Product classification
HS code for Trimmer capacitors: 8532.30
Electrical capacitors, variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors.
Classification of trimmer capacitors under HS 8532.30
Trimmer capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.30, which is designated for variable or adjustable (pre-set) electrical capacitors. The classification logic is based on the component's ability to have its capacitance value modified after manufacture, typically for the purpose of fine-tuning or calibrating an electronic circuit. Unlike standard variable capacitors used for frequent user adjustment (like old radio tuning knobs), trimmer capacitors are usually adjusted only once during the assembly or maintenance process. Under Chapter 85, heading 8532 covers all electrical capacitors. The subheading 8532.30 is specifically reserved for those that are not "fixed," distinguishing them from the various fixed capacitor subheadings (8532.21 through 8532.29) based on their mechanical adjustability.
- Covers
- Ceramic trimmer capacitors
- Air dielectric trimmer capacitors
- Piston-style adjustable capacitors
- Film dielectric trimmers
- SMD (Surface Mount Device) trimmer capacitors
- Also under 8532.30
- Murata Trimmer Capacitors
- Vishay Variable Capacitors
- Sprague-Goodman Variable Capacitors
- Johanson Technology Variable Capacitors
Codes often confused with 8532.30
Common mistake. Trimmer capacitors are often confused with fixed capacitors classified under HS codes 8532.21 to 8532.29. The key difference is the presence of an adjustment screw or mechanism. They may also be misclassified under 8533.40 if mistaken for variable resistors (potentiometers or trimmers). It is critical to identify the component as a capacitor (storing charge) rather than a resistor (limiting current) to ensure the correct heading is applied.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853230 (the code used for trimmer capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853230 (the code used for trimmer capacitors) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 853230, not only trimmer capacitors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $93M 28% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $51M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $48M 14% of world exports
World total: $336M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $67M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $64M 15% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$36M 8.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $426M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 trimmer capacitors
Brazil splits HS 8532.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8532.30.10SMD variable or adjustable capacitors
- 8532.30.90Other variable or adjustable capacitors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about trimmer capacitors
What is the HS code for Trimmer capacitors?
The HS code for Trimmer capacitors is 853230 (Electrical capacitors; variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors). The HS code for trimmer capacitors, which are adjustable or pre-set capacitors, is 8532.30.
How do I classify Trimmer capacitors for customs?
Trimmer capacitors is classified under HS code 853230 — Electrical capacitors; variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do trimmer capacitors differ from fixed capacitors in the HS system?
Fixed capacitors have a permanent capacitance value and are classified under subheadings 8532.21-8532.29, while trimmer capacitors are adjustable and fall under 8532.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of trimmer capacitors (HS 853230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853230 (the code used for trimmer capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($93M, 28% of world exports), Hong Kong ($51M) and the United States ($48M). World exports came to about $336M, 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 trimmer capacitors (HS 853230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853230 (the code used for trimmer capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($67M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($64M) and Taiwan (about $36M). World imports came to about $426M, 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 Trimmer capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853230 for Trimmer capacitors 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 trimmer capacitors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853230 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for trimmer capacitors depends on the product's details: 8532.30.10 (SMD variable or adjustable capacitors), 8532.30.90 (Other variable or adjustable capacitors).