HS Code 8536.20 : Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 85
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables
Heading 8536
Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables
Subheading .20
.20
Automatic circuit breakers
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
United States (USITC HTS 2026)
8536.20.00
MODULE 5: US IMPORT DUTY & FEE BREAKDOWN (LANDED COST STACK)
Federal Import VAT / GST
0.00%
US Has NO Federal VAT
Notice: Duty rates and trade remedies change frequently (Section 301, Section 232, anti-dumping orders, de minimis thresholds). Duty calculations are estimates for informational purposes only. Always verify exact rates with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or a licensed customs broker prior to import.
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MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
AGENCY-CONDITIONAL (PGA)
FDA Prior Notice / USDA Phytosanitary Cert
Rule-derived from verified PGA flag: Mandatory prior notice filing and health certificate.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
ACE PGA Message-Set Flags:
FCC (FCC): FCC Equipment Authorization Form 740 (RF Devices)
Official ACE program code: ACE/PGA [FDA 21 CFR 1.276].
MODULE 8: Trade Remedies (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD)
China Section 301 Tariff Status
7.5% – 25% Additional Duty (China Origin)
Section 232 Steel/Aluminum Status
Exempt (Non-Metal Commodity)
EU CBAM Carbon Alert
Not in Scope
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) | Free | Must meet USMCA Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff shift rules. |
| KR | U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) | Free | Direct shipment from South Korea with KORUS Certificate of Origin. |
| AU | U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement | Free | Wholly obtained or tariff shift rule under US-Australia FTA. |
| A / D | GSP / African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) | Free | 35% local value-add requirement for beneficiary country origin. |
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers
MODULE 11: Official CBP CROSS Binding Classification Rulings
No ruling cached for HS 8536.20.
Query the live U.S. Customs and Border Protection e-Rulings database:
Search Live CBP CROSS Database for 8536.20 →US National HTS Tariff Lines (8536.20)
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate | Special (FTA) Rate | Column 2 Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8536.20.00 | Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding |
2.7% | Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) | 35% | — |
| 8536.20.00.20 | Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding |
Free | Free | Rate on request | No. |
| 8536.20.00.40 | Automatic circuit breakers, Other | Free | Free | Rate on request | No. |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8536.10 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.10 → |
| 8536.30 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.30 → |
| 8536.41 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.41 → |
| 8536.49 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.49 → |
| 8536.50 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.50 → |
| 8536.61 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.61 → |
| 8536.69 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.69 → |
| 8536.70 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | Compare Subheading 8536.70 → |
MODULE 13: Industry Classification & Crosswalk Mesh (NAICS & Schedule B)
U.S. Census NAICS Code
U.S. Census Schedule B (Exports)
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 85 Tariff Schedule (2026) ↗
Official U.S. 10-digit tariff lines and general duty rates for Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding
CBP CROSS Ruling Database (8536.20) ↗
Binding customs classification precedents for Heading 8536.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and United States (USITC HTS) general duty for Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and United States (USITC HTS), Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers is classified under HS 8536.20 (Heading 8536, Chapter 85). The representative US MFN general duty rate is 2.7%.
How is HS 8536.20 distinguished within Heading 8536 (Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables)?
Heading 8536 covers Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables. Subheading 8536.20 specifically isolates Automatic circuit breakers. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 8536.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 8536.20?
Related subheadings under Heading 8536 include 8536.10, 8536.30, 8536.41, 8536.49, 8536.50, 8536.61, 8536.69, 8536.70. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers?
Commercial Invoice (detailing Incoterms, currency, and origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary, and a continuous customs bond are required for formal entries.
Can goods under HS 8536.20 enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in Mexico, Canada, South Korea, or Australia enter duty-free under preference SPI codes (P, KR, AU) provided they satisfy Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff-shift rules with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the US formal entry threshold for shipments of Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers?
Commercial shipments of Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V ; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables, Automatic circuit breakers with a customs value exceeding $2,500 USD require formal customs entry (CBP Form 7501) and a continuous entry bond. Informal entry applies to lower values.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP classification ruling for HS 8536.20?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling request under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) to obtain a legally binding tariff classification ruling prior to importation.
What U.S. Census NAICS industry code corresponds to HS 8536.20?
HS 8536.20 maps to NAICS code 335313 (Electrical Equipment Manufacturing) under official U.S. Census Bureau trade concordance tables.
Does the United States assess federal VAT or GST on imports of HS 8536.20?
No. The United States does NOT charge a federal Value-Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) on imports. Importers pay customs duty + MPF + HMF (if ocean freight).
How are Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) calculated?
MPF is assessed at 0.3464% of entered value (min $32.71, max $634.62 per entry). HMF is assessed at 0.125% on ocean freight shipments entering US ports.
What is the Section 321 de minimis duty-free threshold for HS 8536.20?
Under Section 321 (19 U.S.C. 1321), eligible shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day enter duty-free and tax-free.
What U.S. Customs bond requirements apply to commercial entries under HS 8536.20?
Formal entries with customs value exceeding $2,500 USD require a continuous customs entry bond (CBP Form 301) to guarantee payment of duties, taxes, and fees.
What Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) rules apply to ocean imports of HS 8536.20?
Ocean container shipments bound for US ports require electronic ISF 10+2 submission via ACE at least 24 hours before loading at foreign ports.
How do USMCA preference rules apply to commercial imports under HS 8536.20?
Qualifying originating goods from Canada or Mexico meeting USMCA tariff-shift or Regional Value Content (RVC) rules enter duty-free under SPI code 'P'.