US Electrical and Electronic Equipment Suppliers
Switchboards, transformers, controllers, measuring instruments and telecommunications equipment: before you buy, check the electrical certification your country requires and, for networking equipment, the export controls.
| Industry | Electrical and electronic equipment |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 8504, 8537, 8517, 9030, 9031, 9032 |
| U.S. agencies involved | Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS); U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 5 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- 8504: transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors.
- 8537: boards, panels and consoles with apparatus for electric control or distribution.
- 8517: telephones and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or data (including networking equipment).
- 9030: instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities. 9031: other measuring or checking instruments. 9032: automatic regulating or controlling instruments.
Export controls
According to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), an item subject to U.S. export regulations that is not listed in any category of the Commerce Control List is classified as EAR99, and in most cases it does not need a license to be exported; it may need one if it is going to a restricted end user, end use or destination. Ask the manufacturer for the export classification (ECCN or EAR99) of what you are buying.
Products with encryption are classified in Category 5, Part 2 (information security) of the Commerce Control List. According to BIS, most can be exported to most destinations under License Exception ENC, once the exporter meets the classification and reporting requirements; some products to some destinations need a license.
Certification at destination
- A U.S. certification does not automatically replace your country’s. For example, in Chile the SEC certifies electrical products, tests them at 220 V and 50 Hz and has a procedure to recognize foreign certifications.
- In the European Union, the importer must check that the product meets EU requirements (CE marking) and that the manufacturer has the declaration of conformity and the technical documentation.
- Confirm with the manufacturer that the equipment is compatible with the voltage and frequency of your grid.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Ask for the specification sheet with voltage, frequency and certifications, and the export classification (ECCN or EAR99).
- Confirm who handles the local certification and how long it takes before you commit to delivery dates.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy networking equipment with encryption in the United States?
In general, yes: according to BIS, most products with encryption can be exported to most destinations under License Exception ENC. Some products to some destinations need a license; the supplier must classify them.
Can equipment certified in the United States be sold in my country?
Not automatically. Many countries require their own certification; some, such as Chile, have procedures to recognize foreign certifications.
Official sources
- BIS: how to classify your item (EAR99 and ECCN)
- BIS: encryption controls
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
- European Commission: CE marking, importers and distributors
- ChileAtiende: recognition of foreign certification, SEC (in Spanish)
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.