Product classification
HS code for Surge protection 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 surge protection device under HS 8536.30
The classification for surge protection devices (SPDs) is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which directs classification to the heading that provides the most specific description. Heading 8536 covers 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. Within this heading, subheading 8536.30 is designated for "other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits." These devices are essential for safeguarding sensitive electronic equipment from transient overvoltages caused by lightning or switching surges. They work by limiting the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold. Because these devices are designed for circuit protection and operate within the low-voltage range (typically 120V to 480V in industrial and residential settings), they are accurately placed under this code. This classification is further supported by the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, which clarify that 8536 includes devices that prevent damage to equipment by diverting excess voltage or limiting current flow.
- Covers
- Type 2 surge protective devices for installation in main distribution boards
- Type 3 surge protective devices for point-of-use protection
- DIN-rail mounted surge arresters for low-voltage control panels
- Transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) integrated into power distribution units
- Plug-in surge protectors designed for consumer electronics and home office equipment
- 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. A frequent error is classifying these devices under HS code 8535.40. However, 8535.40 is strictly reserved for apparatus used in circuits with a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts, such as high-voltage utility lines. Another common misclassification is 8536.20, which covers automatic circuit breakers. While both protect circuits, a circuit breaker responds to overcurrent (amperage), whereas an SPD responds to overvoltage. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8537.10, which is for boards or panels equipped with multiple apparatuses. If the SPD is imported as an individual component, 8536.30 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853630 (the code used for surge protection device), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853630 (the code used for surge protection 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 surge protection 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 surge protection 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 surge protection device
What is the HS code for Surge protection device?
The HS code for Surge protection device is 853630 (Electrical apparatus; for protecting electrical circuits, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The primary HS code for surge protection devices intended for use in systems with a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts is 8536.30.
How do I classify Surge protection device for customs?
Surge protection 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.
Is a surge protector the same as a circuit breaker?
No, they serve different functions. A circuit breaker (8536.20) protects against wiring damage from too much current, while a surge protector (8536.30) protects against voltage spikes.
Which countries are the top exporters of surge protection device (HS 853630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853630 (the code used for surge protection 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 surge protection device (HS 853630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853630 (the code used for surge protection 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 Surge protection device the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853630 for Surge protection 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 surge protection device in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853630 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for surge protection 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).