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 advanced chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial power equipment. Its core characteristic is devices that operate or transmit using electromagnetic energy or electrical energy, but excludes products separately specified in other chapters (such as mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84). Heading 8535 covers high-voltage switchgear, including electrical apparatus for switching, protecting, or connecting electrical circuits for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. It specifically includes high-voltage circuit breakers, disconnectors, load-break switches, fuses, lightning arresters, voltage limiters, surge suppressors, etc. These devices are used in power transmission and distribution systems to ensure safe switching and fault protection of circuits. First 2 digits 85: Chapter 85, representing electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 35: Heading 8535, specifically referring to high-voltage switchgear, for voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Digits 5-6, 90: Subheading 853590, indicating other high-voltage switchgear, i.e., apparatus not specifically named in the preceding subheadings of 8535. Under 8535, goods are usually subdivided by specific type, such as 853510 fuses, 853521 automatic circuit breakers, 853529 other circuit breakers, 853530 isolating switches, etc.; 853590 is a residual subheading. The goods are high-voltage switchgear but are not specifically listed in subheadings 853510 to 853540 (such as fuses, automatic circuit breakers, isolating switches, etc.), and are therefore classified under 853590. If they were low-voltage (≤1,000 volts) switches, they would be classified under 8536; if they were parts of high-voltage switches, they would be classified under 8538. 853590 covers apparatus not elsewhere specified, such as high-voltage load-break switches, high-voltage contactors, and high-voltage composite switchgear.
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 advanced chapters in the HS classification, covering a wide range of products from household appliances to industrial power equipment. Its core characteristic is devices that operate or transmit using electromagnetic energy or electrical energy, but excludes products separately specified in other chapters (such as mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84).
Heading
Heading 8535 covers high-voltage switchgear, including electrical apparatus for switching, protecting, or connecting electrical circuits for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. It specifically includes high-voltage circuit breakers, disconnectors, load-break switches, fuses, lightning arresters, voltage limiters, surge suppressors, etc. These devices are used in power transmission and distribution systems to ensure safe switching and fault protection of circuits.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: Chapter 85, representing electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 35: Heading 8535, specifically referring to high-voltage switchgear, for voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Digits 5-6, 90: Subheading 853590, indicating other high-voltage switchgear, i.e., apparatus not specifically named in the preceding subheadings of 8535. Under 8535, goods are usually subdivided by specific type, such as 853510 fuses, 853521 automatic circuit breakers, 853529 other circuit breakers, 853530 isolating switches, etc.; 853590 is a residual subheading.
Classification Basis
The goods are high-voltage switchgear but are not specifically listed in subheadings 853510 to 853540 (such as fuses, automatic circuit breakers, isolating switches, etc.), and are therefore classified under 853590. If they were low-voltage (≤1,000 volts) switches, they would be classified under 8536; if they were parts of high-voltage switches, they would be classified under 8538. 853590 covers apparatus not elsewhere specified, such as high-voltage load-break switches, high-voltage contactors, and high-voltage composite switchgear.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type of goods, such as "high-voltage load-break switch," "high-voltage contactor," etc. Use: Explain the use of the goods, such as for power transmission and distribution, industrial control, substations, etc. Brand: The manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: The product model, used to distinguish specific specifications. Voltage: The rated voltage value, which must be clearly higher than 1,000 volts, such as "10kV," "35kV." Brand Type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic brand," etc. Export Preference Status: If export preferences are involved, the corresponding code must be filled in. GTIN: Global Trade Item Number; if none, fill in "none." Product Name: high-voltage load-break switch; Use: load control for 10kV distribution lines; Brand: ABB; Model: SFL-12; Voltage: 12kV; Brand Type: foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: no preference; GTIN: none. Filling in a voltage lower than 1,000 volts, resulting in incorrect classification under 8536. Failing to distinguish between high-voltage switches and parts of high-voltage switches; parts should be classified under 8538. Incorrectly classifying high-voltage fuses under 853590 when they should actually be classified under 853510.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the type of goods, such as "high-voltage load-break switch," "high-voltage contactor," etc.
⚠️ Filling in "switch" or "electrical equipment" in general terms without reflecting the high-voltage characteristic.
Use
Explain the use of the goods, such as for power transmission and distribution, industrial control, substations, etc.
⚠️ Filling in "for circuits" is too broad and does not specify the specific scenario.
Brand
The manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Mistaking the trader's name for the brand.
Model
The product model, used to distinguish specific specifications.
⚠️ Confusing the model with the series number, or filling it in incompletely.
Voltage
The rated voltage value, which must be clearly higher than 1,000 volts, such as "10kV," "35kV."
⚠️ Failing to indicate voltage or incorrectly filling in a low-voltage value, resulting in misclassification.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)," "domestic brand," etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the brand type declaration, or selecting it incorrectly.
Export Preference Status
If export preferences are involved, the corresponding code must be filled in.
⚠️ Failing to fill in "no preference" when not applicable.
GTIN
Global Trade Item Number; if none, fill in "none."
⚠️ Confusing GTIN with CAS number.
Example： Product Name: high-voltage load-break switch; Use: load control for 10kV distribution lines; Brand: ABB; Model: SFL-12; Voltage: 12kV; Brand Type: foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: no preference; GTIN: none.
Common Mistakes：
Filling in a voltage lower than 1,000 volts, resulting in incorrect classification under 8536.
Failing to distinguish between high-voltage switches and parts of high-voltage switches; parts should be classified under 8538.
Incorrectly classifying high-voltage fuses under 853590 when they should actually be classified under 853510.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the rated voltage of the goods exceeds 1,000 volts and whether their function is switching, protecting, or connecting circuits. If the voltage exceeds 1,000 volts and they are switchgear, they are classified under 8535. The subheading is then determined according to the specific type: fuses under 853510, automatic circuit breakers under 853521 or 853529, isolating switches under 853530, lightning arresters under 853540, and other apparatus not elsewhere specified under 853590. 853510 High-voltage fuses: 853510 specifically refers to high-voltage fuses, used for overload and short-circuit protection; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear, such as load-break switches and contactors. 853521 Automatic circuit breakers (voltage below 72.5kV): 853521 specifically refers to automatic circuit breakers with a voltage below 72.5kV; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear not elsewhere specified. 853530 Isolating switches and make-and-break switches: 853530 specifically refers to isolating switches and make-and-break switches; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear. 853540 Lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors: 853540 specifically refers to protective devices such as lightning arresters; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear. 8536 Low-voltage switchgear: 8536 applies to switching, protecting, or connecting apparatus for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts; 8535 applies to voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Is the voltage clearly exceeding 1,000 volts? Does it belong to switching, protecting, or connecting apparatus? Has it already been classified under a more specific subheading under 8535? Is it a part of a high-voltage switch? If so, it should be classified under 8538. Does it belong to another heading of Chapter 85? For example, transformers are classified under 8504.
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the rated voltage of the goods exceeds 1,000 volts and whether their function is switching, protecting, or connecting circuits. If the voltage exceeds 1,000 volts and they are switchgear, they are classified under 8535. The subheading is then determined according to the specific type: fuses under 853510, automatic circuit breakers under 853521 or 853529, isolating switches under 853530, lightning arresters under 853540, and other apparatus not elsewhere specified under 853590.
Confused Codes：
853510 - High-voltage fuses
853510 specifically refers to high-voltage fuses, used for overload and short-circuit protection; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear, such as load-break switches and contactors.
853521 specifically refers to automatic circuit breakers with a voltage below 72.5kV; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear not elsewhere specified.
853530 - Isolating switches and make-and-break switches
853530 specifically refers to isolating switches and make-and-break switches; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear.
853540 - Lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors
853540 specifically refers to protective devices such as lightning arresters; 853590 covers other high-voltage switchgear.
8536 - Low-voltage switchgear
8536 applies to switching, protecting, or connecting apparatus for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts; 8535 applies to voltage exceeding 1,000 volts.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the voltage clearly exceeding 1,000 volts?
✓ Does it belong to switching, protecting, or connecting apparatus?
✓ Has it already been classified under a more specific subheading under 8535?
✓ Is it a part of a high-voltage switch? If so, it should be classified under 8538.
✓ Does it belong to another heading of Chapter 85? For example, transformers are classified under 8504.
❓ FAQ
How can it be determined whether high-voltage switchgear should be classified under 8535 or 8536? The key is the rated voltage. If the voltage exceeds 1,000 volts, classify under 8535; if it does not exceed 1,000 volts, classify under 8536. Technical specifications or nameplate photos should be provided as evidence. Under which HS code should high-voltage switchgear cabinets be classified? High-voltage switchgear cabinets are usually composed of multiple high-voltage switchgear units. If their voltage exceeds 1,000 volts and they do not constitute a complete vehicle or complete set of equipment, they are generally classified under 8535 according to their main function, with the specific subheading determined by the type of apparatus. If they are complete sets of equipment, they may be classified under 8537. In the declaration elements for 853590, how should voltage be filled in? The rated voltage value should be filled in, with the unit indicated (such as kV). It must be ensured that the voltage value is greater than 1,000 volts; otherwise, it may be reclassified. What is the difference in classification between high-voltage load-break switches and high-voltage isolating switches? High-voltage isolating switches are classified under 853530, while high-voltage load-break switches, if not specifically named, are classified under 853590. Their functions differ: isolating switches are used to isolate the power source, while load-break switches are used for on-load switching. When importing high-voltage switchgear, what are the common points of attention in customs valuation? Customs will pay attention to whether the brand, model, and technical parameters are consistent with the declaration, and whether the price is affected by special relationships. It is recommended to retain original manufacturer invoices and technical materials for verification. Do goods under 853590 require commodity inspection for export? High-voltage switchgear is generally not subject to statutory inspection, but if safety certification (such as CCC) is involved, the corresponding certificate must be provided. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs regulations. How can the import tariff rate for 853590 be checked? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the International Trade Single Window, and the applicable rate is determined according to the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. Tariff rates are subject to adjustment, and the latest published rates should be used. Under which code should parts of high-voltage switchgear be classified? Dedicated parts of high-voltage switchgear are classified under 8538, but note that if the parts themselves are general-purpose parts (such as bolts), they are classified according to material.
Q: How can it be determined whether high-voltage switchgear should be classified under 8535 or 8536?
A: The key is the rated voltage. If the voltage exceeds 1,000 volts, classify under 8535; if it does not exceed 1,000 volts, classify under 8536. Technical specifications or nameplate photos should be provided as evidence.
Q: Under which HS code should high-voltage switchgear cabinets be classified?
A: High-voltage switchgear cabinets are usually composed of multiple high-voltage switchgear units. If their voltage exceeds 1,000 volts and they do not constitute a complete vehicle or complete set of equipment, they are generally classified under 8535 according to their main function, with the specific subheading determined by the type of apparatus. If they are complete sets of equipment, they may be classified under 8537.
Q: In the declaration elements for 853590, how should voltage be filled in?
A: The rated voltage value should be filled in, with the unit indicated (such as kV). It must be ensured that the voltage value is greater than 1,000 volts; otherwise, it may be reclassified.
Q: What is the difference in classification between high-voltage load-break switches and high-voltage isolating switches?
A: High-voltage isolating switches are classified under 853530, while high-voltage load-break switches, if not specifically named, are classified under 853590. Their functions differ: isolating switches are used to isolate the power source, while load-break switches are used for on-load switching.
Q: When importing high-voltage switchgear, what are the common points of attention in customs valuation?
A: Customs will pay attention to whether the brand, model, and technical parameters are consistent with the declaration, and whether the price is affected by special relationships. It is recommended to retain original manufacturer invoices and technical materials for verification.
Q: Do goods under 853590 require commodity inspection for export?
A: High-voltage switchgear is generally not subject to statutory inspection, but if safety certification (such as CCC) is involved, the corresponding certificate must be provided. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs regulations.
Q: How can the import tariff rate for 853590 be checked?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the International Trade Single Window, and the applicable rate is determined according to the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. Tariff rates are subject to adjustment, and the latest published rates should be used.
Q: Under which code should parts of high-voltage switchgear be classified?
A: Dedicated parts of high-voltage switchgear are classified under 8538, but note that if the parts themselves are general-purpose parts (such as bolts), they are classified according to material.
⚠️ 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.