8536.10.00 - Fuses

This HTS category, 8536.10.00, specifically covers fuses. Fuses are electrical safety devices designed to protect electrical circuits from overcurrents or short circuits. They contain a wire or filament that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined level, thereby preventing damage to electrical equipment and mitigating fire hazards.

Within the broader Heading 8536, which encompasses electrical apparatus for switching, protecting, or connecting circuits, fuses are distinguished from sibling categories such as automatic circuit breakers (8536.20.00), which reset automatically, and relays (8536.30), used for controlling larger electrical circuits. While both fuses and automatic circuit breakers serve protective functions, the key difference lies in their operational principle: fuses are single-use devices that must be replaced after activation, whereas circuit breakers are resettable.

The subcategories under 8536.10.00, namely 8536.10.00.20 for glass cartridge fuses and 8536.10.00.40 for other types, further refine the classification based on the physical construction and material of the fuse. This distinction is important for specific trade and statistical purposes, allowing for a more granular analysis of imported and exported fuse types.