HS 853590 Other
Quick Answer: Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 8535, enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US at 2.7% (MFN). This residual category, HS 853590, captures a wide array of electrical equipment such as disconnect switches, fuses, and surge protectors not covered by more specific subheadings within 8535. Importers should carefully review the specific product's function to ensure it is correctly classified here, as misclassification can lead to incorrect duty assessments. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the need for precise classification to navigate varying duty rates across major markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8535900000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8535900010 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8535900089 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8535900000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8535900010 | 2.70 % | — | — |
| 8535900089 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 853590 | — | — | — |
| 85359080 | 2.7% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 8535908040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8535904000 | 2.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 8535908020 | — | — | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8535.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 853590 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, not elsewhere specified under heading 8535. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS and EU TARIC, this includes items such as certain types of electrical connectors, terminal blocks, and other specialized electrical connection devices not specifically enumerated in more precise subheadings within 8535. The key is that they are designed for electrical circuits and are not covered by more specific classifications.
What falls outside HS 853590?
The following products are excluded from HS 853590: electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, that are specifically classified under other subheadings of heading 8535, such as circuit breakers (8535.20), switches (8535.30), or fuses (8535.10). Additionally, items like electrical wiring, cables, and plugs and sockets for domestic or similar purposes (Chapter 85, other headings) or components for electronic circuits are not classified here. For instance, a simple wire nut connector for household wiring would likely fall under a different classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853590?
A common error is misclassifying components that are part of a larger electrical assembly or system. For example, if an electrical connection device is integral to a specific piece of machinery or equipment that has its own HS classification, the connection device may be classified with the main unit rather than as "other" under 853590. This often relates to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) concerning mixtures or composite goods. Importers may also incorrectly classify simple electrical connectors intended for consumer electronics under this heading.
How should importers classify products under HS 853590?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853590 involves a thorough examination of the product's function, construction, and intended use, referencing the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product falls under any more specific subheading within heading 8535. If it is an electrical apparatus for switching, protecting, or making connections in electrical circuits, and it is not specifically listed elsewhere in 8535, then 853590 becomes the appropriate classification. Consulting the official tariff database for the importing country is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853590?
A specific type of industrial electrical terminal block, weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $100 USD, would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) ad valorem duty rate of 3.5% applied to the declared value ($100 USD × 3.5% = $3.50). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8535.90.0000, which is the typical classification for such items.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853590?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853590, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a compliant origin declaration is required. Additionally, agreements like the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement can lead to preferential rates, potentially free trade, for originating goods between the EU and the UK, requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 853590?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 853590, which covers 'Other' electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, typically falls around 2.00% to 3.5% ad valorem in many major economies. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general rate is 2.70% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff may also show similar rates, though specific rates can vary based on origin and product specifics. Always consult the most current tariff schedule for the importing country.
How do preferential trade agreements affect duties for HS 853590?
Preferential trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods classified under HS 853590. For instance, the US HTS lists 'Free' duty rates for imports from countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) under specific trade agreements. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements for the applicable trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim preferential treatment. This often includes a certificate of origin or a declaration by the exporter.
What criteria determine if a product falls under HS 853590 ('Other')?
HS code 853590 is a residual category for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits that are not specifically covered by other headings within Chapter 85. This includes items like certain types of busbars, electrical connectors not elsewhere specified, and specialized electrical enclosures or housings for switching or protection devices, provided they are designed for circuits with a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. Classification relies on the specific function and design of the apparatus, ensuring it is not more appropriately classified under headings like 8535.10 (fuses), 8535.20 (automatic circuit breakers), or 8535.30 (switches).
How is the import duty calculated for HS 853590, and can you provide an example?
Import duty for HS 853590 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of electrical apparatus classified under HS 853590 has a customs value of $10,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 2.70%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 * 0.027 = $270. In some cases, specific duties (per unit) or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties may apply, depending on the importing country's tariff schedule. Always verify the exact duty calculation method and rate.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS 853590?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS 853590 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must provide a clear and accurate description of the electrical apparatus to justify the HS classification. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or exporter's declaration is mandatory. Depending on the importing country and the specific product, additional certifications related to electrical safety standards (e.g., CE marking for the EU) might also be required by customs or other regulatory agencies.