Every wire and cable product that crosses an international border is classified under the Harmonized System (HS) — a standardized numerical code used by customs authorities worldwide to identify goods, assess import duties, and collect trade statistics. The HS code for electrical wire and cable is 8544. This guide explains how HS codes work, breaks down the 8544 subheadings relevant to wire and cable, and covers the practical details buyers and exporters need to know when shipping cable internationally.
What Is an HS Code?
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) is an international classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It is used by more than 200 countries and covers over 98% of international trade. The HS provides a common language for classifying traded goods so that customs authorities, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders can all refer to the same product using the same code.
An HS code is structured in layers of increasing specificity:
| Level | Digits | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 2 digits | 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
| Heading | 4 digits | 8544 | Insulated wire, cable, and optical fiber cables |
| Subheading | 6 digits | 8544.49 | Other insulated conductors, not exceeding 1,000V, not fitted with connectors |
| National tariff line | 8–10 digits | 8544.49.90 | Country-specific subdivision for tariff and statistical purposes |
The first six digits are standardized internationally — HS code 8544.49 means the same product category in the United States, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. Beyond six digits, each country adds its own subdivisions for tariff rates and trade statistics. In the US, the import tariff schedule uses 10-digit codes (Harmonized Tariff Schedule, or HTS), and the export classification uses 10-digit Schedule B numbers administered by the Census Bureau.
HS 8544: The Wire & Cable Heading
HS heading 8544 covers: Insulated (including enameled or anodized) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fiber cables, made up of individually sheathed fibers, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors.
This is the primary heading for virtually all insulated wire and cable products, including PVC-insulated building wire, power cable, control cable, instrumentation cable, data cable, fire alarm cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable. Bare (uninsulated) wire and conductor fall under different headings, primarily HS 7408 (copper wire) or 7614 (aluminum wire).
The 8544 heading is divided into subheadings based on three main factors: the type of conductor (winding wire vs. other), whether the cable is fitted with connectors, and the voltage rating (not exceeding 1,000V vs. exceeding 1,000V).
HS 8544 Subheadings for Wire & Cable
The following table shows the US tariff subheadings under HS 8544. Duty rates shown are the current MFN (Most Favored Nation) / Column 1 General rates. Many countries qualify for reduced or zero duty under free trade agreements.
8544.11 — Winding Wire, of Copper
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.11.00 | Winding wire, of copper | kg | 3.5% |
| 8544.11.00.20 | 33 AWG (0.18 mm) and finer | kg | — |
| 8544.11.00.30 | 22 AWG (0.643 mm) and finer but larger than 33 AWG | kg | — |
| 8544.11.00.50 | Other | kg | — |
Winding wire (magnet wire) is enameled copper wire used in motors, transformers, and electromagnets. The 10-digit breakouts are statistical only — the duty rate is 3.5% for all copper winding wire under 8544.11.
8544.19 — Winding Wire, Other
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.19.00 | Winding wire, other (non-copper, e.g., aluminum) | kg | 3.9% |
8544.20 — Coaxial Cable
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.20.00 | Coaxial cable and other coaxial electric conductors | kg | 5.3% |
This covers all coaxial cable types including RG-6, RG-59, RG-11, and specialty coax used in broadcast, CCTV, and data applications.
8544.30 — Ignition and Vehicle Wiring Sets
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.30.00 | Ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircraft, or ships | No. | 5% |
This subheading covers pre-assembled wiring harnesses for automotive, aviation, and marine applications — not bulk cable sold on reels.
8544.42 — Conductors Not Exceeding 1,000V, Fitted with Connectors
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.42.10 | Fitted with modular telephone connectors | No. | Free |
| 8544.42.20 | Of a kind used for telecommunications | No. | Free |
| 8544.42.90 | Other | — | 2.6% |
This covers cables sold with connectors already attached — such as patch cords, pre-terminated network cables, and power cords with plugs. Telecom cables with connectors enter duty-free.
8544.49 — Conductors Not Exceeding 1,000V, Not Fitted with Connectors
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.49.10 | Of a kind used for telecommunications | kg | Free |
| 8544.49.20 | Other (non-copper, non-telecom) | kg | 3.5% |
| 8544.49.30 | Of copper | — | 5.3% |
| 8544.49.90 | Other | kg | 3.9% |
This is the most common subheading for bulk wire and cable sold on reels without connectors. Most of the plenum cable, PVC cable, fire alarm cable, control cable, and instrumentation cable that Ramcorp distributes falls under 8544.49. The specific 8-digit code depends on whether the conductor is copper, whether it is a telecom cable, and the conductor material.
8544.60 — Conductors Exceeding 1,000V
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.60.20 | Fitted with connectors | No. | 3.7% |
| 8544.60.40 | Of copper | kg | 3.5% |
| 8544.60.60 | Other | kg | 3.2% |
This covers medium-voltage and high-voltage power cable rated above 1,000V (1 kV). Copper medium-voltage cable falls under 8544.60.40; aluminum medium-voltage cable typically falls under 8544.60.60.
8544.70 — Optical Fiber Cables
| HTS Code | Description | Unit | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544.70.00 | Optical fiber cables | Fiber m | Free |
All optical fiber cables — including single-mode, multi-mode, indoor, outdoor, and armored fiber — enter duty-free under 8544.70.
Which HS Code Applies to My Cable?
The correct HS code depends on the cable type, conductor material, voltage rating, and whether connectors are attached. Here is a quick reference for common wire and cable products:
| Cable Type | Typical HS Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| THHN / THWN building wire (copper) | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V, no connectors |
| Romex / NM-B residential wire | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Fire alarm cable (FPLP, FPLR) | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Plenum cable (CMP) | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Control cable / tray cable | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Instrumentation cable | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Portable cord (SOOW, SJOOW) | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Cat5e / Cat6 / Cat6A network cable (bulk) | 8544.49.10 | Telecom cable, no connectors — duty-free |
| Cat6 patch cord (with RJ45) | 8544.42.20 | Telecom cable, with connectors — duty-free |
| Coaxial cable (RG-6, RG-59, RG-11) | 8544.20.00 | Coaxial, any voltage |
| Speaker wire (copper) | 8544.49.30 | Copper conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Thermocouple wire | 8544.49.30 | Copper-alloy conductor, ≤1,000V |
| Medium-voltage cable (copper, >1 kV) | 8544.60.40 | Copper, exceeding 1,000V |
| Medium-voltage cable (aluminum, >1 kV) | 8544.60.60 | Non-copper, exceeding 1,000V |
| Magnet / winding wire (copper) | 8544.11.00 | Enameled copper winding wire |
| Fiber optic cable | 8544.70.00 | All fiber types — duty-free |
| Power cord with plug (copper, ≤1,000V) | 8544.42.90 | With connectors, non-telecom |
| Aluminum building wire (XHHW-2) | 8544.49.90 | Non-copper, ≤1,000V |
Important: These are general classifications for reference. The correct HTS code for any specific product depends on the exact construction, materials, and intended use. Final classification is determined by the destination country’s customs authority, and misclassification can result in duty underpayments, penalties, or shipment holds. When you request a quote from Ramcorp for an international order, we include the applicable HS code on every commercial invoice line item.
HS Code vs. Schedule B vs. HTS: What Is the Difference?
Three different code systems reference the same underlying HS structure, and they are often confused:
| Code | Digits | Used For | Administered By |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS Code | 6 digits | International standard — used worldwide for customs classification | World Customs Organization (WCO) |
| HTS Code | 10 digits | US import tariff classification — determines the duty rate when goods enter the US | US International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Schedule B | 10 digits | US export classification — required for EEI/AES filing when exporting from the US | US Census Bureau |
For wire and cable, the HTS and Schedule B codes are often identical or very similar at the 6-digit level. The first six digits always match the international HS code. The differences appear in the last four digits, where the US import and export systems may use slightly different statistical breakouts.
When Ramcorp prepares export documents for an international shipment, we include the HS code (for the buyer’s customs broker) for the US EEI/AES filing.
Understanding Duty Rates for Wire & Cable
Import duty rates for wire and cable under HS 8544 range from free to 5.3% depending on the subheading. Here are the key patterns:
Duty-free categories: Telecom cables (8544.42.10, 8544.42.20, 8544.49.10) and optical fiber cables (8544.70.00) enter the US duty-free. This includes bulk network cable, telephone cable, and all fiber optic cable.
Low-duty categories (2.6%–3.9%): Most other insulated wire and cable falls in this range. Copper building wire and power cable at 8544.49.30 carries a 5.3% rate, which is the highest in the 8544 heading.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) rates: Many countries have negotiated zero-duty access for wire and cable under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. The duty rate column in the HTS lists country codes that qualify for free entry. Common FTA partners with duty-free access for 8544 products include Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). USMCA (formerly NAFTA) provides duty preferences for qualifying goods from Canada and Mexico. CAFTA-DR provides preferential access for Central American and Dominican Republic trade partners.
Note for international buyers: The duty rates above apply to goods entering the United States. If you are importing US-made cable into your country, your local duty rate is determined by your country’s tariff schedule under the same HS code. The 6-digit HS code (e.g., 8544.49) is the same worldwide, but some countries subdivide 8544 differently beyond the 6-digit level, so your national tariff line (8–10 digits) may not match the US HTS codes shown above. Your customs broker can provide the exact import duty for your destination using the 6-digit HS code from the commercial invoice.
Where HS Codes Appear on Export Documents
The HS code appears on multiple export documents throughout the shipping process:
Commercial Invoice: Every line item includes the HS code. The buyer’s customs broker uses this to calculate import duties and clear the shipment. Including the correct HS code on the invoice is one of the most important steps for avoiding customs delays.
EEI/AES Filing: The Schedule B number (the US export equivalent of the HS code) is required for every line item in the Electronic Export Information filing. The ECCN or EAR99 classification and Schedule B are both required fields.
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill: The HS code is typically included in the goods description section, though not always required by the carrier.
Certificate of Origin: When a certificate of origin is provided, the HS code for each product is usually listed alongside the product description.
Packing List: While not always required, including the HS code on the packing list helps the destination customs broker cross-reference with the commercial invoice.
Common HS Code Mistakes for Wire & Cable
Misclassifying wire and cable is more common than you might expect. Here are the mistakes we see most often:
Confusing bare wire with insulated wire: Bare copper conductor falls under HS 7408, not 8544. If the wire has any insulation or enamel coating, it belongs under 8544. This distinction matters because the duty rates and trade restrictions can differ significantly.
Using the wrong voltage threshold: The split between 8544.42/8544.49 (not exceeding 1,000V) and 8544.60 (exceeding 1,000V) is based on the cable’s rated voltage, not the system voltage. A 15 kV medium-voltage cable is classified under 8544.60, not 8544.49.
Misclassifying telecom cable: Network cable (Cat5e, Cat6) is classified as telecom cable and enters many countries duty-free. Classifying it under the general copper conductor code (8544.49.30) instead of the telecom code (8544.49.10) means paying duty unnecessarily.
Ignoring connectors: A bulk cable on a reel (no connectors) and the same cable pre-terminated with connectors fall under different subheadings. Patch cords and pre-terminated assemblies go under 8544.42; bulk cable goes under 8544.49.
Using outdated codes: HS codes are updated periodically by the WCO (most recently in 2022). Using outdated codes can trigger customs flags. Always verify codes against the current HTS or consult your customs broker.
Practical Tips for Buyers and Exporters
Get the HS code during quoting: When requesting a quote for an international order, ask for the HS code and Schedule B number for each line item. This allows your customs broker to calculate import duties before you commit to the purchase — avoiding surprises at destination.
Match the invoice to the packing list: Customs authorities compare the product descriptions and HS codes on the commercial invoice against the packing list. Discrepancies are one of the most common causes of customs holds. We prepare both documents to ensure they match.
Use the HS code for duty estimates: If you are importing cable into your country, give the 6-digit HS code to your customs broker for a pre-shipment duty estimate. This is especially important for large orders where duty costs can significantly impact the landed cost.
Keep current: Tariff rates and trade agreement eligibility change. Section 301 tariffs (China), Section 232 tariffs (steel/aluminum), and anti-dumping duties can apply on top of the base MFN rate depending on the country of origin. Your customs broker should verify the total applicable duty rate, not just the base HTS rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What HS code is used for wire and cable?
Insulated wire and cable falls under HS heading 8544. The specific 6-digit subheading depends on the cable type: 8544.49 for most bulk insulated cable not exceeding 1,000V, 8544.60 for cable exceeding 1,000V, 8544.20 for coaxial cable, and 8544.70 for fiber optic cable. Bare (uninsulated) wire falls under different headings (7408 for copper, 7614 for aluminum).
What is the import duty on wire and cable?
US import duty rates for wire and cable under HS 8544 range from free to 5.3% depending on the subheading. Telecom cables and fiber optic cables enter duty-free. Standard copper insulated cable (8544.49.30) has the highest rate at 5.3%. Many countries qualify for reduced or zero duty under free trade agreements. Additional tariffs (Section 301, anti-dumping) may apply depending on the country of origin.
What is the difference between an HS code and a Schedule B number?
An HS code is the international 6-digit classification used by customs authorities worldwide. A Schedule B number is the US-specific 10-digit export classification used for EEI/AES filing when goods leave the United States. The first six digits of a Schedule B number match the HS code. Both appear on export documentation — the HS code for the destination customs broker, and the Schedule B for US export compliance.
Does Ramcorp include HS codes on export documents?
Yes. We include the applicable HS code on every line item of the commercial invoice for international shipments. We also provide these codes to your freight forwarder via the Shipper’s Letter of Instruction for EEI filing. If you need the HS code before placing an order (for example, to get a duty estimate from your broker), we can provide it during the quoting process.
Can the HS code affect my import duty rate?
Yes, significantly. Classifying a telecom cable under the general copper conductor code instead of the telecom-specific code could mean paying 5.3% duty instead of zero. For large cable orders, this difference can amount to thousands of dollars. Correct classification is one of the easiest ways to control your landed cost.
Where can I look up the current HS code for a cable product?
The most current US tariff schedule is published by the US International Trade Commission (USITC). You can search by keyword or browse Chapter 85. For export Schedule B codes, the Census Bureau provides a searchable Schedule B database. Your customs broker or freight forwarder can also confirm the correct code for any specific product.
Related Resources
- International Orders & Shipping
- EAR99 Wire & Cable Export Guide
- Export Documents Guide
- Made in USA Cable
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not installation advice. It does not constitute legal or export compliance advice. Installing wire & cable can be dangerous and pose a risk of possible electric shock or other hazards. Export regulations change frequently. Always consult the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), or a qualified export compliance professional before shipping internationally. HS codes and duty rates are subject to change — always verify current rates with the US International Trade Commission (USITC) or your customs broker before relying on the rates listed here. Images are for illustration purposes and may not reflect actual installed products.
The information on this page is provided for general reference only and may contain errors or omissions. All other trademarks, product names, and brand names referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners. Ramcorp Wire & Cable is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations unless explicitly stated.