HSChapter 85
U.S. imports of lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors, over 1,000 v (HS 853540) totaled $8.5M in April 2026, traded with 38 countries.
Importers of Lightning Arresters, Voltage Limiters, and Surge Suppressors, Over 1,000 V paid $859K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $5.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataMetal-oxide and silicon-carbide surge protective devices rated above 1,000 V protect transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines from transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes and switching events. All US imports under this heading consolidate into a single 10-digit line (8535400000), meaning classification is straightforward, but technical specification — particularly the rated voltage class and energy absorption capacity — remains critical for utility procurement and compliance with IEEE and IEC standards. Mexico is the leading supplier, with Germany and Switzerland reflecting the European engineering heritage in high-voltage surge protection technology. Goods originating in China are subject to Section 301 tariff measures, a factor importers should weigh when evaluating sourcing options.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Yes — under heading 853540, lightning arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors for voltages exceeding 1,000 V all classify under the single 10-digit line 8535400000. Despite functional differences in application, the tariff schedule does not subdivide them further, so the classification decision centers on confirming the voltage threshold rather than the device's specific protective function.
Utility and industrial buyers commonly require compliance with IEEE C62.11 (for metal-oxide surge arresters) or IEC 60099 series standards. While US Customs does not mandate these certifications for entry, they are routinely referenced in purchase orders and may be required by the end-user or grid operator, making their inclusion in shipping documentation a practical best practice.
Monthly import values over time
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXICO | $2.5M | $1.3M | -$1.2M |
| CANADA | $505K | $1.7M | +$1.2M |
| GERMANY | $1.4M | $62K | -$1.3M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $4K | $1.2M | +$1.2M |
| SWITZERLAND | $1.2M | $54K | -$1.1M |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8535400000 | LIGHTNING ARRESTORS, VOLTAGE LIMITERS, SURGE SUPPS | $8.5M | 14.95% | $859K |
LIGHTNING ARRESTORS, VOLTAGE LIMITERS, SURGE SUPPS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8535400000 | LIGHTNING ARRESTORS, VOLTAGE LIMITERS, SURGE SUPPS | $8.7M |
LIGHTNING ARRESTORS, VOLTAGE LIMITERS, SURGE SUPPS
758.2K no
MACH FOR RECP/CONVR/TRANS/REGN OF VOICE/IMAGE/DATA
HS 851762
SOLID-STATE NON-VOL SEMICONDUCTOR STORAGE DEVICES
HS 852351
SMARTPHONES
HS 851713
PROCESSORS AND CONTROLLERS, ELECTRONIC INTEG CIRCT
HS 854231
CONTROLS ETC W ELECT APPR F ELECT CONT NOV 1000 V
HS 853710
STATIC CONVERTERS; ADP POWER SUPPLIES
HS 850440
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $1.7M | $769K | -$903K |
| Florida | $224K | $1.5M | +$1.3M |
| North Carolina | $810K | $866K | +$56K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAREDO, TX | $1.7M | $655K | -$1.0M |
| YSLETA, TX | $1.0M | $543K | -$476K |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $1.0M | $466K | -$554K |