HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 85.44 – Insulated wire, cable and other electric conductors, connector fitted or not; optical fibre cables of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors
What HS 85.44 covers
Heading 8544 encompasses a vast array of insulated electrical conductors, vital components in virtually every aspect of modern infrastructure and technology. This includes all forms of insulated wire, cable, and other electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors. Crucially, it also covers optical fibre cables composed of individually sheathed fibres, irrespective of whether they are assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors. The scope is broad, covering everything from simple household wiring to complex submarine communication cables and specialized industrial conductors. The key boundary for this classification lies in the 'insulated' aspect for electrical conductors and the 'individually sheathed' requirement for optical fibres. Bare conductors, for instance, would fall under base metal chapters (e.g., 7408 for copper wire). The 'connector fitted or not' clause is significant, meaning a cable with a plug is classified here, not as a separate connector. This heading is fundamental for trade compliance as it dictates duties, trade agreements, and regulatory standards (e.g., safety, performance) for essential components of communication, power transmission, and electronic devices. Key sub-categories often distinguished are based on voltage (e.g., low, medium, high), material (copper, aluminum, optical fiber), application (power, data, telecommunications, automotive), and construction (coaxial, twisted pair, armored). Historically, the evolution of this heading reflects technological advancements, from basic copper wiring to the proliferation of fiber optics and specialized data cables, each critical for the digital age. As part of Section XVI (Electrical Equipment), 8544 serves as the foundational conduit for the power and signals that drive the machinery and apparatus classified throughout the chapter, underscoring its indispensable role in global trade and technological development.
- Covers
- Insulated copper power cables
- Fiber optic patch cords
- Coaxial television cables
- Automotive wiring harnesses
- USB data cables
- HDMI connector cables
- Ethernet LAN cables
- Telephone subscriber line cables
- High-voltage overhead transmission cables
- Control and instrumentation cables
- Medical device internal wiring
- Battery jumper cables
- Solar panel DC cables
- Speaker wire
- Flexible flat cables (FFC)
- Submarine communication cables
- Building electrical wire
- Extension cords with plugs
- Charging cables for electric vehicles
- Industrial automation bus cables
- Sensor cables for machinery
- Internal computer power cables
- Insulated heating cables
- Shielded data cables.
- Examples
A major Chinese manufacturer exports several containers of insulated copper power cables (rated for 1kV) to a new industrial park project in Vietnam via sea freight, supporting the region's expanding manufacturing base. Separately, a German automotive supplier ships custom-designed wiring harnesses, specific to a new electric vehicle model, to its assembly plants in the United States and Mexico using both air cargo and overland trucking, facilitating just-in-time production. An American data center operator imports high-performance multimode fiber optic patch cords from Japan, primarily through air freight, to upgrade its server infrastructure, leveraging Japan's expertise in precision optical components. Furthermore, a South Korean electronics giant exports millions of USB-C charging cables to distributors across Europe via large container ships, catering to the widespread demand for mobile device accessories.
Subheadings under 85.44 8
Codes often confused with 85.44
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for 8544 often arise from overlooking the 'insulated' criterion. Bare electrical conductors, such as uninsulated copper wire or aluminum rods, should be classified under their respective base metal chapters (e.g., 7408 for copper wire, 7605 for aluminum wire), not 8544. Another frequent error is confusing pre-assembled wiring harnesses with the finished electrical apparatus they are designed for, though 8544 is generally appropriate for the harness itself. Traders might also incorrectly classify simple connectors (8536) when they are integral to a cable assembly, where the entire assembly belongs in 8544. The key is to determine if the item is primarily an insulated conductor or an optical fiber cable, fitted or not, rather than a bare conductor or a standalone connector.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8544, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8544 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $38.3B 19% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $19.6B 9.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $13.9B 6.7% of world exports
World total: $207.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $36.9B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $17.1B 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $9.5B 4.9% of world imports
World total: $195.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 85.44
What is HS code 8544?
HS code 8544 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Insulated wire, cable and other electric conductors, connector fitted or not; optical fibre cables of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors. Heading 8544 encompasses a vast array of insulated electrical conductors, vital components in virtually every aspect of modern infrastructure and technology. This includes all forms of insulated wire, cable, and other electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors. Crucially, it also covers optical fibre cables composed of individually sheathed fibres, irrespective of whether they are assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors. The scope is broad, covering everything from simple household wiring to complex submarine communication cables and specialized industrial conductors. The key boundary for this classification lies in the 'insulated' aspect for electrical conductors and the 'individually sheathed' requirement for optical fibres. Bare conductors, for instance, would fall under base metal chapters (e.g., 7408 for copper wire). The 'connector fitted or not' clause is significant, meaning a cable with a plug is classified here, not as a separate connector. This heading is fundamental for trade compliance as it dictates duties, trade agreements, and regulatory standards (e.g., safety, performance) for essential components of communication, power transmission, and electronic devices. Key sub-categories often distinguished are based on voltage (e.g., low, medium, high), material (copper, aluminum, optical fiber), application (power, data, telecommunications, automotive), and construction (coaxial, twisted pair, armored). Historically, the evolution of this heading reflects technological advancements, from basic copper wiring to the proliferation of fiber optics and specialized data cables, each critical for the digital age. As part of Section XVI (Electrical Equipment), 8544 serves as the foundational conduit for the power and signals that drive the machinery and apparatus classified throughout the chapter, underscoring its indispensable role in global trade and technological development.
What products fall under HS code 8544?
Insulated copper power cables, fiber optic patch cords, coaxial television cables, automotive wiring harnesses, USB data cables, HDMI connector cables, Ethernet LAN cables, telephone subscriber line cables, high-voltage overhead transmission cables, control and instrumentation cables, medical device internal wiring, battery jumper cables, solar panel DC cables, speaker wire, flexible flat cables (FFC), submarine communication cables, building electrical wire, extension cords with plugs, charging cables for electric vehicles, industrial automation bus cables, sensor cables for machinery, internal computer power cables, insulated heating cables, shielded data cables.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8544?
Common misclassifications for 8544 often arise from overlooking the 'insulated' criterion. Bare electrical conductors, such as uninsulated copper wire or aluminum rods, should be classified under their respective base metal chapters (e.g., 7408 for copper wire, 7605 for aluminum wire), not 8544. Another frequent error is confusing pre-assembled wiring harnesses with the finished electrical apparatus they are designed for, though 8544 is generally appropriate for the harness itself. Traders might also incorrectly classify simple connectors (8536) when they are integral to a cable assembly, where the entire assembly belongs in 8544. The key is to determine if the item is primarily an insulated conductor or an optical fiber cable, fitted or not, rather than a bare conductor or a standalone connector.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8544?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8544 in UN Comtrade data were China ($38.3B, 19% of world exports), Mexico ($19.6B) and the United States ($13.9B). World exports came to about $207.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 8544?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8544 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($36.9B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($17.1B) and Mexico ($9.5B). World imports came to about $195.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 8544 structured?
HS code 8544 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (44) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.