Product classification
HS code for Power resistors: 8533.29
Electrical resistors, fixed, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors).
Classification of power resistors under HS 8533.29
Power resistors are classified under HS code 853329. This classification is part of Chapter 85, covering electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8533 specifically addresses electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, but excludes heating resistors. The classification of fixed resistors is divided based on their power handling capacity and material. Subheading 853329 is used for fixed resistors that have a power handling capacity exceeding 20 watts. These components are designed to dissipate large amounts of electrical energy as heat without failing, often featuring specialized housings, such as aluminum or ceramic, or integrated heat sinks. It is important to note that this code excludes carbon resistors and heating resistors. The primary criteria for 853329 are the fixed nature of the resistance and the high power rating, making it the standard code for industrial load resistors, braking resistors for motor drives, and power supply discharge resistors. The classification is strictly based on the technical specification of the resistor's wattage rating as provided by the manufacturer.
- Covers
- Ceramic-encased power resistors (>20W)
- Aluminum housed wirewound resistors
- Load bank resistors for power testing
- Dynamic braking resistors for VFDs
- High-power shunt resistors for current measurement
- Also under 8533.29
- Ohmite 200 series
- Vishay Dale RH series
- TE Connectivity Corcom series
- Caddock MP series
Codes often confused with 8533.29
Common mistake. Power resistors are frequently misclassified under HS code 851680, which is for electric heating resistors. While power resistors generate heat, their primary function is to provide resistance in a circuit, not to act as a heating element. Another common error is using 853321, which is for fixed resistors with a power handling capacity of 20 watts or less. Carbon resistors, regardless of their power rating, should be classified under 853310. Confusion also arises with variable resistors, which belong in subheadings 853331 through 853340.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853329 (the code used for power resistors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853329 (the code used for power resistors) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, 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 853329, not only power resistors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $140M 12% of world exports
- 2 Germany $131M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $125M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $164M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $106M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $88M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 resistors
Brazil classifies power resistors under NCM 8533.29.00: HS 8533.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about power resistors
What is the HS code for Power resistors?
The HS code for Power resistors is 853329 (Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors)). The HS code for fixed electrical resistors with a power handling capacity exceeding 20 watts is 853329.
How do I classify Power resistors for customs?
Power resistors is classified under HS code 853329 — Electrical resistors; fixed, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors and carbon resistors). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are heating elements classified as power resistors?
No, heating elements or resistors designed specifically for heating are classified under HS code 851680, not 853329.
Which countries are the top exporters of power resistors (HS 853329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853329 (the code used for power resistors) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($140M, 12% of world exports), Germany ($131M) and the United States ($125M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 resistors (HS 853329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853329 (the code used for power resistors) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($164M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($106M) and Germany ($88M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Power resistors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853329 for Power resistors 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 resistors in Brazil?
In Brazil, power resistors (HS 853329) is classified under NCM 8533.29.00.