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 the core chapter for electrical and electronic goods in the HS classification, involving a wide range of products such as power generation, transformation, distribution, consumption, and electronic components. Goods in this chapter typically have functions of electrical energy conversion, transmission, control, or storage, and constitute a major category in international trade with high technical content and diverse product types. Heading 8536 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 junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. This heading mainly targets control and connection devices in low-voltage circuits, excluding insulated wires and cables (8544) or printed circuits (8534). Code 853641 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4, 36, indicate heading 8536 (electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits); digits 5-6, 41, indicate subheading 853641, specifically relays, with a voltage not exceeding 60 volts. This subheading further distinguishes voltage levels; 60 volts is the key threshold for low-voltage relays, and relays exceeding 60 volts are classified under 853649. The goods are relays with a voltage of no more than 60V, which conforms to the description of heading 8536, 'electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits.' Relays are automatic control switches used to control large currents with small currents and are typical circuit control devices. Since the voltage does not exceed 60V, they are classified under subheading 853641, rather than 853649 (relays with voltage >60V) or 853650 (other switches).
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 the core chapter for electrical and electronic goods in the HS classification, involving a wide range of products such as power generation, transformation, distribution, consumption, and electronic components. Goods in this chapter typically have functions of electrical energy conversion, transmission, control, or storage, and constitute a major category in international trade with high technical content and diverse product types.
Heading
Heading 8536 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 junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. This heading mainly targets control and connection devices in low-voltage circuits, excluding insulated wires and cables (8544) or printed circuits (8534).
Digit Breakdown
Code 853641 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof); digits 3-4, 36, indicate heading 8536 (electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits); digits 5-6, 41, indicate subheading 853641, specifically relays, with a voltage not exceeding 60 volts. This subheading further distinguishes voltage levels; 60 volts is the key threshold for low-voltage relays, and relays exceeding 60 volts are classified under 853649.
Classification Basis
The goods are relays with a voltage of no more than 60V, which conforms to the description of heading 8536, 'electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits.' Relays are automatic control switches used to control large currents with small currents and are typical circuit control devices. Since the voltage does not exceed 60V, they are classified under subheading 853641, rather than 853649 (relays with voltage >60V) or 853650 (other switches).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'relay.' Use: Describe the application scenario of the relay, such as for automotive circuits, household appliances, industrial control, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand.' Model: Fill in the specific model of the product to distinguish different specifications under the same brand. Voltage: Specify the rated voltage of the relay, which must be ≤60V, such as '12V' or '24V.' Working Principle: Briefly describe the relay type, such as electromagnetic, solid-state, etc. Contains Mercury: Some relays may contain mercury and require environmental information declaration. Product Name: Electromagnetic relay; Use: For automotive central door lock control; Brand: OMRON; Model: G5V-1; Voltage: 12V; Working Principle: Electromagnetic; Contains Mercury: No. Declaring voltage exceeding 60V, leading to incorrect classification under 853649; the rated voltage must be accurately verified. Misreporting the relay as a 'switch,' which may lead to classification under 853650; note that relays are automatic control devices. Ignoring brand and model, causing customs to question the authenticity of the goods and affecting customs clearance speed.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'relay.'
⚠️ Incorrect declaration as 'switch' or 'contactor,' leading to classification disputes.
Use
Describe the application scenario of the relay, such as for automotive circuits, household appliances, industrial control, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as 'for electrical equipment,' lacking specificity.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly filling in the trader's name.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the product to distinguish different specifications under the same brand.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or inconsistent with the actual product.
Voltage
Specify the rated voltage of the relay, which must be ≤60V, such as '12V' or '24V.'
⚠️ Failure to indicate voltage or incorrect declaration as 220V, resulting in classification under 853649.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the relay type, such as electromagnetic, solid-state, etc.
⚠️ Confusing electromagnetic relays with solid-state relays, affecting classification.
Contains Mercury
Some relays may contain mercury and require environmental information declaration.
Example： Product Name: Electromagnetic relay; Use: For automotive central door lock control; Brand: OMRON; Model: G5V-1; Voltage: 12V; Working Principle: Electromagnetic; Contains Mercury: No.
Common Mistakes：
Declaring voltage exceeding 60V, leading to incorrect classification under 853649; the rated voltage must be accurately verified.
Misreporting the relay as a 'switch,' which may lead to classification under 853650; note that relays are automatic control devices.
Ignoring brand and model, causing customs to question the authenticity of the goods and affecting customs clearance speed.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1. Whether the product function is a circuit switching, protection, or connection device; 2. Whether the voltage does not exceed 60V; 3. Whether it is a relay rather than other switches. Relays achieve automatic control through electromagnetic or solid-state means and fall under 8536. Voltage is the key to distinguishing 853641 from 853649, with 60V as the critical point. At the same time, headings such as 8535 (>1000V) and 8537 (control panels) must be excluded. 853649 Other relays (voltage >60V): The core difference is voltage: 853641 is limited to ≤60V, while 853649 is >60V. The rated voltage must be accurately measured or verified at the time of declaration. 853650 Other switches: 853650 covers circuit switches not otherwise specified, but relays are specifically named, so relays are not classified here. If it is a manual switch, it is classified under 853650. 853590 Other circuit protection devices: 853590 is for circuit protection devices with voltage >1000V, while 853641 is for relays ≤60V; both voltage and function differ. 853710 Control panels/cabinets: 853710 is for boards, panels, cabinets, etc., equipped with multiple 8536 devices. If a relay is declared separately, it is classified under 853641; if assembled into a control cabinet, it is classified under 853710. Has it been confirmed that the product is a relay rather than other switches? Has it been confirmed that the rated voltage is ≤60V? Has complete information such as brand and model been provided? Has a distinction been made between electromagnetic and solid-state types? Have environmental requirements such as mercury content been checked?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1. Whether the product function is a circuit switching, protection, or connection device; 2. Whether the voltage does not exceed 60V; 3. Whether it is a relay rather than other switches. Relays achieve automatic control through electromagnetic or solid-state means and fall under 8536. Voltage is the key to distinguishing 853641 from 853649, with 60V as the critical point. At the same time, headings such as 8535 (>1000V) and 8537 (control panels) must be excluded.
Confused Codes：
853649 - Other relays (voltage >60V)
The core difference is voltage: 853641 is limited to ≤60V, while 853649 is >60V. The rated voltage must be accurately measured or verified at the time of declaration.
853650 - Other switches
853650 covers circuit switches not otherwise specified, but relays are specifically named, so relays are not classified here. If it is a manual switch, it is classified under 853650.
853590 - Other circuit protection devices
853590 is for circuit protection devices with voltage >1000V, while 853641 is for relays ≤60V; both voltage and function differ.
853710 - Control panels/cabinets
853710 is for boards, panels, cabinets, etc., equipped with multiple 8536 devices. If a relay is declared separately, it is classified under 853641; if assembled into a control cabinet, it is classified under 853710.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the product is a relay rather than other switches?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the rated voltage is ≤60V?
✓ Has complete information such as brand and model been provided?
✓ Has a distinction been made between electromagnetic and solid-state types?
✓ Have environmental requirements such as mercury content been checked?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tax rate for HS code 853641? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional classification platforms. Tax rates vary by country and trade agreement; it is recommended to refer to the latest customs tariff. If a relay voltage is exactly 60V, should it be classified under 853641 or 853649? 853641 requires voltage ≤60V, so 60V should be classified under 853641. If it exceeds 60V, such as 61V, it is classified under 853649. An accurate voltage value must be provided at the time of declaration. Are solid-state relays and electromagnetic relays classified the same? Both belong to relays, and as long as the voltage is ≤60V, both are classified under 853641. However, the working principle must be indicated at the time of declaration so that customs can confirm. If a relay is used in automobiles, is it classified under 853641? Automotive relays usually have a voltage of 12V or 24V, which meets ≤60V, so they are classified under 853641. However, note that automotive-specific relays may involve other chapters, such as Chapter 87, but are generally classified as electrical devices. What are the consequences of omitting the brand and model at the time of declaration? It may lead to failure of customs document review, requiring supplementary declaration, prolonging customs clearance time, and even penalties for inaccurate declaration. Complete declaration is recommended. How to distinguish 853641 from 853650? 853641 specifically refers to relays, while 853650 is for other switches. Relays are automatic control devices that control large currents with small currents; switches are usually manually operated. Distinguish based on function. Do relays exported to the EU require CE certification? Yes, relays are electrical equipment and usually need to comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or EMC Directive in CE certification. The specific requirement depends on voltage and use. How should a relay containing mercury be declared? It is necessary to indicate 'contains mercury' in the declaration elements and comply with the Minamata Convention on Mercury and domestic environmental regulations. Some countries prohibit the import of mercury-containing relays.
Q: How can I check the tax rate for HS code 853641?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional classification platforms. Tax rates vary by country and trade agreement; it is recommended to refer to the latest customs tariff.
Q: If a relay voltage is exactly 60V, should it be classified under 853641 or 853649?
A: 853641 requires voltage ≤60V, so 60V should be classified under 853641. If it exceeds 60V, such as 61V, it is classified under 853649. An accurate voltage value must be provided at the time of declaration.
Q: Are solid-state relays and electromagnetic relays classified the same?
A: Both belong to relays, and as long as the voltage is ≤60V, both are classified under 853641. However, the working principle must be indicated at the time of declaration so that customs can confirm.
Q: If a relay is used in automobiles, is it classified under 853641?
A: Automotive relays usually have a voltage of 12V or 24V, which meets ≤60V, so they are classified under 853641. However, note that automotive-specific relays may involve other chapters, such as Chapter 87, but are generally classified as electrical devices.
Q: What are the consequences of omitting the brand and model at the time of declaration?
A: It may lead to failure of customs document review, requiring supplementary declaration, prolonging customs clearance time, and even penalties for inaccurate declaration. Complete declaration is recommended.
Q: How to distinguish 853641 from 853650?
A: 853641 specifically refers to relays, while 853650 is for other switches. Relays are automatic control devices that control large currents with small currents; switches are usually manually operated. Distinguish based on function.
Q: Do relays exported to the EU require CE certification?
A: Yes, relays are electrical equipment and usually need to comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or EMC Directive in CE certification. The specific requirement depends on voltage and use.
Q: How should a relay containing mercury be declared?
A: It is necessary to indicate 'contains mercury' in the declaration elements and comply with the Minamata Convention on Mercury and domestic environmental regulations. Some countries prohibit the import of mercury-containing relays.
⚠️ 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.