Heading 8544

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

19 declarable lines

Heading 8544 covers insulated wire, cable and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors, plus optical fiber cables made of individually sheathed fibers. It is split first by type: winding wire, coaxial cable, ignition wiring sets, other conductors at or below 1,000 V, other conductors above 1,000 V, and optical fiber cables. The 1,000 V group is further split by whether connectors are fitted, then by voltage, use and material.

Products in this heading

Enameled copper winding wire for motor and transformer coils
Coaxial cable for TV or antenna installations
Wire harness sets for automobiles
USB charging cables fitted with connectors
Modular telephone patch cords
Household extension cords with plugs
Underground power cable rated above 1,000 V
Optical fiber cable of individually sheathed fibers

How to choose the right subheading

Type of conductor: winding wire, coaxial, vehicle wiring set, other conductor, or optical fiber cable
Rated voltage: up to 1,000 V takes the 8544.42 or 8544.49 group, above 1,000 V takes 8544.60
Whether the cable is fitted with connectors, which sends it to 8544.42 rather than 8544.49
Intended use, such as telecommunications, which can be duty free
Conductor material and AWG size for winding wire, and copper versus other metal for the 8544.49 lines

Often confused with

Loose plugs, sockets and connectors sold separately
Connectors themselves are apparatus for making connections to electrical circuits, not insulated conductors.
Heading 8536
Electrical insulators of ceramic or plastic
Insulators are covered by their own heading, separate from the wire they support.
Heading 8546
Insulating conduit tubing of base metal lined with insulating material
Insulating fittings and lined conduit belong in 8547, not with insulated cable.
Heading 8547
Bare copper wire with no insulation
Heading 8544 requires insulation; bare wire is classified by material elsewhere in the tariff.
Extension cords presented with a switched outlet strip or surge protector
When the article is a board with switching apparatus, it is classified as a control board.
Heading 8537

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a USB cable fitted with connectors?

A fitted cable for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V falls in 8544.42. If it is of a kind used for telecommunications the line is 8544.42.20.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free; otherwise 8544.42.90.90 applies at 2.6%.

What is the duty on coaxial cable?

Coaxial cable and other coaxial electric conductors are classified in 8544.20.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 5.3%.

How do I classify optical fiber cable?

Optical fiber cables made up of individually sheathed fibers go in 8544.70.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free, whether or not assembled with conductors or fitted with connectors.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.