HS Code for Electrical Switches
Electrical switches are classified in chapter 85 of the HTSUS, at heading 8536, the provision for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting circuits at a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. The main branch is the function of the apparatus: automatic circuit breakers point toward subheading 8536.20, switches proper toward 8536.50, and connectors and other apparatus toward 8536.90. Within the switches subheading, the type of switch and its current rating shape the specific line. General duty rates are low; many switch and connector lines are Free, while molded-case circuit breakers and vehicle battery clamps are around 2.7%. Identifying what the apparatus does (break a circuit, switch it, or connect it) is the first step in exploring the most appropriate line.
HTS Codes for Electrical Switches
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8536.20.00.20 | Automatic circuit breakers, molded case Molded-case automatic circuit breakers for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V | 2.70% |
| 8536.50.40.00 | Motor starters Motor starters - a type of other switch within subheading 8536.50 | Free |
| 8536.50.70.00 | Electronic AC switches, electronic switches and electromechanical snap-action switches for a current not exceeding 11 amps Electronic AC switches, electronic switches and low-current electromechanical snap-action switches | Free |
| 8536.50.90.20 | Other switches, rated at not over 5 A Other switches rated at not over 5 A - a general switch line within 8536.50 | Free |
| 8536.90.40.00 | Terminals, electrical splices and electrical couplings; wafer probers Terminals, electrical splices and couplings, and wafer probers - connection apparatus within 8536.90 | Free |
| 8536.90.60.00 | Battery clamps of a kind used in motor vehicles of heading 8702, 8703, 8704 or 8711 Battery clamps for motor vehicles - a connection-apparatus line within 8536.90 | 2.70% |
| 8536.90.85.10 | Electrical distribution ducts Electrical distribution ducts (busways) - other apparatus within 8536.90 | Free |
How to Approach Classification for Electrical Switches
Electrical switches point toward heading 8536 of the HTSUS, within chapter 85, the provision for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. The heading gathers switches, relays, circuit breakers, fuses, connectors and similar low-voltage apparatus, so it is the natural starting point for a switch or its close relatives.
The first branch is the function of the apparatus. Automatic circuit breakers (which protect a circuit by interrupting it) point toward subheading 8536.20, with a breakout for molded-case breakers. Switches, which open and close a circuit, point toward subheading 8536.50. Connectors and other apparatus for making connections (terminals, splices, couplings and the like) point toward subheading 8536.90.
Within the switches subheading 8536.50, the specific line depends on the type of switch and its electrical rating. Motor starters have their own line; electronic AC switches, electronic switches and low-current electromechanical snap-action switches (not exceeding 11 amps) are grouped together; and other switches are broken out by current rating, such as those rated at not over 5 amps. So the switching technology and the amperage matter as much as the fact that the device is a switch.
A practical way to approach it is to identify first what the apparatus does (protect a circuit as a breaker, switch a circuit, or connect a circuit), then, for a switch, confirm its type and current rating. That sequence usually points toward a single most-appropriate subheading and line to explore. Because heading 8536 is limited to apparatus for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts, it is worth confirming the voltage: apparatus rated for more than 1,000 volts points toward heading 8535 instead, and assembled boards or panels equipped with switches point toward heading 8537 rather than the individual-apparatus heading 8536.
Duty Rate Overview
General duty rates under heading 8536 for switches and related apparatus are low. Many lines are Free, including motor starters, electronic and snap-action switches, other switches rated at not over 5 amps, terminals and couplings, and electrical distribution ducts. A few lines carry a modest rate: molded-case automatic circuit breakers and motor-vehicle battery clamps are around 2.7%. Because the rate follows the function and type of apparatus, confirming what the device does and how it is rated is worthwhile. Preferential rates under free trade agreements may reduce or eliminate these duties for qualifying origins. These figures are estimates for general planning purposes only.