Product classification
HS code for Variable resistors: 8533.40
Electrical resistors, variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating).
Classification of variable resistors under HS 8533.40
Variable resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, are classified under HS code 853340. This classification is based on the product's function as an electrical component designed to provide a measurable and adjustable amount of electrical resistance. Heading 8533 covers all electrical resistors (including rheostats and potentiometers), other than heating resistors. Sub-heading 853340 specifically captures variable resistors that are not wirewound. These components are used across a vast array of electronic and electrical applications to control parameters such as volume, light intensity, or motor speed by varying the current or voltage in a circuit. The classification includes various technologies such as carbon film, cermet, and conductive plastic variable resistors, provided they are not designed for heating purposes (which would fall under 8516).
- Covers
- Carbon composition potentiometers
- Cermet variable resistors
- Slide potentiometers (faders)
- Trimmer resistors (trimpots)
- Industrial rheostats (non-wirewound)
- Joystick-controlled variable resistors
- Also under 8533.40
- Bourns 3386 series cermet trimmers
- ALPS RK09 series carbon pots
- Vishay Sfernice P16 series
- Honeywell RTY series rotary position sensors
Codes often confused with 8533.40
Common mistake. Variable resistors are often confused with wirewound variable resistors, which are classified under 853331 (for power handling < 20W) or 853339 (for power handling > 20W). It is critical to identify the resistive element material. Additionally, fixed resistors are classified under 853310 or 853321/853329. Some electronic sensors that change resistance based on physical stimuli (like thermistors) may also be confused with 853340 but have specific sub-headings within 8533.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853340 (the code used for variable resistors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853340 (the code used for variable resistors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% 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 853340, not only variable resistors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $935M 25% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $413M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $281M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $784M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $403M 11% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $339M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $3.7B 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 variable resistors
Brazil splits HS 8533.40 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8533.40.11Thermistors
- 8533.40.12Varistors for 1,000 V or less
- 8533.40.13Other varistors, over 1,000 V
- 8533.40.19Other non-linear semiconductor resistors
- 8533.40.91Carbon throttle position potentiometers
- 8533.40.92Other carbon potentiometers
- 8533.40.99Other variable resistors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about variable resistors
What is the HS code for Variable resistors?
The HS code for Variable resistors is 853340 (Electrical resistors; variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating)). The HS code for non-wirewound variable resistors, including potentiometers and rheostats, is 853340.
How do I classify Variable resistors for customs?
Variable resistors is classified under HS code 853340 — Electrical resistors; variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are volume knobs on radios classified here?
The internal component (the potentiometer) is classified under 853340, though the plastic knob itself, if shipped separately, would be classified under 3926.
Which countries are the top exporters of variable resistors (HS 853340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853340 (the code used for variable resistors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($935M, 25% of world exports), Hong Kong ($413M) and the United States ($281M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of variable resistors (HS 853340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853340 (the code used for variable resistors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($784M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($403M) and Hong Kong ($339M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 Variable resistors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853340 for Variable resistors 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 resistors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853340 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for variable resistors depends on the product's details: 8533.40.11 (Thermistors), 8533.40.12 (Varistors for 1,000 V or less), 8533.40.13 (Other varistors, over 1,000 V), 8533.40.19 (Other non-linear semiconductor resistors), 8533.40.91 (Carbon throttle position potentiometers), 8533.40.92 (Other carbon potentiometers), and more.