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HS Code for MCB in India: Import Duty, BIS QCO and Compliance
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
Usual HS code for mcb (miniature circuit breaker) (import)
8536 20 30
Automatic circuit breakers: miniature circuit breakers. India has separate tariff lines for MCBs, MCCBs and earth leakage breakers.
MCBs are a steady product for electrical traders: every new flat and office needs a distribution board full of them. The nice thing about MCBs is that the Indian tariff gives them their own line. The tricky part is that the neighbouring lines look almost the same, and the BIS rules are strict.
Here's what I'd check.
The usual HS code: 8536 20 30
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
| Heading | 8536 | Electrical apparatus for switching, protecting or connecting circuits, up to 1,000 V |
| Subheading | 8536 20 | Automatic circuit breakers |
| Tariff item | 8536 20 30 | Miniature circuit breakers |
An MCB is an automatic circuit breaker for low voltage, so it belongs in 8536 20. India splits that subheading by type, and 8536 20 30 is specifically for miniature circuit breakers.
Why not 8536 20 40 or 8536 20 20?
This is where importers slip. The same supplier often sells MCBs, RCCBs/ELCBs (earth leakage breakers, 8536 20 40) and MCCBs (moulded case breakers, 8536 20 20). They look similar in a catalogue and often travel in the same container. Putting all of them under one code is one of the most common mistakes I see on electrical shipments.
An RCBO (MCB plus earth leakage in one) is the real grey area. It does both jobs, so check it before you file.
Not sure which line your mcb (miniature circuit breaker) falls under?
Describe it or snap a photo. EximSetu asks the 2–4 questions that change the code, then gives the 8-digit HS code with reasoning, the duty in rupees and the compliance checklist.
Check my mcb (miniature circuit breaker) →What decides the final classification
- Type of breaker: MCB (20 30), MCCB (20 20), RCCB/ELCB (20 40), others in the residual line.
- Combined devices like RCBOs: need a closer look.
- Voltage above 1,000 V moves you out of 8536 to 8535 altogether.
- Distribution boards supplied with MCBs fitted are usually classified as boards under 8537, not as MCBs.
- Accessories (busbars, enclosures, auxiliary contacts) shipped alone go elsewhere.
How import duty is worked out
Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Rates on switchgear change through Budget notifications, and FTA rates can apply depending on origin. Check the current rate for 8536 20 30 on the day you file.
Run your exact breaker range through a lookup, or use the free import duty calculator.
Compliance checklist for MCBs
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| BIS licence (ISI mark) under QCO | 🔴 Mandatory | Circuit breakers for household and similar installations (IS/IEC 60898-1, formerly IS 8828) are under a BIS Quality Control Order. The factory needs a BIS licence and the ISI mark on each MCB. |
| RCCBs in the same order | 🟠 Check | Residual current devices have their own Indian standards. Check whether your RCCB or RCBO models are under a QCO and covered by the factory's licence. |
| Legal Metrology | 🔴 For retail packs | Importer name and address, MRP and customer care details on retail packs. |
| Industrial MCCBs | 🟠 Check | Low-voltage switchgear for industrial use falls under separate QCOs; check your MCCB range separately. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- One code for the whole catalogue (MCB, RCCB, MCCB) on the bill of entry.
- Importing a rating or curve (B, C, D curve, 6kA vs 10kA) not covered by the factory's BIS licence.
- Relying on CE or IEC test reports instead of an Indian BIS licence.
- Importing fitted distribution boards and declaring them as MCBs.
My advice
MCBs are safety devices, so BIS and customs both take them seriously. Get the factory's BIS licence first, list every rating you plan to import, and check each type of breaker gets its own correct line. If you're unsure about an RCBO or a mixed shipment, check it before the container sails.
Get the exact code and duty for your mcb (miniature circuit breaker)
Every variant is different. Answer 2–4 questions and get the 8-digit code with reasoning, duty in rupees and the compliance checklist in minutes.
Check my mcb (miniature circuit breaker) free →Written by
16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the HS code for MCB in India?
Miniature circuit breakers are usually classified under 8536 20 30, the Indian tariff line specifically for MCBs.
▸What is the HS code for RCCB and MCCB?
Earth leakage circuit breakers (RCCB/ELCB) are usually under 8536 20 40 and moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB) under 8536 20 20. Check combined devices like RCBOs separately.
▸Do imported MCBs need BIS certification?
Yes. MCBs for household and similar installations are under a BIS Quality Control Order. The manufacturer needs a BIS licence and each MCB must carry the ISI mark.
▸Is a distribution board with MCBs classified as MCBs?
Usually not. A board fitted with several breakers is generally classified under heading 8537 as a distribution board.
Related HS codes
💡 Full guide: Importing LED Lights and Electrical Goods into India: HS Codes, BIS and QCOs →This page is general information, not legal advice. The usual code can change with the exact product, and rates and rules change by notification. Always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.