Product classification
HS code for Variable capacitors: 8532.30
Electrical capacitors, variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors.
Classification of variable capacitors under HS 8532.30
Variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.30. This classification is governed by the technical characteristics of the component, which allow for the intentional and repeated variation of its capacitance. Heading 8532 covers all electrical capacitors, whether fixed, variable, or adjustable. Subheading 8532.30 specifically targets those units where the capacitance can be tuned, either by a user (variable) or during the manufacturing/maintenance process (adjustable/trimmers). The classification follows GRI 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions variable capacitors. These components are essential in tuning circuits, such as those found in radio frequency (RF) equipment, where the resonant frequency must be adjusted. The materials used, such as air, mica, or ceramic dielectrics, do not change the primary classification as long as the device remains a variable capacitor.
- Covers
- Air-dielectric variable capacitors
- Mica-dielectric trimmer capacitors
- Ceramic trimmer capacitors
- Vacuum variable capacitors
- Plastic film dielectric variable capacitors
- Differential variable 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. Variable capacitors are most commonly misclassified under HS code 8532.10, 8532.21, or 8532.29, which are reserved for fixed capacitors. Fixed capacitors have a set capacitance that cannot be altered. Another frequent error is classifying them under HS code 8533, which covers electrical resistors. While both are passive components, their physical properties and functions in a circuit are fundamentally different. Furthermore, if the capacitor is part of a larger assembly like a tuner module, it might be misclassified under 8529 as a part for radio transmission or reception equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853230 (the code used for variable capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853230 (the code used for variable 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 variable 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 variable 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 variable capacitors
What is the HS code for Variable capacitors?
The HS code for Variable capacitors is 853230 (Electrical capacitors; variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors). The HS code for variable or adjustable (pre-set) electrical capacitors is 8532.30.
How do I classify Variable capacitors for customs?
Variable capacitors is classified under HS code 853230 — Electrical capacitors; variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a variable and a trimmer capacitor?
A variable capacitor is designed for frequent adjustment by the end-user (e.g., a radio tuning knob), while a trimmer (or pre-set) capacitor is intended for occasional adjustment during the calibration of a device, usually requiring a tool like a screwdriver.
Which countries are the top exporters of variable capacitors (HS 853230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853230 (the code used for variable 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 variable capacitors (HS 853230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853230 (the code used for variable 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 Variable capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853230 for Variable 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 variable capacitors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853230 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for variable capacitors depends on the product's details: 8532.30.10 (SMD variable or adjustable capacitors), 8532.30.90 (Other variable or adjustable capacitors).