Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
Free
This item enters the United States duty-free. No import duty is charged regardless of origin country.
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
35%
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 8536.90.40.00 Covers
This code covers electrical terminals, splices and couplings used to connect or join electrical circuits at voltages not exceeding 1,000 volts, along with wafer probers used in semiconductor testing. Typical products are crimp terminals, ring and spade lugs, wire splice connectors, butt connectors and similar small connection hardware.
Notes for Importers
This line is frequently confused with the connector provisions elsewhere in heading 8536, such as plugs and sockets under 8536.69 and connectors for coaxial cable or printed circuits under 8536.90 subdivisions. Insulated wire assemblies that already have connectors fitted are classified as insulated conductors under heading 8544, not here. Terminal blocks and junction boxes may also fall under different lines, so match the product function carefully.
Product Category
Machinery and Electrical Equipment
This chapter includes boilers, pumps, engines, motors, generators, transformers, electrical machinery, and related mechanical equipment.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 8536.90.40.00 |
| Description | Terminals, electrical splices and electrical couplings; wafer probers |
| Chapter | 85 - Machinery and Electrical Equipment |
| General Duty Rate | Free |
| Rate Type | Free |
| Special Rates | |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
- 8536.10.00 — Fuses
- 8536.20.00 — Automatic circuit breakers
- 8536.30.40.00 — Motor overload protectors
- 8536.30.80.00 — Other
- 8536.41.00 — For a voltage not exceeding 60 V
- 8536.49.00 — Other
- 8536.50.40.00 — Motor starters
- 8536.50.70.00 — Electronic AC switches consisting of optically coupled input and output circuits (insulated thyristor AC switches); electronic switches, including temperature protected switches, consisting of a transistor and a logic chip (chip-on-chip technology); electromechanical snap-action switches for a current not exceeding 11 amps
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are classified under 8536.90.40.00?
Electrical terminals, splices and couplings for circuits of 1,000 volts or less, such as crimp lugs, ring terminals and wire splice connectors, plus wafer probers used in semiconductor manufacturing.
Do plugs and sockets fall under this code?
No. Plugs and sockets have their own provisions within heading 8536, mainly under 8536.69. This line is for terminals, splices and couplings.
Why are wafer probers grouped with terminals?
The US tariff schedule specifically names wafer probers in this line as a legacy carve-out. They are testing apparatus for semiconductor wafers, and the schedule places them here rather than in Chapter 90.
What is the HTS code 8536.90.40.00 used for?
HTS code 8536.90.40.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Terminals, electrical splices and electrical couplings; wafer probers. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 8536.90.40.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 8536.90.40.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Machinery and Electrical Equipment products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 8536.90.40.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 8536.90.40.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.