Heading 8538
HTS code 8538 — Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537
- Tariff lines
- 9
- General duty
- General duty rate of 3.5%, with 2 duty-free lines
Tariff lines under heading 8538
Full 10-digit codes with their general (MFN) duty rates. The correct line depends on the product's material, construction, and use.
| HTS code | Description | General rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8538.10.0000 | Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases for the goods of heading 8537, not equipped with their apparatus (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537) | Free | No. |
| 8538.90.1000 | Of an article of heading 8537 for one of the articles described in additional U.S. note 11 to chapter 85 (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Printed circuit assemblies) | Free | No. |
| 8538.90.3000 | Other (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Printed circuit assemblies) | 3.5% | No. |
| 8538.90.4000 | Other, for the articles of subheading 8535.90.40, 8536.30.40 or 8536.50.40, of ceramic or metallic materials, electrically or mechanically reactive to changes in temperature (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other) | 3.5% | No. |
| 8538.90.6000 | Molded parts (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Other) | 3.5% | kg |
| 8538.90.8120 | Of automatic circuit breakers (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Other > Other) | 3.5% | No. |
| 8538.90.8140 | Metal contacts (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Other > Other > Other) | 3.5% | kg |
| 8538.90.8160 | Other parts of switchgear, switchboards, panel boards and distribution boards (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Other > Other > Other) | 3.5% | No. |
| 8538.90.8180 | Other (Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537 > Other > Other > Other > Other) | 3.5% | No. |
Documents required to import under 8538
Customs paperwork typically required to import these goods into the United States. Conditional items depend on shipment value, transport mode, or origin.
- Commercial InvoiceRequired
- Packing ListRequired
- Bill of Lading / Airway BillRequired
- CBP Entry Summary (7501)Required
Prepared and filed by your customs broker
- CBP Entry / Release (3461)Required
Prepared and filed by your customs broker
- Customs Bond (CBP 301)Conditional
Required for formal entries — generally shipments valued over $2,500
Single-entry or continuous bond, obtained through your broker or a surety
- Importer Security Filing (ISF "10+2")Conditional
Required for ocean freight only
Filed electronically at least 24 hours before loading at the foreign port
- Importer ID Input Record (CBP 5106)Conditional
Required to establish or update your importer-of-record number with CBP
One-time setup for a new importer; not filed per shipment
- Entry Manifest (CBP 7533)Conditional
Alternative to the 3461 for informal, low-value, or contiguous-country entries
- FCC Declaration (Form 740)Conditional
Required for electronic devices that emit radio frequency
- FDA Radiation Declaration (Form 2877)Conditional
Required for products that emit radiation (X-ray, laser, microwave, etc.)
Common questions
- What is HTS code 8538?
- HTS heading 8538 covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537. It sits in Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and electronics) of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule and contains 9 tariff lines.
- What is the duty rate for HTS 8538?
- General duty rate of 3.5%, with 2 duty-free lines. The general rate applies to most-favoured-nation trading partners; goods from countries with a free trade agreement may qualify for a reduced or duty-free special rate.
- How many digits does a full HTS code have?
- US import entries require the full 10-digit HTS code. Heading 8538 is the first four digits — the remaining six narrow it down to the specific product, which is what determines the duty rate you actually pay.
Related headings in Chapter 85
- 8501Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)
- 8502Electric generating sets and rotary converters
- 8503Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8501 or 8502
- 8504Electrical transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors; parts thereof
- 8505Electromagnets; permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetization; electromagnetic or permanent magnet chucks, clamps and similar holding devices; electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes; electromagnetic lifting heads; parts thereof
- 8506Primary cells and primary batteries; parts thereof
- 8507Electric storage batteries, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square); parts thereof
- 8508Vacuum cleaners; parts thereof