Product classification
HS code for Surge arrester: 8535.40
Electrical apparatus, lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts).
Classification of surge arrester under HS 8535.40
Surge arresters designed for high-voltage systems are classified under HS code 8535.40. This code is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8535 is specifically reserved for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Subheading 8535.40 explicitly includes lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors. These devices are critical infrastructure components used to protect transformers and switchgear from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes or switching transients. The classification is determined by the rated operating voltage of the device; it must be engineered to handle potentials above 1kV to remain within this heading.
- Covers
- High-voltage lightning arresters
- Station-class surge arresters
- Intermediate-class surge suppressors (>1000V)
- Distribution-class surge arresters for power lines
- Polymer-housed surge limiters for substations
- Also under 8535.40
- Siemens 3EK7
- ABB PEXLIM
- Eaton Cooper Power Systems
- Hubbell Power Systems
- GE Alstom P420
Codes often confused with 8535.40
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8536.30, which covers surge suppressors for voltages not exceeding 1,000 volts (such as household power strips or residential surge protectors). It is vital to verify the voltage rating on the technical specification sheet. Additionally, simple fuses are classified under 8535.10, and should not be confused with the active voltage-limiting function of a surge arrester.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853540 (the code used for surge arrester), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853540 (the code used for surge arrester) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 853540, not only surge arrester.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $178M 22% of world exports
- 2 China $146M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $79M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $826M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $102M 11% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $63M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $42M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $896M 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 surge arrester
Brazil splits HS 8535.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8535.40.10Lightning arresters for power transmission lines
- 8535.40.90Other HV arresters, limiters and surge suppressors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about surge arrester
What is the HS code for Surge arrester?
The HS code for Surge arrester is 853540 (Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts)). For systems exceeding 1,000 volts, the HS code is 8535.40. For lower voltages, use 8536.30.
How do I classify Surge arrester for customs?
Surge arrester is classified under HS code 853540 — Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include lightning rods?
No, simple lightning rods (passive conductors) are typically classified by their constituent material (e.g., copper or steel) in Chapter 73 or 74, as they are not electrical "apparatus" in the sense of heading 8535.
Which countries are the top exporters of surge arrester (HS 853540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853540 (the code used for surge arrester) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($178M, 22% of world exports), China ($146M) and the United States ($79M). World exports came to about $826M, 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 surge arrester (HS 853540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853540 (the code used for surge arrester) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($102M, 11% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($63M) and Germany ($42M). World imports came to about $896M, 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 Surge arrester the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853540 for Surge arrester 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 surge arrester in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853540 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for surge arrester depends on the product's details: 8535.40.10 (Lightning arresters for power transmission lines), 8535.40.90 (Other HV arresters, limiters and surge suppressors).