Product classification
HS code for Power rheostats: 8533.39
Electrical resistors, wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (excluding heating).
Classification of power rheostats under HS 8533.39
Power rheostats are classified under HS code 8533.39, which covers wirewound variable resistors with a power handling capacity exceeding 20 watts. Heading 8533 includes all electrical resistors except for heating resistors. Rheostats are a specific type of variable resistor used to control current by varying resistance. The classification into 8533.39 requires two criteria to be met: the resistive element must be wirewound (typically a metal wire wrapped around a ceramic core), and the power rating must be greater than 20W. These devices are commonly used in industrial settings for motor speed control, generator excitation, and laboratory equipment where high power dissipation is required. The classification is based on the physical construction and the electrical capacity of the component. If the resistor were fixed rather than variable, it would move to 8533.29. If it were a variable resistor but not wirewound (such as a carbon track potentiometer), it would be classified under 8533.40. The HSEN for 8533 explains that variable resistors usually consist of a resistive element with a sliding contact. For power rheostats, the wirewound nature is essential for handling the heat generated by high current. This code is vital for ensuring that heavy-duty industrial components are distinguished from low-power electronic potentiometers used in consumer electronics.
- Covers
- High-power wirewound rheostats
- Industrial motor control rheostats
- Heavy-duty wirewound potentiometers (>20W)
- Toroidal power rheostats
- Slide-wire rheostats for laboratory use (>20W)
- Also under 8533.39
- Ohmite RLS series rheostats
- Vishay Sfernice P11 series
- TE Connectivity CGS series
- Bourns 3500 series
Codes often confused with 8533.39
Common mistake. Power rheostats are often misclassified under 8533.40, which is for "other" variable resistors. However, if the resistor is wirewound, 8533.31 or 8533.39 must be used. Another common error is confusing them with heating resistors (8516.80); while rheostats generate heat, their purpose is to control current, not to provide heat. Finally, if the power rating is 20W or less, it must be classified under 8533.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853339 (the code used for power rheostats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853339 (the code used for power rheostats) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 19% 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 853339, not only power rheostats.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $10M 17% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$6.4M 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $5.7M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $24M 19% of world imports
- 2 India $12M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $127M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 rheostats
Brazil splits HS 8533.39 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8533.39.10Wirewound potentiometers, over 20 W
- 8533.39.90Other wirewound variable resistors, over 20 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about power rheostats
What is the HS code for Power rheostats?
The HS code for Power rheostats is 853339 (Electrical resistors; wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (excluding heating)). The HS code for wirewound variable resistors (rheostats) with a power handling capacity exceeding 20W is 8533.39.
How do I classify Power rheostats for customs?
Power rheostats is classified under HS code 853339 — Electrical resistors; wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity exceeding 20W (excluding heating). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a rheostat and a potentiometer in this code?
In the context of HS 8533.39, both are classified here if they are wirewound and exceed 20W. A rheostat typically uses two terminals to vary current, while a potentiometer uses three to vary voltage, but the HS code treats them similarly based on construction.
Which countries are the top exporters of power rheostats (HS 853339)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853339 (the code used for power rheostats) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10M, 17% of world exports), Taiwan (about $6.4M) and Germany ($5.7M). World exports came to about $62M, 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 rheostats (HS 853339)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853339 (the code used for power rheostats) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($24M, 19% of world imports), India ($12M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $127M, 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 rheostats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853339 for Power rheostats 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 rheostats in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853339 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for power rheostats depends on the product's details: 8533.39.10 (Wirewound potentiometers, over 20 W), 8533.39.90 (Other wirewound variable resistors, over 20 W).