Product classification
HS code for Switchboard: 8537.10
Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of switchboard under HS 8537.10
A switchboard is classified under HS code 8537.10 when it is designed for electrical control or the distribution of electricity at a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8537 specifically refers to boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536. These apparatuses include items like switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and relays. The defining characteristic of a switchboard under this code is that it is an assembly of components rather than a single switching device. It serves as a central hub for managing power within a circuit. Subheading 8537.10 is the standard classification for low-voltage switchboards used in residential, commercial, and most industrial applications. The classification remains here even if the board includes instruments for measuring or checking, provided the primary function is control or distribution.
- Covers
- Low-voltage distribution boards
- Motor control centers (MCC)
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) panels
- Electrical control consoles for machinery
- Lighting control panels
- Also under 8537.10
- Siemens SIVACON S8
- Schneider Electric PrismaSeT
- Eaton Pow-R-Line Xpert
- Rittal TS 8 enclosures
- Rockwell Automation control panels
Codes often confused with 8537.10
Common mistake. Switchboards are often misclassified under HS code 8535 or 8536. These headings are for individual electrical components like circuit breakers or switches when imported separately. Heading 8537 is only appropriate when these components are mounted together on a base as an assembly. Another common error is confusing the voltage; switchboards for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts must be classified under 8537.20. Furthermore, if a panel is designed specifically for telecommunications (like a telephone switchboard), it is classified under heading 8517 rather than 8537. Accurate classification depends on verifying the voltage rating and the presence of multiple control components.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853710 (the code used for switchboard), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853710 (the code used for switchboard) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 853710, not only switchboard.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $16.5B 17% of world exports
- 2 China $12.2B 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $8.7B 8.9% of world exports
World total: $98.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $20.2B 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $12.0B 13% of world imports
- 3 China $4.8B 5.1% of world imports
World total: $93.7B 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 switchboard
Brazil splits HS 8537.10 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8537.10.11CNC controls, 32-bit or more, colour monitor
- 8537.10.19Other CNC control units, up to 1,000 V
- 8537.10.20Programmable controllers (PLC)
- 8537.10.30Electric power demand controllers
- 8537.10.90Other control boards and panels, up to 1,000 V
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about switchboard
What is the HS code for Switchboard?
The HS code for Switchboard is 853710 (Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The HS code for a switchboard for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V is 8537.10.
How do I classify Switchboard for customs?
Switchboard is classified under HS code 853710 — Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases; for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the internal components like circuit breakers?
Yes, HS code 8537.10 covers the entire assembly, including the housing and all the internal electrical components mounted within it.
Which countries are the top exporters of switchboard (HS 853710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853710 (the code used for switchboard) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($16.5B, 17% of world exports), China ($12.2B) and Mexico ($8.7B). World exports came to about $98.2B, 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 switchboard (HS 853710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853710 (the code used for switchboard) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($20.2B, 22% of world imports), Germany ($12.0B) and China ($4.8B). World imports came to about $93.7B, 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 Switchboard the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853710 for Switchboard 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 switchboard in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853710 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for switchboard depends on the product's details: 8537.10.11 (CNC controls, 32-bit or more, colour monitor), 8537.10.19 (Other CNC control units, up to 1,000 V), 8537.10.20 (Programmable controllers (PLC)), 8537.10.30 (Electric power demand controllers), 8537.10.90 (Other control boards and panels, up to 1,000 V).