Automatic circuit breakers

Subheading 8536 20 of the Combined Nomenclature covers automatic circuit breakers for electrical circuits with a rated voltage not exceeding 1000 V. Circuit breakers are reusable protective devices that automatically interrupt the circuit when overcurrent or short-circuit conditions occur and can be reclosed after the fault is cleared. The subheading covers miniature circuit breakers (MCB), moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB), residual current circuit breakers (RCCB), motor protection circuit breakers and air circuit breakers (ACB). The key classification criterion is the ability to automatically interrupt the circuit under fault conditions with the possibility of reclosure - this distinguishes circuit breakers from fuses (subheading 8536 10). Circuit breakers for circuits above 1000 V are classified under subheadings 8535 21 or 8535 29. Classification follows GRI Rules 1 and 6.

Circuit breakers under subheading 8536 20 placed on the EU market are subject to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU) and require CE marking. Harmonised standards IEC/EN 60898 (MCBs for household installations) and IEC/EN 60947-2 (industrial circuit breakers) specify design requirements, tripping characteristics, breaking capacity and test methods. The RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) restricts hazardous substances in circuit breakers intended for equipment within its scope. The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) applies regarding electromagnetic compatibility. Residual current circuit breakers (RCCB) are subject to additional requirements under IEC/EN 61008 or IEC/EN 61009. CBAM does not apply to apparatus in Chapter 85. The importer must hold an EORI number and file a correct customs declaration. An EU Declaration of Conformity, technical documentation and test reports from an accredited laboratory are required for market placement. Preferential duty rates require proof of origin.

Current MFN duty rates for circuit breakers under subheading 8536 20 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Circuit breakers are mass-imported electrical installation components subject to standard EU customs procedures. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs with multiple trading partners. China, Germany and Japan are major circuit breaker manufacturers - importers should check TARIC for trade measures applicable to circuit breakers 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. Importers should also ensure that circuit breakers meet EU harmonised standards, as the absence of CE marking and a declaration of conformity prevents lawful placing on the EU market.

Importing automatic circuit breakers (CN 8536 20) 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.