Product classification
HS code for Wire connector: 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 wire connector under HS 8536.90
Wire connectors are classified under HS code 8536.90. This heading covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders, and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. Wire connectors fall under the 'other' category (8536.90) because they are essential components used to join electrical conductors together. The classification is determined by the product's function as a connection point within an electrical system and its voltage rating. Most standard industrial and household wire connectors operate well below the 1,000-volt threshold. These items are made of conductive materials (like copper or brass) often housed in insulating plastic or ceramic. Under the Harmonized System, the electrical function of the connector takes precedence over the material of the housing. This ensures that all components designed for circuit connectivity are grouped together for regulatory and statistical purposes.
- Covers
- Insulated twist-on wire connectors (wire nuts)
- Electrical terminal blocks
- Crimp-on lugs and terminals
- Push-in wire connectors
- Solderless splice connectors
- Ring and spade terminals
- 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. Wire connectors are often misclassified under 8544, which is the code for insulated wire and cable. While connectors are used with wire, they are distinct 'apparatus' for making connections. Another common error is using 8535.90, which is only for apparatus exceeding 1,000 volts. Importers must verify the voltage rating to ensure they do not use the high-voltage code for standard connectors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853690 (the code used for wire connector), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853690 (the code used for wire connector) 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 wire connector.
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 wire connector
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 wire connector
What is the HS code for Wire connector?
The HS code for Wire connector 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 electrical wire connectors for use under 1,000 volts is 8536.90.
How do I classify Wire connector for customs?
Wire connector 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 fiber optic connectors classified under 8536.90?
No, fiber optic connectors have their own specific subheading, 8536.70, within the same heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of wire connector (HS 853690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853690 (the code used for wire connector) 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 wire connector (HS 853690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853690 (the code used for wire connector) 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 Wire connector the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853690 for Wire connector 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 wire connector in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853690 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for wire connector 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.