Chapter 85 — Electrical machinery
HS 8536 — Electrical switching / protecting apparatus (≤1,000 V)
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts — switches, plugs, sockets and connectors.
What falls under HS 8536?
Products commonly classified under this heading include:
- switches
- plugs and sockets
- connectors and terminals
- circuit breakers (low voltage)
These are examples, not a classification ruling. The exact code — and your duty rate — depend on the finished product and your destination country.
What moves your duty rate?
For goods under HS 8536, the rate you pay usually turns on:
- voltage and current rating
- whether it is a connector vs a protective device
- destination country certification (e.g. safety marks)
Duties vary widely by the full commodity code and destination. This page is a starting point — verify the rate with your customs broker before you commit.
Estimate your landed cost
Once you have a duty rate from your broker or the tariff schedule, put it into the landed-cost calculator with your product cost and freight to see the all-in number per unit. For the category-specific questions — supplier checks, compliance, freight — see the buyer's guide: Importing electronics accessories from China.
Not sure this is your code? Get a sourcing briefQuestions about HS 8536
Do plugs and sockets have their own HS heading?
Yes — low-voltage switching and connecting apparatus generally falls under 8536. The precise sub-code depends on the exact function and rating.