Product classification
HS code for Surge protector: 8535.40
Electrical apparatus, lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts).
Classification of surge protector under HS 8535.40
The surge protector described by HS code 8535.40 is an industrial-grade electrical apparatus designed for high-voltage systems. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8535 is specifically 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 covers lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors. These devices are critical for protecting power grids and heavy industrial machinery from sudden spikes in voltage caused by lightning strikes or switching surges. Unlike consumer-grade power strips, these are heavy-duty components used in substations or large-scale electrical distributions. The classification is strictly determined by the voltage rating; if the device is rated for 1,000 volts or less, it cannot be classified here. This code is essential for the heavy electrical engineering and utility sectors.
- Covers
- High-voltage lightning arresters
- Substation surge arresters
- Transmission line voltage limiters
- Industrial surge suppressors for >1000V systems
- Gas discharge tube arresters for high-voltage protection
- 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 common misclassification is confusing 8535.40 with 8536.30. HS code 8536.30 is for surge suppressors and voltage limiters designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts, which includes almost all household and office surge protectors. Another error is using 8537, which covers boards, panels, and consoles equipped with two or more apparatuses of heading 8535 or 8536. If the surge protector is a standalone component for high voltage, 8535.40 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853540 (the code used for surge protector), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853540 (the code used for surge protector) 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 protector.
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 protector
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 protector
What is the HS code for Surge protector?
The HS code for Surge protector is 853540 (Electrical apparatus; lightning arresters, voltage limiters and surge suppressors (for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts)). For industrial surge protectors and lightning arresters exceeding 1,000 volts, the HS code is 8535.40. For consumer versions under 1,000 volts, use 8536.30.
How do I classify Surge protector for customs?
Surge protector 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 code include power strips with surge protection?
Generally, no. Most power strips are rated for 110V-240V and are classified under 8536.30 or 8537.10. HS code 8535.40 is reserved for high-voltage industrial equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of surge protector (HS 853540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853540 (the code used for surge protector) 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 protector (HS 853540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853540 (the code used for surge protector) 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 protector the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853540 for Surge protector 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 protector in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853540 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for surge protector 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).