U.S. imports of Relays for Electrical Apparatus (Circuits Not Exceeding 1,000 Volts) (SITC 77254) totaled $107.4M in August 2026, imported from 68 countries.
Importers of Relays for Electrical Apparatus (Circuits Not Exceeding 1,000 Volts) paid $14.2M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.86% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataElectromechanical and solid-state relays for low-voltage circuits are essential switching elements in industrial automation, HVAC controls, automotive electronics, and smart-grid edge devices. The commercial distinction between electromechanical relays (EMRs) and solid-state relays (SSRs) matters both for end-use selection and, in some cases, for tariff-line determination within the broader heading. Relay imports from China carry Section 301 tariff exposure, and given the wide range of relay types — from general-purpose PCB relays to heavy-duty contactors — precise product descriptions on commercial invoices are important for accurate classification.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
10.4K import shipments a month
Contactors are generally distinguished from relays by their higher current-carrying capacity and are often classified under switching apparatus headings rather than the relay heading. However, the line between heavy-duty relays and light-duty contactors can be ambiguous; the manufacturer's designation, current rating, and intended application all inform the classification analysis. A binding ruling is advisable for borderline cases.
A detailed packing list that identifies each relay type by part number, operating voltage, coil voltage, contact rating, and switching technology (electromechanical vs. solid-state) allows CBP to verify classification at the line level. Manufacturer datasheets and catalog pages should accompany the commercial invoice, particularly for shipments that may span multiple tariff subheadings.
Basic heading 151 of 642 in section 7
Basic heading 77254 · $107.4M of $172.0B
Trade Directory
List your company and tag the 6-digit products you trade, so the companies trading them can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Mexico and China together supply 40% of it. China pays 39.4% duty; Mexico 2.6%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$107.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$96.1MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.2B of Relays for Electrical Apparatus (Circuits Not Exceeding 1,000 Volts).
Through August 2026 · exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.