Product classification
HS code for Residual current device: 8536.30
Electrical apparatus, for protecting electrical circuits, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of residual current device under HS 8536.30
A Residual Current Device (RCD) is classified under HS code 8536.30. This code is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Specifically, heading 85.36 applies to electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. Subheading 8536.30 is designated for "Other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits." RCDs, which include Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) and Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection (RCBOs), function by detecting a leakage of current and quickly disconnecting the circuit to prevent electric shock and fire. Because their primary function is the protection of the circuit and the user from leakage currents (rather than just simple overcurrent or short-circuit protection), they are categorized under the 8536.30 protection apparatus group. The classification is determined by the device's rated voltage (must be under 1000V) and its specific protective function within an electrical installation.
- Covers
- Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB)
- Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection (RCBO)
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
- Safety switches for leakage current detection
- Earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB)
- Plug-in RCD adapters for portable protection
- Also under 8536.30
- Siemens Sirius
- Schneider Electric TeSys
- ABB Emax 2
- Eaton XT
- Phoenix Contact VAL-MS
Codes often confused with 8536.30
Common mistake. RCDs are frequently misclassified under HS code 8536.20, which is specifically for automatic circuit breakers. While an RCBO does include circuit breaker functions, many customs authorities prefer 8536.30 for devices whose primary safety feature is residual current detection. Another common error is using HS code 8535.21 or 8535.29, which are for circuit breakers exceeding 1,000 volts. Using these codes for residential or commercial RCDs is incorrect as those are typically rated for 110V to 440V. Finally, they should not be confused with 8537.10, which covers complete boards or panels equipped with these devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853630 (the code used for residual current device), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853630 (the code used for residual current device) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 853630, not only residual current device.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $942M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $513M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $5.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $898M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $486M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 China $467M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $5.7B 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 residual current device
Brazil splits HS 8536.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8536.30.10Gas-filled spark gaps for circuit protection
- 8536.30.90Other low-voltage circuit protection apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about residual current device
What is the HS code for Residual current device?
The HS code for Residual current device is 853630 (Electrical apparatus; for protecting electrical circuits, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The standard HS code for a Residual Current Device (RCD) is 8536.30.
How do I classify Residual current device for customs?
Residual current device is classified under HS code 853630 — Electrical apparatus; for protecting electrical circuits, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can an RCD be classified under 8536.20?
While 8536.20 covers automatic circuit breakers, 8536.30 is generally more appropriate for RCDs/GFCIs because they provide specialized protection against earth leakage, though local customs rulings may vary if the device is primarily an overcurrent breaker.
Which countries are the top exporters of residual current device (HS 853630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853630 (the code used for residual current device) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 18% of world exports), Germany ($942M) and France ($513M). World exports came to about $5.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of residual current device (HS 853630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853630 (the code used for residual current device) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($898M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($486M) and China ($467M). World imports came to about $5.7B, 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 Residual current device the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853630 for Residual current device 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 residual current device in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853630 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for residual current device depends on the product's details: 8536.30.10 (Gas-filled spark gaps for circuit protection), 8536.30.90 (Other low-voltage circuit protection apparatus).