HS code for Potentiometers?
The HS code for Potentiometers is 853340 (Electrical resistors; variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating)). The standard HS code for variable resistors, including potentiometers, is 8533.40.
How do I classify Potentiometers for customs?
Potentiometers is classified under HS code 853340 — Electrical resistors; variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are rheostats included in this HS code?
Yes, rheostats are variable resistors used to control current and are classified under the same heading as potentiometers, typically under 8533.40 or 8533.39 depending on their construction and power rating.
Which countries are the top exporters of potentiometers (HS 853340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853340 (the code used for potentiometers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($935M, 25% of world exports), Hong Kong ($413M) and the United States ($281M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of potentiometers (HS 853340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853340 (the code used for potentiometers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($784M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($403M) and Hong Kong ($339M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 Potentiometers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853340 for Potentiometers 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 potentiometers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853340 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for potentiometers depends on the product's details: 8533.40.11 (Thermistors), 8533.40.12 (Varistors for 1,000 V or less), 8533.40.13 (Other varistors, over 1,000 V), 8533.40.19 (Other non-linear semiconductor resistors), 8533.40.91 (Carbon throttle position potentiometers), 8533.40.92 (Other carbon potentiometers), and more.