8533.40.80.50 - Cermet

This HTS category, 8533.40.80.50, specifically classifies cermet variable resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers. Cermets are composite materials composed of ceramic and metallic components, offering unique electrical and physical properties. Resistors classified under this heading are distinguished by their construction, utilizing this specialized cermet material for their resistive element.

Within the broader category of "Other variable resistors," this subheading differentiates itself from its siblings. Specifically, it is distinct from "Metal glaze" resistors (8533.40.80.60), which utilize a resistive film of metal particles suspended in a glassy matrix. This "Cermet" classification pertains to a distinct material composition that provides specific performance characteristics, often related to higher operating temperatures, increased power handling, or specific resistance tolerances. The remaining sibling, "Other" (8533.40.80.70), serves as a residual category for variable resistors not meeting the criteria of cermet or metal glaze constructions.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the focus for classification under 8533.40.80.50 is on the precise identification of the resistive element as being composed of cermet material. Practical classification will rely on product specifications, material data sheets, and potentially laboratory analysis to confirm the cermet composition of the variable resistor.