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)
Tariff data verified: July 2026
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 StatesUnited KingdomEuropean UnionCanadaMexicoChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaSouth KoreaGermanyNetherlandsBrazilTürkiyeChinese TaipeiVietnamThailandIndonesiaMalaysiaSingaporeSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesSouth AfricaEgyptIsraelChileColombiaPeruPhilippinesPakistanNew ZealandNorwayNigeriaKenyaMoroccoArgentinaEcuadorBangladeshUkraineKazakhstanQatarKuwaitOmanJordanBahrainSri LankaTunisiaGhanaCôte d'IvoireGeorgiaCambodiaPanamaCosta RicaDominican Republic
South Korea (KCS / 관세청 Tariff 2026)
8536.20.00.00
MODULE 5: SOUTH KOREA IMPORT DUTY & TAX BREAKDOWN
KORUS / RCEP / CKFTA PREFERENTIAL ELIGIBILITY
Qualifying originating goods under KORUS FTA (US origin) or RCEP or Canada-Korea FTA satisfying product-specific rules enter South Korea duty-free or at preferential tariff rates with a valid Certificate of Origin.
Notice: South Korean customs entry, HSK classification, MFN tariffs, and VAT are governed by the Korea Customs Service (관세청 / KCS). Always verify declarable 10-digit HSK commodity codes with KCS or a licensed customs broker prior to import.
TRACK THIS HS CODE
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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: SOUTH KOREA Trade Remedies & Safeguards
Korea Customs Service (관세청 - KCS) Anti-Dumping / Trade Defence
Standard 2026 Korea Customs Tariff Schedule (HSK)
Steel & Commodity Safeguards
Exempt (Non-Steel Commodity)
Regulatory Compliance Status
Standard Statutory Clearance
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
Browse all preferential trade calculators & compliance tools in our Customs Tools Hub ↗.
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN | WCO Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Status | Standard MFN Rate | Applies to all WTO member states 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 |
| FTA | South Korea Preferential & Regional Trade Agreements | Free / Concessional | Subject to official Certificate of Origin & Rules of Origin (RoO) requirements. |
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: KCS Advance Classification Ruling (품목분류 사전심사)
Legally binding tariff classification rulings issued by Korea Customs Service Valuation Institute for HS 8536.20.
Query official KCS Advance Rulings portal:
Search Official KCS Customs Portal for 8536.20 →KCS Korean HSK Commodity Lines (8536.20)
National line-level (8/10-digit) detail for South Korea (KCS / HSK): coverage in progress.
Universal 6-digit WCO backbone applied rate: 8%. Confirm the full national commodity code at the official source (WTO Tariff Database 2025).
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8536.10 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | HS 8536.10 South Korea Duty & Entry Rules → |
| 8536.30 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | HS 8536.30 South Korea Duty & Entry Rules → |
| 8536.41 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | HS 8536.41 South Korea Duty & Entry Rules → |
| 8536.49 | Subheading under Heading 8536 | HS 8536.49 South Korea Duty & Entry Rules → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
Korea Customs Service (KCS / 관세청) ↗
Official South Korean 10-digit HSK commodity codes and KCS MFN duty rates.
KCS Customs Valuation and Classification Institute (관세평가분류원) ↗
KCS official advance tariff classification rulings (품목분류 사전심사) database.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and South Korea (KCS / HSK) 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 South Korea (KCS / HSK), 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 KR MFN general duty rate is 8%.
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 is the import VAT rate for HS 8536.20 in South Korea?
South Korea assesses a standard 10% Value-Added Tax (부가가치세 / VAT) on imports, calculated on CIF value + statutory customs duty. Essential agricultural goods or specific items may carry exemptions under KCS rules.
What is South Korea's de minimis duty and tax threshold?
South Korea's de minimis threshold for express parcel imports is USD $150 (or USD $200 for qualifying goods originating from the United States under the KORUS FTA). Below this threshold, entry is duty-free and tax-free.
Which agency regulates customs entry and tariff classification in South Korea?
Customs declarations and advance tariff classification rulings (품목분류 사전심사) are administered by the Korea Customs Service (관세청 / KCS) under the Harmonized System Korea (HSK).
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