Electrical Switchgear - HS 8537 classification, duty and landed cost
Electrical Switchgear moves through customs under HS heading 8537. This guide sets out sample sub-codes, indicative import duty in major markets, key trade documents and a worked landed-cost calculation - refresh figures against the live tariff schedule before quoting.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 8537.10 | Boards, panels, consoles, <=1000V |
| 8548.00 | Electrical parts of machinery, n.e.s. |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| European Union | 0% - 6% CE + WEEE + RoHS + Radio Equipment Directive; USB-C mandate on many devices. |
| United States | 0% - 5% FCC Part 15 authorization; UL/NRTL for mains-powered goods. |
| China | 0% - 10% Plus 13% VAT; CCC on consumer electronics; MIIT type approval. |
| India | 7.5% - 20% BCD + AIDC + 18% GST; BIS CRS registration on 60+ e-goods. |
| UAE | 5% GCC CET; TDRA type approval on wireless devices. |
Numerical Example: 20 MT of Electrical Switchgear at FOB USD 20,000 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.
20 MT of Electrical Switchgear at FOB USD 20,000 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · CE (EU), FCC (US), CCC (China), BIS CRS (India), TDRA (UAE) type approval where applicable.
- · RoHS (EU 2011/65) and WEEE producer registration for EU destinations.
- · Battery Directive / Regulation compliance for products shipped with lithium cells (UN 38.3).
- · China
- · Germany
- · USA
- · Italy
- · France
Frequently asked questions
Electrical Switchgear is classified under HS 8537.10. Chapters 84 and 85 cover ADP and electrical equipment; Chapter 90 covers precision instruments.
CE (EU), FCC (US), CCC (China), BIS CRS (India), TDRA (UAE), MIC (Japan) and KC (South Korea) each apply to specified electronics.
Devices with lithium cells must have a UN 38.3 test summary and be packed to IATA DGR / IMDG SP 188/230. EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 adds passport requirements from 2027.
Yes for EU destinations. The importer must be registered in each Member State's producer responsibility scheme and mark the crossed-out wheelie bin.
FCA or FOB port of loading for wholesale trade; DDP is common for e-commerce direct-to-consumer with local IOR arrangements.
Import duty and tax by destination market
Typical MFN duty, consumption tax and the tax base applied to electronics (HS 8537) in each market we cover. Rates are indicative at the 6-digit line | confirm the national 8/10-digit code with your broker.
| Market | Duty | Consumption tax | Tax base | Tax as % of CIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 10% | IGST 18% | Assessable value + duty | 30.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | 2% | VAT 5% | CIF + duty | 7.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | 2% | VAT 15% | CIF + duty | 17.3% |
| Singapore | 2% | GST 9% | CIF + duty | 11.2% |
| China | 2% | VAT 13% | CIF + duty | 15.3% |
| United States | 1.5% | Federal VAT 0% | CIF | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | 2% | VAT 20% | CIF + duty | 22.4% |
| Germany | 2% | USt 19% | CIF + duty | 21.4% |
| Netherlands | 2% | BTW 21% | CIF + duty | 23.4% |
| Vietnam | 2% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 12.2% |
| Türkiye | 2% | KDV 20% | CIF + duty | 22.4% |
| Japan | 2% | JCT 10% | CIF + duty | 12.2% |
| South Korea | 2% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 12.2% |
| Brazil | 16% | IPI+PIS/COFINS+ICMS 32% | CIF + duty | 53.1% |
| Indonesia | 2% | PPN 11% | CIF + duty | 15.7% |
| Mexico | 2% | IVA 16% | CIF + duty | 19.2% |
| Egypt | 2% | VAT 14% | CIF + duty | 16.3% |
| Nigeria | 2% | VAT 7.5% | CIF + duty | 11.3% |
| South Africa | 2% | VAT 15% | Assessable value + duty | 19.0% |
| Australia | 2% | GST 10% | CIF + duty | 12.2% |
Run your own numbers with the landed cost calculator or check documentation requirements in the LC document checklist.