HS Code: 853290
Capacitor components
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the most concentrated chapter for electromechanical products in the HS classification, involving a wide range of commodities from household appliances to industrial electronic components. Capacitors, as basic electronic components, have their parts classified in this chapter, reflecting the independent status of electronic components in the electrical equipment classification system.
Heading
Heading 8532 covers fixed, variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors. It includes various types of power capacitors, ceramic capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, film capacitors, etc. This heading includes not only complete capacitors but also their dedicated parts, such as capacitor parts listed under 8532.90. The heading structure divides subheadings by capacitor type, with parts listed separately in the last subheading, reflecting the distinction between complete articles and parts.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., electric motors, electrical equipment and their parts; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and their parts and accessories. Digits 3-4: 32 indicates heading 8532, specifically fixed, variable or adjustable (pre-set) capacitors. Digits 5-6: 90 indicates subheading 8532.90, i.e., parts of capacitors. This subheading is specifically for classifying dedicated parts of capacitors, such as electrode plates, dielectrics, casings, leads, etc., but does not include general-purpose electronic components.
Classification Basis
The commodity is a part of a capacitor, not a complete capacitor. According to HS classification rules, if a part is a dedicated part of goods listed under a heading and does not constitute a complete article, it should be classified under the parts subheading of that heading. Therefore, capacitor parts should be classified under 8532.90, rather than other subheadings of 8532 (complete capacitors) or 8548 (electrical parts not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter).

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the use and material of the part, such as 'aluminum foil for aluminum electrolytic capacitors' or 'ceramic dielectric for ceramic capacitors'.
⚠️ Declaring only as 'capacitor parts', which is too general and does not specify the specific type and use.
Use
Explain what type of capacitor the part is dedicated to (such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, film capacitors, etc.), and the final application field.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'for electronic equipment', without specifying the capacitor type.
Material
Declare the main material composition of the part, such as metal, ceramic, plastic, electrolyte, etc., which affects classification and tax rate.
⚠️ Incomplete material declaration, such as 'metal' without distinguishing the specific metal type.
Brand
Declare the brand or manufacturer name of the part; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Missing brand or incorrectly reporting the capacitor's brand instead of the part's brand.
Model
Declare the model or specification of the part to facilitate customs identification and classification.
⚠️ Unclear model declaration that does not match the actual goods.
Whether Dedicated Part
Declare whether the part is dedicated to capacitors or is a general-purpose part. Dedicated parts are classified under 8532.90; general-purpose parts may be classified under other headings.
⚠️ Misreporting general-purpose parts as dedicated parts, leading to classification errors.
Processing Method
Briefly describe the processing technique of the part, such as stamping, injection molding, sintering, etc., to assist in determining its dedication.
⚠️ Processing method description is too simple to reflect the characteristics of the part.
Example:
Customs declaration example: Product Name: Anode aluminum foil for aluminum electrolytic capacitors Use: Dedicated to aluminum electrolytic capacitors, as anode material Material: High-purity aluminum (purity 99.99%) Brand: SUN Model: A123 Whether Dedicated Part: Yes Processing Method: Rolling, etching, forming HS Code: 853290 Quantity: 1000 kg Unit Price: 10 USD/kg Total Price: 10000 USD
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core classification determination basis: First confirm whether the commodity is a dedicated part of a capacitor. According to HS notes, 8532.90 includes dedicated parts of capacitors, such as electrodes, dielectrics, casings, leads, etc. If the part is a general-purpose item (such as standard screws, general-purpose wires), it should not be classified under this heading. Second, exclude complete capacitors (8532.10-8532.30) and parts already listed under other headings of this chapter. Finally, refer to the definition of 'dedicated parts' in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, and make a comprehensive judgment based on the actual use and design characteristics of the commodity.
Confused Codes:
853210 - Fixed capacitors for 50/60 Hz circuits
This code is for complete capacitors, not parts. If declared as parts but actually complete capacitors, they should be classified under this code.
853221 - Tantalum capacitors
Complete tantalum capacitors are classified under this code; their dedicated parts are still classified under 8532.90.
853225 - Paper dielectric or plastic dielectric capacitors
Complete capacitors are classified under this code; parts need to be distinguished as to whether they are dedicated.
854800 - Electrical parts not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter
If capacitor parts are general-purpose or not clearly dedicated, they may be classified under this code.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: What is the difference in HS codes between capacitor parts and complete capacitors?
A: Complete capacitors are classified under the first few subheadings of 8532 (such as 8532.10, 8532.21, etc.), while dedicated capacitor parts are classified under 8532.90. The difference lies in whether the commodity has the function of a complete capacitor. If the part needs to be assembled with other components to become a capacitor, it is classified under 8532.90.
Q: How to determine whether a part is dedicated to capacitors?
A: Dedicated parts are usually designed, made of materials, and sized only for capacitors and cannot be used generally for other equipment. For example, anode aluminum foil for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, ceramic dielectric for ceramic capacitors, etc. If a part can be used generally for multiple electrical equipment, it may be classified under other headings.
Q: What is the most common error when declaring capacitor parts?
A: The most common errors are misreporting complete capacitors as parts, or misreporting general-purpose parts as dedicated parts. In addition, unclear declaration of material and use can easily lead to classification disputes. It is recommended to provide detailed commodity information and refer to the tariff notes.
Q: If capacitor parts are imported for repair, are there special classification provisions?
A: Classification does not change due to use (repair or production); they are still classified as parts under 8532.90. However, note that if repair parts are imported together with the complete machine, they may be classified as the complete machine, which needs to be judged based on the actual situation.
Q: How to check the tax rate for capacitor parts?
A: The tax rate needs to be checked according to the customs tariff of the specific country. China's import tax rate can be checked through the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' or the website of the General Administration of Customs. Note that tax rates may vary due to trade agreements, country of origin, and other factors.
Q: What declaration elements are required for exporting capacitor parts?
A: Export declaration elements are similar to imports, including product name, use, material, brand, model, whether dedicated part, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to consult the local customs or customs broker.
Q: Does 8532.90 include all capacitor parts?
A: No. 8532.90 only includes dedicated parts of capacitors. If the part is a general-purpose item, such as standard screws or general-purpose wires, it should be classified under other headings according to its own material or use, such as iron or steel screws under 7318.
Q: How to avoid classification errors for capacitor parts?
A: Recommendations: 1. Describe commodity characteristics in detail; 2. Refer to the Explanatory Notes and classification decisions; 3. Consult professional customs brokers or customs; 4. Apply for advance classification if necessary. Ensure declaration information is accurate and complete.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.