U.S. imports of Lightning Arresters, Voltage Limiters, and Surge Suppressors, Over 1,000 V (HS 853540) totaled $13.1M in August 2026, imported from 42 countries.
Importers of Lightning Arresters, Voltage Limiters, and Surge Suppressors, Over 1,000 V paid $1.6M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 12.33% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Lightning Arresters, Voltage Limiters, and Surge Suppressors, Over 1,000 V imports of $13.1M in August 2026 ran 29% above the year-to-date monthly average of $10.2M.
Last updated: August 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.
710 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 6 of 6 in heading 8535
Subheading 853540 · $13.1M of $288.4M
ImportsExports
Imports
$13.1MYoY · free account
Exports
$7.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $114.1M of Lightning Arresters, Voltage Limiters, and Surge Suppressors, Over 1,000 V and exported $90.7M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 853540 — Lightning Arresters, Voltage Limiters, and Surge Suppressors, Over 1,000 V, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8535400000 | Lightning Arrestors, Voltage Limiters, Surge Supps | $13.1M | 12.33% | 78.48% | $1.6M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8535400000 | Lightning Arrestors, Voltage Limiters, Surge Supps | $7.4M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China pays 40.2% duty; Mexico 3.3%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
21.5% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 12.33% of imports for consumption.