Product classification

HS code for Power distribution panel: 8537.20

Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.

Classification of power distribution panel under HS 8537.20

Power distribution panels for high-voltage applications are classified under HS code 853720. This classification is part of heading 8537, which covers boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity. The sub-heading 8537.20 specifically applies to assemblies designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. These panels act as the central nervous system for electrical distribution in industrial plants, utility substations, and large commercial buildings. They integrate various components such as switches, fuses, and circuit breakers into a single housing to manage and protect electrical loads. The classification is based on the fact that the product is a complete assembly of components rather than an individual switching device, and its voltage rating exceeds the 1kV threshold.

Covers
  • High-voltage switchgear panels
  • Medium-voltage distribution boards
  • Substation control panels
  • Industrial power centers (>1000V)
  • Motor control centers (high voltage)
  • Metal-clad switchgear assemblies
Also under 8537.20
  • ABB UniGear ZS1
  • Siemens NXPLUS C
  • Eaton Magnum DS
  • Schneider Electric Premset
  • GE Grid Solutions switchgear

Codes often confused with 8537.20

Common mistake. Power distribution panels are often misclassified under HS code 8537.10, which is the code for panels operating at 1,000 volts or less (low voltage). Another common error is classifying the panel under 8538.10, which is reserved for parts of these panels (like empty cabinets) rather than the fully equipped assembly. Additionally, individual components like switches should be classified under 8535 or 8536, not 8537, unless they are part of a multi-component assembly.

8537.10Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts8538.10Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus85.35Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts85.36Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting electrical circuits, for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts; connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables85.37Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, bases with apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 for electricity control and distribution, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517)

Top exporters and importers of HS 853720 (the code used for power distribution panel), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853720 (the code used for power distribution panel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 853720, not only power distribution panel.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.6B
  2. 2 Germany $1.7B
  3. 3 Türkiye $547M

World total: $11.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.5B
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $640M
  3. 3 China $476M

World total: $10.9B 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 power distribution panel

Brazil splits HS 8537.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8537.20.10Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS), over 52 kV
  • 8537.20.90Other control boards and panels, over 1,000 V

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about power distribution panel

What is the HS code for Power distribution panel?

The HS code for Power distribution panel is 853720 (Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). For panels exceeding 1,000 volts, the HS code is 8537.20. For those 1,000 volts or less, it is 8537.10.

How do I classify Power distribution panel for customs?

Power distribution panel is classified under HS code 853720 — Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are programmable logic controllers (PLCs) included here?

Yes, if the PLC is integrated into a distribution or control panel, the entire assembly is typically classified under heading 8537.

Which countries are the top exporters of power distribution panel (HS 853720)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853720 (the code used for power distribution panel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($1.7B) and Türkiye ($547M). World exports came to about $11.5B, 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 distribution panel (HS 853720)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853720 (the code used for power distribution panel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($640M) and China ($476M). World imports came to about $10.9B, 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 distribution panel the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853720 for Power distribution panel 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 distribution panel in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 853720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for power distribution panel depends on the product's details: 8537.20.10 (Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS/HIS), over 52 kV), 8537.20.90 (Other control boards and panels, over 1,000 V).