85364100
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES›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 fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables
Relays - For a voltage not exceeding 60 V
Subcodes (2)
Definition and scope of subheading 8536 41 - low-voltage relays up to 60 V
Subheading 8536 41 of the Combined Nomenclature covers relays for electrical circuits with a voltage not exceeding 60 V. Relays are switching devices controlled by an electrical signal that open or close contacts in a working circuit. The subheading covers electromechanical relays (with electromagnetic coils and mechanical contacts), reed relays, solid-state relays (SSR), signal relays and low-voltage timer relays. The key classification criterion is the switched circuit voltage not exceeding 60 V - relays for higher voltages (up to 1000 V) are classified under subheading 8536 49. Relays must be distinguished from contactors (subheading 8536 50 in certain configurations), which are designed for frequent switching of motor loads. Classification follows GRI Rules 1 and 6. Relays up to 60 V are widely used in automotive electronics, building automation, telecommunications and industrial control systems.
Regulatory requirements and standards for relays under subheading 8536 41
Relays under subheading 8536 41 are subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) restricting hazardous substances in electronic equipment. As low-voltage components up to 60 V, relays may not fall directly within the scope of the LVD (2014/35/EU), which covers voltages from 50 V AC or 75 V DC. The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) applies regarding electromagnetic compatibility, particularly for relays generating switching transients. Harmonised standards from the IEC/EN 61810 series specify design requirements and test methods for elementary electromechanical relays. Automotive relays are subject to ISO series standards and OEM specifications. CBAM does not apply to electronic components in Chapter 85. Under the ITA, relays used in IT equipment may qualify for a 0% MFN rate. Import requires an EORI number and correct customs declaration. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, technical specification, RoHS declaration and test certificates.
Duty rates and trade measures for subheading 8536 41
Current MFN duty rates for relays under subheading 8536 41 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Low-voltage relays are widely used components and their import follows standard EU customs procedures. Under the ITA, many electronic and solid-state relays qualify for a zero MFN rate. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs. Japan, China and Germany are major relay manufacturers - importers should check TARIC for trade measures on goods from specific countries. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be restricted under EU sanctions. VAT at the applicable national rate is charged on import. The correct 10-digit TARIC code should be verified before clearance, as distinctions at the TARIC level may affect the duty rate and applicable trade measures.
Relays up to 60 V - automation and IoT applications
Importing relays up to 60 V (CN 8536 41) into the European Union requires compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/EU and CE marking. An EORI number and correct customs declaration are mandatory. MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC, as ITA preferences or EU FTA rates (e.g. CETA, EPA, EU-Korea) may apply. Import from Russia and Belarus is subject to EU sanctions. National import VAT applies at the destination Member State rate.
Frequently asked questions
Are relays under subheading 8536 41 subject to RoHS 2?
Yes. Relays classified under subheading 8536 41, intended for electronic equipment within the scope of the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU), are subject to restrictions on hazardous substances including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE and phthalates. The importer should hold a RoHS compliance declaration from the manufacturer or a material declaration confirming compliance at the component level. Relays for large-scale fixed industrial installations may benefit from the RoHS 2 scope exclusion.
How to distinguish a relay from a contactor in CN classification?
A relay (subheading 8536 41 or 8536 49) is a switching device controlled by an electrical signal, primarily intended for signal switching or small loads. A contactor is designed for frequent switching of motor loads or high currents. The differentiating criterion is the function and rated parameters - contactors have higher switching capacity and mechanical endurance. In customs practice, relays up to 60 V are classified under 8536 41, contactors under the relevant subheadings of heading 8536. In case of doubt, a BTI ruling is recommended.
Do electronic relays benefit from the ITA 0% rate?
Under the ITA (Information Technology Agreement), many electronic and solid-state relays (SSR) used in IT and telecommunications equipment qualify for a zero MFN duty rate when imported into the EU. Eligibility depends on the specific 10-digit TARIC code and the product's intended use. Electromechanical relays used in industrial or automotive applications may be subject to the standard MFN rate. Rate verification and ITA eligibility should be checked in the TARIC database before each customs clearance.
What regulations apply when importing relays up to 60 V CN 8536 41?
Importing relays up to 60 V (CN 8536 41) requires the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/EU compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.
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