HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8544.42 – Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors
HS code 8544.42 is the 6-digit subheading for insulated electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors. It is used for USB cables, HDMI cables, ethernet patch cords, power cords (IEC C13/C14) and audio/video cables (RCA, XLR).
What HS 8544.42 covers
This HS code encompasses a vast array of insulated electrical conductors designed for low-voltage applications (not exceeding 1000 volts) that are pre-fitted with connectors. These 'plug-and-play' cables are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, IT equipment, industrial machinery, and household appliances, facilitating easy and standardized electrical connections. The global trade in these products is immense, driven by the assembly of finished goods and the widespread demand for convenient, ready-to-use electrical connections. Importers are typically manufacturers of electronic devices, retailers, and distributors, while exporters are often large-scale cable assembly factories. The variety of connector types and cable specifications is extensive, catering to diverse technological needs.
- Covers
- USB cables
- HDMI cables
- Ethernet patch cords
- Power cords (IEC C13/C14)
- Audio/video cables (RCA, XLR)
- Display cables (DisplayPort, DVI)
- Internal computer cables (SATA)
- Examples
- Anker USB-C cables
- Belkin HDMI cables
- Monoprice Ethernet cables
- Tripp Lite power cords
- Apple Lightning cables
Codes often confused with 8544.42
Common mistake. Frequently confused with similar cables not fitted with connectors (8544.49) or with higher voltage cables (8544.60). Also, sometimes mistaken for data transmission apparatus (8517) if their primary function as a conductor is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854442, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854442 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 $16.4B 31% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $3.9B 7.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.6B 6.9% of world exports
World total: $52.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.9B 18% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $3.6B 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $3.5B 7.0% of world imports
World total: $49.6B 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.
Brazil NCM code for 8544.42
Brazil does not split HS 8544.42: its NCM code is 8544.42.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.44 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8544.42
What is HS code 854442?
HS code 854442 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors. This HS code encompasses a vast array of insulated electrical conductors designed for low-voltage applications (not exceeding 1000 volts) that are pre-fitted with connectors. These 'plug-and-play' cables are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, IT equipment, industrial machinery, and household appliances, facilitating easy and standardized electrical connections. The global trade in these products is immense, driven by the assembly of finished goods and the widespread demand for convenient, ready-to-use electrical connections. Importers are typically manufacturers of electronic devices, retailers, and distributors, while exporters are often large-scale cable assembly factories. The variety of connector types and cable specifications is extensive, catering to diverse technological needs.
What products fall under HS code 854442?
USB cables, HDMI cables, Ethernet patch cords, power cords (IEC C13/C14), audio/video cables (RCA, XLR), display cables (DisplayPort, DVI), internal computer cables (SATA)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854442?
Frequently confused with similar cables not fitted with connectors (8544.49) or with higher voltage cables (8544.60). Also, sometimes mistaken for data transmission apparatus (8517) if their primary function as a conductor is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854442?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854442 in UN Comtrade data were China ($16.4B, 31% of world exports), Hong Kong ($3.9B) and the United States ($3.6B). World exports came to about $52.5B, 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 854442?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854442 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.9B, 18% of world imports), Mexico ($3.6B) and Germany ($3.5B). World imports came to about $49.6B, 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 854442 structured?
HS code 854442 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (44) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854442?
In Brazil, HS code 854442 is NCM 8544.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.