85043300
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 transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors
Having a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA
Scope of subheading 850433 - dry transformers 16–500 kVA
Subheading 850433 covers dry transformers with apparent power exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA. Used as distribution transformers in buildings (shopping centres, hospitals, offices) where no oil leak risk is acceptable. Typical designs are cast-resin (epoxy) class F or H providing moisture and contamination resistance. Voltages 10/0.4 kV or 20/0.4 kV. Classification requires no liquid dielectric and power 16–500 kVA. Above 500 kVA falls under 850434. Classification per GRI 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements for dry transformers 16–500 kVA
Import requires EORI. Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1783 sets Tier 2 loss limits for dry distribution transformers. LVD requires CE. EMC covers emissions. IEC 60076-11 (dry transformers) defines parameters. Environmental classes E0, E1, E2 specify moisture and contamination resistance. CBAM does not apply. Documentation: invoice, specification, test protocol, CE declaration.
Customs duties and trade in dry transformers 16–500 kVA
MFN rates should be verified in TARIC. Imported from China, India and European countries. Growing demand in public buildings and data centres driven by fire safety requirements. Preferential rates under FTAs require rules of origin. Imports from sanctioned countries restricted. VAT charged on import.
Energy efficiency requirements for transformers 8504 33
Transformers under CN 8504 33 are subject to Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1783, setting minimum efficiency classes (Tier 2 since July 2021). MFN duty: 2.7%. Import requires CE declaration (LVD + EMC). Liquid-dielectric transformers may face additional REACH requirements regarding chemicals in transformer oil. A BTI ruling provides classification certainty.
Frequently asked questions
Why are dry transformers preferred in buildings?
Dry (cast-resin) transformers contain no oil, eliminating leak risk, oil fire and environmental contamination. Safer in residential buildings, hospitals and shopping centres. No oil bund or fire suppression required. Disadvantages include higher price and slightly lower efficiency than oil transformers of same rating.
What environmental protection classes apply to dry transformers?
IEC 60076-11 defines classes: E0 (no special requirements), E1 (condensation), E2 (condensation and freezing). Class C defines low-temperature capability. Class F defines fire resistance. Selection depends on installation environment.
Are dry transformers 16–500 kVA subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM covers: steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Transformers from Chapter 85 are not within CBAM scope. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
What efficiency classes apply to transformers under 8504 33?
Transformers under 8504 33 are subject to Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1783, requiring Tier 2 efficiency since July 2021 for transformers ≥ 1 kVA.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Having a power handling capacity exceeding 16|kVA but not exceeding 500|kVA" and see the full import cost.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Having a power handling capacity exceeding 16|kVA but not exceeding 500|kVA" with all costs included.
Related glossary terms