85361000
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
Fuses
Subcodes (3)
Definition and scope of subheading 8536 10 - low-voltage fuses
Subheading 8536 10 of the Combined Nomenclature covers fuses for electrical circuits with a rated voltage not exceeding 1000 V. Fuses are protective devices that interrupt a circuit by melting a fusible element when the current exceeds the rated value. The scope includes industrial fuses (NH type, aR, gG), cylindrical fuses, automotive blade fuses, miniature SMD fuses and glass tube fuses. The key classification criterion is the rated voltage not exceeding 1000 V - fuses for circuits above 1000 V are classified under subheading 8535 10. Fuses must be distinguished from circuit breakers (subheading 8536 20), which are reusable devices with a resettable mechanism. Classification follows GRI Rules 1 and 6 and the Notes to Chapter 85 of the CN. Replacement fuse elements (fuse links) without bases are also classified under 8536 10 as parts and accessories of fuses. Fuse holders and fuse carriers imported separately may be classified under subheading 8536 90 depending on their configuration.
Regulatory requirements and standards for fuses under subheading 8536 10
Fuses under subheading 8536 10 placed on the EU market are subject to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU) covering electrical equipment rated 50-1000 V AC or 75-1500 V DC and require CE marking. The manufacturer or importer must prepare an EU Declaration of Conformity, maintain technical documentation and carry out conformity assessment. The harmonised IEC/EN 60269 series specifies design requirements, time-current characteristics and test methods for low-voltage fuses. The RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) applies to fuses intended for equipment within its scope, restricting hazardous substances (Pb, Hg, Cd, CrVI, PBB, PBDE and phthalates). The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) may apply to fuses with electronic elements. CBAM does not apply to apparatus in Chapter 85. WEEE 2 covers finished equipment, not protective components. Import requires an EORI number and customs declaration. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, technical specification, type test certificates and CE declaration of conformity.
Duty rates and trade measures for subheading 8536 10
Current MFN duty rates for fuses under subheading 8536 10 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Low-voltage fuses are widely used electrical components and their import follows standard EU customs procedures. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU FTAs including CETA (Canada), EPA (Japan), EU-Korea, EVFTA (Vietnam) and TCA (United Kingdom), subject to rules of origin and valid proof of origin. Under the ITA, certain fuses used in IT equipment may qualify for a 0% rate. Importers should check TARIC for anti-dumping or countervailing measures on fuses 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 each clearance, as additional product distinctions exist at the TARIC level.
Low-voltage fuses up to 1000 V - LVD requirements
Importing fuses up to 1000 V (CN 8536 10) 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
Do fuses under subheading 8536 10 require CE marking?
Yes. Low-voltage fuses with a rated voltage of 50-1000 V AC or 75-1500 V DC are subject to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU) and require CE marking. The manufacturer or authorised representative in the EU must prepare an EU Declaration of Conformity, maintain technical documentation and carry out conformity assessment. Fuses should comply with the harmonised IEC/EN 60269 series. Fuses rated below 50 V AC are not subject to LVD but may be subject to other safety regulations. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
How to distinguish a fuse from a circuit breaker in CN classification?
A fuse (subheading 8536 10) interrupts a circuit by irreversibly melting a fusible element - after activation it requires replacement. A circuit breaker (subheading 8536 20) interrupts a circuit using a tripping mechanism that can be reset manually or automatically after the fault is cleared. This reversibility criterion is decisive for CN classification. Resettable fuses such as PTC devices may require individual analysis. In case of doubt, Binding Tariff Information ruling is recommended.
Are low-voltage fuses subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers only a closed list of emissions-intensive goods: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity. Fuses classified under subheading 8536 10 are electrical apparatus in Chapter 85 of the CN and fall outside the scope of CBAM. Importing fuses into the EU does not require CBAM registration, purchase of CBAM certificates or submission of CBAM declarations, regardless of the country of manufacture.
What regulations apply when importing fuses up to 1000 V CN 8536 10?
Importing fuses up to 1000 V (CN 8536 10) 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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