HS 853641 Relays
Quick Answer: Relays imported under HS 853641 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.30%, and the US at 2.7% under the MFN rate. This HS code specifically covers electrical relays with a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. These devices are used to control electrical circuits by opening or closing contacts, acting as electrically operated switches. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific subheadings and preferential duty rates available in the US, as indicated by CustomTariffs data. Careful classification is essential to ensure accurate duty assessment and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536410000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536411010 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536411020 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536419000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536411000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536410000 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536411000 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536411010 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536411020 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536411090 | 2.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85364100 | 2.7% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8536410005 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8536410030 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8536410050 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8536410020 | — | — | ["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 8536.41?
Imports of Relays 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 15 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 853641 cover?
This subheading covers electrical relays, specifically those designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this category includes a wide array of electromechanical and solid-state relays used for switching electrical circuits. These devices are essential for automation and control systems, operating based on a control signal to switch a separate circuit, and are typically characterized by their coil and contact configurations.
What falls outside HS 853641?
The following products are excluded from HS 853641: relays designed for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts, which are classified under HS 853649. Also excluded are switches, transmitters, and other devices that perform similar functions but are not specifically relays, such as push-button switches (HS 853650), automatic circuit breakers (HS 853620), or thermal relays (often classified under HS 853649 if not specifically covered elsewhere). The primary distinction lies in the relay's function of using a control signal to operate a switching mechanism.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853641?
A common error is misinterpreting the voltage rating, leading to classification under HS 853649 for relays exceeding 1,000 volts. Another mistake involves confusing relays with other types of electrical switches or control devices. For instance, a simple toggle switch, while a switching device, is not a relay and would be classified under HS 853650. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3 is crucial, ensuring the classification is based on the most specific heading and the essential character of the good.
How should importers classify products under HS 853641?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853641 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications. Importers and customs brokers must verify the voltage rating, ensuring it does not exceed 1,000 volts. They should also confirm the product's function as an electrical relay, operating via a control signal to switch a separate circuit. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes provides definitive guidance.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853641?
A 10-ampere, 24-volt DC industrial relay, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is $50 USD × 0.035 = $1.75. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 8536.41.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853641?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853641, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may also offer preferential rates, often Free, for goods from eligible developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the import duty for HS code 853641, "Relays, for a voltage not exceeding 60 V"?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 853641 is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, imports from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific trade agreement and verify eligibility based on the country of origin and product origin rules. For instance, under the USMCA, qualifying relays may have a 0% duty rate.
How is the import duty for HS 853641 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 853641 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if you import relays valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 2.00% ad valorem, the import duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.02 = $200 USD. If a specific duty is applicable (e.g., per unit), the calculation would be rate per unit * number of units.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 853641, "Relays, for a voltage not exceeding 60 V"?
The primary criterion for classifying goods under HS code 853641 is that they must be 'relays' designed for a voltage not exceeding 60 Volts (V). A relay is an electrically operated switch that uses an electromagnet, a transistor, or integrated circuits to switch a circuit, opening or closing contacts. This code specifically excludes relays for voltages exceeding 60V, which would fall under other subheadings within 8536. It's essential to examine the technical specifications of the product to confirm its voltage rating and function.
What documentation is typically required for importing relays classified under HS 853641?
Standard import documentation for HS code 853641 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the relays; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and any applicable trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or datasheets to verify the voltage rating and confirm the classification.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 853641?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for relays under HS code 853641. For instance, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) often allows for duty-free entry for qualifying goods. Other agreements, such as those with countries like South Korea (KR), Singapore (SG), or Chile (CL), may also offer reduced or zero duty rates, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in each agreement. It is imperative to verify the specific terms and conditions of each trade agreement applicable to your import.