HS 853649 Other
Quick Answer: 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, not elsewhere specified or included, imported under HS 853649 enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.30%, and the US at 2.7% (MFN). This residual category covers a wide array of electrical components such as relays, circuit breakers, switches, and connectors not specifically classified under more detailed subheadings within 8536. Importers should carefully review the specific product's function and construction to ensure it is correctly placed in this "other" category, as misclassification can lead to penalties. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for accurate duty assessment across different trade blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536490000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536490010 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536490040 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536490060 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8536490099 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8536490000 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536490010 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536490040 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536490060 | 2.30 % | — | — |
| 8536490099 | 2.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85364900 | 2.7% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 8536490055 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8536490080 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8536490050 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8536490065 | — | — | ["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 8536.49?
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 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 853649 cover?
This subheading covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits, of a kind used in machines, appliances or for other electrical purposes, specifically "other" relays. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this category encompasses relays not specifically enumerated in preceding subheadings, provided they are designed to operate by an electrical phenomenon. This includes a wide array of electromechanical and solid-state relays used for control and automation.
What falls outside HS 853649?
The following products are excluded from HS 853649: relays specifically designed for telecommunications equipment (which may fall under Chapter 85, but in different headings), switches for circuit protection such as circuit breakers and fuses (classified under 8536.10 or 8536.30), and electrical apparatus for making connections to or in electrical circuits, such as terminals, connectors, and junction boxes (often classified under 8536.90.80 in the US HTS, or similar specific subheadings elsewhere). Relays that are integral parts of specific machines or appliances might be classified with those machines or appliances under their respective headings.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 853649?
A common error is misinterpreting the "other" designation, leading to the incorrect classification of relays that should fall under more specific subheadings within 8536 or even other HS Chapters. For instance, relays with specific functions like time-delay or latching mechanisms might have dedicated classifications. Furthermore, confusion can arise with solid-state devices that perform switching functions but are not strictly relays, potentially leading to misclassification under Chapter 85 or other chapters depending on their primary function and construction, as per General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3.
How should importers classify products under HS 853649?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 853649 involves a detailed examination of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must first consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 8536 and the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff). They should determine if the relay has a specific function or characteristic that places it in a more precise subheading. If it is an electrical relay not otherwise specified, and it is used for switching or protecting electrical circuits in machines, appliances, or for other electrical purposes, then 8536.49 is likely appropriate.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 853649?
A shipment of 1,000 units of Omron G3MB-202P-DC5 solid-state relays, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.05 = $250.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 8536.49.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 853649?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 853649, 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 Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries. To claim these preferences, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction, is typically required. For goods originating in developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a Form A may be necessary.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 853649?
HS code 853649, which covers 'Other' electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, has varied duty rates depending on the importing country and trade agreements. For instance, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is typically 2.5% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff may list different rates, often around 2.0% to 3.5% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the exact rate applicable to your shipment. For example, under the U.S. tariff, a shipment valued at $10,000 would incur duties of $250 (2.5% × $10,000).
How are preferential duty rates applied to HS 853649?
Preferential duty rates for HS 853649 are available to countries that are signatories to specific trade agreements. For example, under the U.S. tariff schedule, certain countries listed with 'Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' benefit from duty-free entry. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin criteria stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the application of the standard MFN duty rate.
What are the classification criteria for items falling under HS 853649?
HS code 853649 is a residual category for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits that are not specifically classified under preceding headings within 8536 (e.g., switches, fuses, circuit breakers, relays, connectors). To be classified under 853649, the item must be an electrical device designed for making, breaking, or protecting electrical circuits. This includes devices like certain types of thermal cut-offs, pressure switches, and other specialized switching or protective devices not elsewhere specified. Classification relies on the item's primary function and technical characteristics, often requiring a detailed product description and technical specifications for customs authorities.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS 853649?
Beyond standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, specific requirements for HS 853649 may include a detailed product description specifying the electrical ratings, voltage, amperage, and intended use of the apparatus. If claiming preferential duty rates, a certificate of origin or other acceptable proof of origin demonstrating compliance with the relevant trade agreement's rules of origin is mandatory. Some countries may also require product safety certifications or compliance declarations, depending on the nature of the electrical apparatus.
Can you provide an example of how duty is calculated for a shipment under HS 853649?
Certainly. Let's assume an importer is bringing in 500 units of a specific type of electrical relay classified under HS 853649 into the United States, and the standard MFN duty rate is 2.5% ad valorem. If each relay has a declared value of $15, the total value of the shipment is 500 units × $15/unit = $7,500. The import duty would be calculated as 2.5% of the total value: 0.025 × $7,500 = $187.50. This amount is the calculated ad valorem duty. If the goods were eligible for duty-free entry under a trade agreement, and all requirements were met, the duty would be $0.