Product classification
HS code for Switchgear cabinet: 8538.10
Electrical apparatus, parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus.
Classification of switchgear cabinet under HS 8538.10
The classification of switchgear cabinets under HS code 8538.10 is determined by their specific function as essential structural components for electrical control and distribution systems. According to the Harmonized System, heading 8538 covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8537, which includes boards, panels, consoles, and desks for electric control or the distribution of electricity. Specifically, subheading 8538.10 is reserved for boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, and other bases for the goods of heading 8537, provided they are not equipped with their electrical apparatus. This means the cabinet is imported as an empty enclosure or a structural frame designed to house electrical components like circuit breakers, switches, and relays at a later stage of assembly. The classification relies on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the cabinet is a dedicated housing for electrical distribution equipment, it is excluded from general metalwork categories and placed within the electrical machinery chapter. If the cabinet were imported with its internal electrical components already installed, it would move to heading 8537.
- Covers
- Empty metal enclosures for electrical switchgear
- Control panel frames without switches
- Distribution board cabinets without internal wiring
- Empty console bases for industrial control systems
- Modular cabinet systems for motor control centers
- Also under 8538.10
- Rittal AE enclosures
- Hoffman PROLINE cabinets
- Eldon mild steel enclosures
- Schneider Electric Spacial S3D
- Hammond Manufacturing CSD series
Codes often confused with 8538.10
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these items under HS code 8537.10 or 8537.20. These codes are reserved for panels and cabinets that are already equipped with two or more apparatuses of heading 8535 or 8536. Another common mistake is using HS code 7326.90, which covers general articles of iron or steel. However, because these cabinets are specifically designed and identifiable as parts for electrical control apparatus, heading 8538 takes precedence over general material classifications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853810 (the code used for switchgear cabinet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853810 (the code used for switchgear cabinet) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 10% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 853810, not only switchgear cabinet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $560M 10% of world exports
- 2 Italy $467M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $390M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $572M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $446M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $375M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $5.6B 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 code for switchgear cabinet
Brazil classifies switchgear cabinet under NCM 8538.10.00: HS 8538.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about switchgear cabinet
What is the HS code for Switchgear cabinet?
The HS code for Switchgear cabinet is 853810 (Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus). The HS code for an empty switchgear cabinet or base is 8538.10.
How do I classify Switchgear cabinet for customs?
Switchgear cabinet is classified under HS code 853810 — Electrical apparatus; parts (e.g. boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets, other bases), for goods of heading no. 8537, not equipped with their apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 8537 and 8538?
HS code 8537 is for complete, equipped electrical boards and panels, while 8538 is for parts of those boards, including the empty cabinets and enclosures.
Which countries are the top exporters of switchgear cabinet (HS 853810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853810 (the code used for switchgear cabinet) in UN Comtrade data were India ($560M, 10% of world exports), Italy ($467M) and Germany ($390M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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 switchgear cabinet (HS 853810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853810 (the code used for switchgear cabinet) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($572M, 10% of world imports), France ($446M) and Germany ($375M). World imports came to about $5.6B, 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 Switchgear cabinet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853810 for Switchgear cabinet 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 switchgear cabinet in Brazil?
In Brazil, switchgear cabinet (HS 853810) is classified under NCM 8538.10.00.