8535.10.00 - Fuses

This HTS category, 8535.10.00, specifically covers fuses designed for the protection of electrical circuits. Fuses are safety devices that contain a wire or filament designed to melt and break an electrical circuit when the current exceeds a safe level, thereby preventing damage to electrical equipment or preventing fires. They are essential components in a wide range of electrical systems, from industrial machinery to consumer electronics, acting as a sacrificial element to safeguard more complex apparatus.

While this heading covers a broad range of electrical apparatus for switching or protecting circuits, 8535.10.00 is distinct from its siblings by its sole focus on the "fuse" function. For instance, sibling category 8535.30.00 covers isolating and make-and-break switches, which are manually operated devices for opening or closing circuits, whereas fuses are automatic in their operation based on current overload. Similarly, 8535.40.00.00 deals with devices like lightning arresters and surge suppressors, which protect against transient overvoltages, not sustained overcurrents addressed by fuses.

The subcategories within 8535.10.00 further refine the classification based on the voltage capacity of the electrical circuits the fuses are intended to protect. Subcategory 8535.10.00.20 applies to fuses used in circuits of 2,300 volts or more, typically found in high-voltage industrial applications. Subcategory 8535.10.00.40 encompasses all other fuses not meeting the specific high-voltage criterion, covering a broader spectrum of lower-voltage applications. This distinction is critical for determining appropriate customs duties and trade regulations.