Heading 8546

Electrical insulators of any material

5 declarable lines

Heading 8546 covers electrical insulators of any material, meaning parts that support or separate conductors in electrical equipment. It is split first by material: glass, ceramics, or other materials. Ceramic insulators are then split between those used in high-voltage, low-frequency systems (with a further split for suspension, pin-type and line post types) and all other ceramic insulators.

Products in this heading

Glass insulator bells and discs for power transmission lines
Ceramic suspension insulators hung on high-voltage lines
Ceramic pin-type insulators for overhead distribution lines
Ceramic line post insulators
Ceramic insulators used in high-voltage switchgear and transformers
Plastic or resin insulators for electrical apparatus
Porcelain bushing insulators for high-voltage equipment

How to choose the right subheading

Material of the insulator: glass, ceramics, or another material such as plastic or resin.
For ceramic insulators, whether they are used in high-voltage, low-frequency electrical systems.
For high-voltage ceramic insulators, whether the article is a suspension, pin-type or line post insulator.
Whether the article is an insulator itself or an insulating fitting for a machine, which points to 8547.

Often confused with

Insulating fittings for machines, such as molded terminal blocks with metal inserts
Fittings wholly of insulating material for assembly into machines are named in 8547, not 8546.
Heading 8547
Insulated electrical wire and cable
Insulated conductors are classified by length and material in 8544, not as insulators.
Heading 8544
Plugs, sockets, connectors and junction boxes
Connection and switching apparatus for circuits up to 1,000 V is classified in 8536.
Heading 8536
Carbon electrodes and carbon brushes
Articles of graphite or other carbon for electrical purposes are named in 8545.
Heading 8545

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for glass electrical insulators?

Glass insulators are classified under 8546.10.00.00, which carries a general (MFN) rate of 2.9%.

What is the duty on ceramic suspension insulators?

Ceramic suspension insulators for high-voltage, low-frequency systems fall under 8546.20.00.30 and pay a general (MFN) rate of 3%.

How do I classify a plastic insulator?

Insulators of materials other than glass or ceramics go under 8546.90.00.00, which is general (MFN) Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.