Product classification
HS code for Terminal block: 8536.90
Electrical apparatus, n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of terminal block under HS 8536.90
Terminal blocks are classified under HS code 8536.90. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8536 is reserved for 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. Since terminal blocks are used to connect wires and manage electrical distribution within a circuit without performing a switching or fuse function, they fall into the 'other' category of 8536.90. This code is a residual classification for connectors, terminals, and junction boxes that are not more specifically described in other subheadings of 8536. The classification depends on the rated voltage being 1,000V or less; equipment designed for higher voltages would move to heading 8535. Terminal blocks are essential components in industrial control panels, telecommunications, and power distribution, acting as a modular, insulated block that secures two or more wires together.
- Covers
- DIN rail mounted terminal blocks
- Screw-type terminal strips
- Push-in wire connectors
- Barrier terminal blocks
- PCB terminal blocks for circuit boards
- Also under 8536.90
- Wago terminal blocks
- Phoenix Contact connectors
- ABB fuse holders
- Eaton busbar systems
- HellermannTyton cable glands
Codes often confused with 8536.90
Common mistake. Terminal blocks are frequently misclassified under 8538.90, which covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536, or 8537. However, because terminal blocks are specifically mentioned in the Explanatory Notes for 8536 as an apparatus for making connections, they are treated as finished goods rather than parts. Another common error is using 8536.69, which is for plugs and sockets. While both facilitate connections, terminal blocks are generally semi-permanent fixtures for wiring rather than the quick-disconnect interface of a plug and socket.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853690 (the code used for terminal block), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853690 (the code used for terminal block) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 853690, not only terminal block.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $12.4B 23% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $6.4B 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $4.4B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $53.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $7.9B 14% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $5.5B 10% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $5.1B 9.2% of world imports
World total: $54.7B 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 terminal block
Brazil splits HS 8536.90 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8536.90.10Flat ribbon cable connectors
- 8536.90.20Sliding current collectors for overhead conductors
- 8536.90.30Sockets for electronic microstructures
- 8536.90.40Printed circuit board connectors
- 8536.90.50Capacitor connection terminals
- 8536.90.60Feedthrough connectors for hermetic compressors
- 8536.90.90Other low-voltage connecting apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about terminal block
What is the HS code for Terminal block?
The HS code for Terminal block is 853690 (Electrical apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts). The standard HS code for terminal blocks used in electrical circuits under 1,000 volts is 8536.90.
How do I classify Terminal block for customs?
Terminal block is classified under HS code 853690 — Electrical apparatus; n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are terminal blocks for high voltage classified here?
No. If the terminal block is designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts, it must be classified under heading 8535, specifically 8535.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of terminal block (HS 853690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853690 (the code used for terminal block) in UN Comtrade data were China ($12.4B, 23% of world exports), Hong Kong ($6.4B) and Germany ($4.4B). World exports came to about $53.8B, 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 terminal block (HS 853690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853690 (the code used for terminal block) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.9B, 14% of world imports), Hong Kong ($5.5B) and Mexico ($5.1B). World imports came to about $54.7B, 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 Terminal block the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853690 for Terminal block 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 terminal block in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853690 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for terminal block depends on the product's details: 8536.90.10 (Flat ribbon cable connectors), 8536.90.20 (Sliding current collectors for overhead conductors), 8536.90.30 (Sockets for electronic microstructures), 8536.90.40 (Printed circuit board connectors), 8536.90.50 (Capacitor connection terminals), 8536.90.60 (Feedthrough connectors for hermetic compressors), and more.