Product classification
HS code for Power 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 power capacitors under HS 8532.10
Power capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.10 because they are fixed electrical capacitors specifically designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits with a reactive power handling capacity of at least 0.5 kvar. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The specific subheading 8532.10 is reserved for "power capacitors," which are typically used in industrial applications for power factor correction or to improve the efficiency of electrical distribution systems. Unlike standard electronic capacitors used in printed circuit boards, power capacitors are built to handle significant reactive loads and are often constructed using metalized polypropylene film or oil-impregnated paper dielectrics. The classification is determined by the physical design (fixed) and the specific electrical performance criteria (frequency and kvar rating) defined in the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. These devices are essential for stabilizing voltage and reducing energy losses in large-scale electrical networks. They are often housed in robust metal casings to withstand high-voltage environments and are designed for long-term continuous operation in utility and industrial settings, where they mitigate the inductive effects of motors and transformers.
- Covers
- Fixed power factor correction capacitors
- Shunt capacitors for AC power systems
- High-voltage power capacitors for 50/60 Hz grids
- Capacitor banks for industrial reactive power compensation
- Oil-filled power capacitors exceeding 0.5 kvar
- 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. Power capacitors are frequently confused with other fixed capacitors classified under subheadings 8532.21 through 8532.29. The primary distinction is the reactive power capacity; if a capacitor has a rating of less than 0.5 kvar, it cannot be classified under 8532.10, even if it is used in a power circuit. Additionally, variable or adjustable capacitors are classified under 8532.30, regardless of their power rating. Another common error involves motor-run or motor-start capacitors; if these do not meet the 0.5 kvar threshold, they belong in the general fixed capacitor categories rather than the power capacitor subheading. It is also important to distinguish these from power transformers (8504), which change voltage rather than storing charge.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853210 (the code used for power capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853210 (the code used for power 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 power 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 power capacitors
Brazil classifies power 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 power capacitors
What is the HS code for Power capacitors?
The HS code for Power 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 power capacitors designed for 50/60 Hz circuits with a capacity of 0.5 kvar or more is 8532.10.
How do I classify Power capacitors for customs?
Power 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.
Does this code include capacitors for DC circuits?
No, HS code 8532.10 specifically specifies use in 50/60 Hz (AC) circuits. Capacitors for DC applications are generally classified under other subheadings of 8532 based on their dielectric material, such as ceramic, tantalum, or aluminum electrolytic.
Which countries are the top exporters of power capacitors (HS 853210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853210 (the code used for power 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 power capacitors (HS 853210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853210 (the code used for power 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 Power capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853210 for Power 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 power capacitors in Brazil?
In Brazil, power capacitors (HS 853210) is classified under NCM 8532.10.00.