Product classification
HS code for Wirewound potentiometers: 8533.31
Electrical resistors, wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (excluding heating).
Classification of wirewound potentiometers under HS 8533.31
Wirewound potentiometers are classified under HS code 8533.31. This classification is determined by the product's identity as an electrical resistor (heading 8533) and its specific mechanical design as a wirewound variable resistor. Subheading 8533.31 is reserved for wirewound variable resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, that have a power handling capacity not exceeding 20 Watts. These components consist of a resistive element made of insulated wire wound around a core, with a sliding contact (wiper) that allows the user to adjust the resistance. The classification logic follows GRI 1, as the product is explicitly named in the heading and subheading descriptions. The 20W threshold is a critical technical boundary; if the potentiometer is designed to handle more than 20W, it would move to subheading 8533.39. These devices are essential in electronic circuits for controlling voltage or current, such as in volume controls or calibration equipment.
- Covers
- Precision wirewound potentiometers
- Wirewound rheostats (<= 20W)
- Multi-turn wirewound potentiometers
- Single-turn wirewound variable resistors
- Panel-mount wirewound pots
- Also under 8533.31
- Bourns 3362 series trimpots
- ALPS RK27 series audio pots
- Vishay Spectrol 132 series
- Panasonic EVU series
Codes often confused with 8533.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 8533.31 and 8533.39. The latter is used for wirewound variable resistors with a power handling capacity exceeding 20W. Importers must verify the technical datasheet to ensure the wattage rating is correct. Another error is classifying them under 8533.40, which covers "other" variable resistors. However, 8533.40 is intended for non-wirewound types, such as carbon composition or cermet potentiometers. If the resistive element is wire, 8533.31 or 8533.39 must be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853331 (the code used for wirewound potentiometers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853331 (the code used for wirewound potentiometers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 853331, not only wirewound potentiometers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $22M 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $13M 14% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $13M 13% of world exports
World total: $94M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $14M 13% of world imports
- 2 China $12M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.4M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $109M 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 wirewound potentiometers
Brazil splits HS 8533.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8533.31.10Wirewound potentiometers, up to 20 W
- 8533.31.90Other wirewound variable resistors, up to 20 W
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wirewound potentiometers
What is the HS code for Wirewound potentiometers?
The HS code for Wirewound potentiometers is 853331 (Electrical resistors; wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (excluding heating)). The HS code for wirewound potentiometers with a power capacity of 20W or less is 8533.31.
How do I classify Wirewound potentiometers for customs?
Wirewound potentiometers is classified under HS code 853331 — Electrical resistors; wirewound variable, including rheostats and potentiometers, for a power handling capacity not exceeding 20W (excluding heating). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between HS 8533.31 and 8533.40?
Classification depends on the material of the resistive element. If it is made of wound wire, use 8533.31. If it is made of carbon, cermet, or other materials, use 8533.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of wirewound potentiometers (HS 853331)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853331 (the code used for wirewound potentiometers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($22M, 24% of world exports), Germany ($13M) and Mexico ($13M). World exports came to about $94M, 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 wirewound potentiometers (HS 853331)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853331 (the code used for wirewound potentiometers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($14M, 13% of world imports), China ($12M) and Germany ($9.4M). World imports came to about $109M, 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 Wirewound potentiometers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853331 for Wirewound potentiometers 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 wirewound potentiometers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853331 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for wirewound potentiometers depends on the product's details: 8533.31.10 (Wirewound potentiometers, up to 20 W), 8533.31.90 (Other wirewound variable resistors, up to 20 W).