HS Code: 853529
Other automatic circuit breakers
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is one of the most technologically sophisticated chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial electrical equipment. Its core characteristic is devices that operate using electromagnetic energy, electrical energy, or electronic principles, but it explicitly excludes mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84 (unless their electrical parts constitute the main function). This chapter contains various commodities from simple switches to complex integrated circuits, and is a core chapter for the classification of electromechanical products.
Heading
Heading 8535 covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. It specifically includes: fuses, automatic circuit breakers, other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits, isolator switches, changeover switches, plugs and sockets, etc. This heading targets high-voltage electrical equipment and forms a clear boundary with low-voltage apparatus (8536). Automatic circuit breakers are a key category therein, used to automatically cut off circuits in the event of abnormal current (overload or short circuit), protecting the safety of the power system.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 35: indicates heading 8535, i.e., electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Digits 5-6, 29: indicates subheading 853529, i.e., "other automatic circuit breakers." Under heading 8535, automatic circuit breakers are first subdivided by voltage: 853521 is for automatic circuit breakers for a voltage of less than 72.5 kV; 853529 is for other (i.e., voltage ≥72.5 kV). Therefore, 853529 specifically refers to high-voltage automatic circuit breakers, usually used in transmission networks, substations, and similar scenarios.
Classification Basis
The commodity is an automatic circuit breaker, and the voltage exceeds 1,000 volts, so it is classified under 8535 rather than 8536 (low-voltage apparatus). Within 8535, because the voltage is not less than 72.5 kV, it is not classified under 853521 but should be classified under 853529. The difference from other subheadings under 8535 (such as fuses 853510 and isolator switches 853530) lies in the function: automatic circuit breakers can automatically cut off fault current and can be reused, whereas fuses are one-time use.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "high-voltage automatic circuit breaker" or "SF6 circuit breaker."
⚠️ Writing only "circuit breaker" without indicating the voltage level, or mistakenly writing "switch."
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if there is no brand, fill in "none."
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting the agent as the brand, or misspelling the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the product, which should be consistent with the physical nameplate.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or confusion with the series number.
Voltage
Rated voltage, in kilovolts (kV); it must be clearly stated whether it exceeds 72.5 kV.
⚠️ Writing only "high voltage" without providing a specific value, or mistakenly using volts as the unit.
Use
Briefly describe the application scenario, such as "used for transmission line protection in a 110 kV substation."
⚠️ The description is too general, such as "used in power systems."
Working principle
Explain the arc-extinguishing medium and operating method, such as "SF6 gas insulation, spring operating mechanism."
⚠️ Failure to mention the arc-extinguishing medium, leading to classification disputes.
Rated current
Fill in the rated current value, in amperes (A).
⚠️ Confusion with short-circuit current, or failure to fill it in.
Number of poles
Fill in the number of poles, such as single-pole or three-pole.
⚠️ Omission or mistakenly filling in the number of phases.
Example:
Product name: High-voltage automatic circuit breaker Brand: ABB Model: LTB 245D Voltage: 245 kV Use: Used for transmission line protection in a 245 kV substation Working principle: SF6 gas insulation, spring operating mechanism Rated current: 4000 A Number of poles: Three-pole (Note: The voltage in this example is ≥72.5 kV, so it is classified under 853529; if the voltage is less than 72.5 kV, it should be classified under 853521.)
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) Commodity function: automatic circuit breaker, capable of automatically opening the circuit under overload or short circuit; 2) Voltage level: must exceed 1,000 V, otherwise classified under 8536; 3) Within 8535, distinguish 853521 and 853529 according to whether the voltage is less than 72.5 kV. It is necessary to combine the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and customs classification decisions, with key review of the rated voltage and arc-extinguishing principle in the product specification sheet.
Confused Codes:
853521 - Automatic circuit breakers (voltage <72.5 kV)
The voltage is less than 72.5 kV, whereas 853529 is for voltage ≥72.5 kV. The core difference lies in the rated voltage value.
853530 - Isolating switches and make-and-break switches
Isolating switches have no arc-extinguishing device and cannot cut off fault current; they are only used to isolate circuits. Automatic circuit breakers can automatically cut off fault current.
853510 - Fuses
Fuses provide one-time protection and must be replaced after blowing; automatic circuit breakers can be reused and can be manually reset.
853590 - Other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits
Other apparatus such as surge suppressors and residual current devices have different functions from automatic circuit breakers and usually differ in voltage level or principle.
853620 - Automatic circuit breakers (voltage ≤1,000 V)
The voltage does not exceed 1,000 V, so it is a low-voltage automatic circuit breaker classified under 8536, whereas 853529 is high-voltage.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 853529?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Tariff rates may change due to trade agreements, country of origin, and other factors, so the latest tariff should prevail. At the same time, pay attention to regulatory conditions, such as whether CCC certification or an automatic import license is required.
Q: What is the main difference between 853529 and 853521?
A: The core difference lies in the rated voltage: 853521 applies to automatic circuit breakers with a voltage of less than 72.5 kV but exceeding 1,000 V; 853529 applies to automatic circuit breakers with a voltage of not less than 72.5 kV. Accurate voltage parameters must be provided during classification.
Q: How should the voltage parameter be filled in when declaring?
A: The rated voltage should be filled in, in kilovolts (kV), and it should be ensured that it is consistent with the product nameplate. If there are multiple voltage levels, the highest rated voltage shall prevail. Do not fill in the working voltage or test voltage, so as to avoid classification errors.
Q: How are automatic circuit breakers and isolating switches distinguished in classification?
A: Automatic circuit breakers have the ability to automatically cut off fault current and usually have arc-extinguishing devices and overcurrent protection; isolating switches are only used to isolate the power supply and cannot cut off fault current. Therefore, automatic circuit breakers are classified under 8535 or 8536, and isolating switches are classified under the corresponding subheadings of 8535 or 8536.
Q: What certifications are required for automatic circuit breakers exported to the EU?
A: CE certification is usually required, involving the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). If used in high-voltage power grids, compliance with IEC standards may also be required. The specific certification requirements depend on the product specifications and use, and it is advisable to consult a professional certification body.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of automatic circuit breakers, how should the HS code be selected?
A: First confirm the product voltage: if ≤1,000 V, classify under 8536; if >1,000 V, classify under 8535. Then, depending on whether the voltage is ≥72.5 kV, choose 853529 or 853521. Also pay attention to platform restrictions on the sale of high-voltage products and certification requirements.
Q: What consequences may result from incorrect classification?
A: It may lead to customs supplementary tax payment, fines, downgrading of the enterprise's credit rating, or even suspected smuggling. If export tax rebates are involved, the rebates already paid may also be recovered. Therefore, enterprises are advised to classify accurately and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
Q: How can I apply for advance classification?
A: Before the import or export of goods, an enterprise may submit an Application for Advance Classification to customs, providing commodity information, pictures, manuals, etc. After review, customs issues a Decision on Advance Classification, which is valid nationwide within the validity period. Applications may be made through the Single Window or directly to the competent customs office.
⚠️ 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.