HS code for charging cable
The U.S. HS code for a charging cable is usually 8544.42.90.90 (usb cable), with a 2.6% general duty and an estimated total of 15.1% from China and 15.1% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 40.1% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB cable | 8544.42.90.90 | 2.6% | 15.1% |
- 8544.42.90.90: Fitted with connectors / Other
What decides the code
An insulated USB charging cable fitted with connectors is classified under 8544.42.90.90, the residual line for electric conductors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V fitted with connectors.
- The cable is insulated electric conductor fitted with connectors, which places it in heading 8544.
- It carries a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V, which leads to subheading 8544.42.
- It is not a coaxial cable or a specialized conductor, so it falls to the residual line 8544.42.90.90.
Common mistakes
- Classifying the cable under 8544.11 as enameled winding wire is wrong because a USB charging cable is a finished connector cable, not wire for winding coils.
- Classifying it under 8536 as a connector or electrical apparatus is wrong because the item is a length of insulated cable with connectors, which heading 8544 covers.
- Classifying it under 8504 as a power adapter is wrong because the cable carries current and does not convert voltage.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 15.1% = 2.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 40.1%.
- Vietnam
- 15.1% = 2.6% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8544.42.90.90, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a charging cable?
The U.S. HTS code for a charging cable is usually 8544.42.90.90 (usb cable). The first six digits, 8544.42, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a charging cable from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8544.42.90.90 is 2.6%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 15.1% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 15.1%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8544.42.90.90Fitted with connectors / Other
- Heading 8544Insulated (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
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.