HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8544.70 – Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables
HS code 8544.70 is the 6-digit subheading for insulated electric conductors, optical fibre cables. It is used for fiber optic patch cords, multi-mode fiber cables, single-mode fiber cables, armored fiber optic cables and aerial fiber optic cables.
What HS 8544.70 covers
This HS code is crucial for the global telecommunications and data infrastructure, encompassing the arteries of modern communication. It covers both traditional insulated electrical conductors, vital for power transmission and internal wiring, and the increasingly dominant optical fibre cables, which are the backbone of high-speed internet and data networks. Major importers include countries with rapidly expanding digital economies or those undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades, such as developing nations in Asia and Africa, as well as developed countries investing in 5G and fiber-to-the-home initiatives. Exporters are typically countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities in electronics and materials science, like China, Germany, Japan, and the USA. Key things to know include the constant innovation in fibre optic technology, driving demand for faster and more efficient cables, and the strategic importance of these goods for national security and economic competitiveness. The trade volume is immense, reflecting the world's insatiable demand for connectivity and electricity.
- Covers
- Fiber optic patch cords
- Multi-mode fiber cables
- Single-mode fiber cables
- Armored fiber optic cables
- Aerial fiber optic cables
- Submarine fiber optic cables
- FTTH drop cables
- Data center fiber cables
- Examples
- Corning ClearCurve Fiber
- Prysmian Group Sirocco
- CommScope TeraSPEED
- OFS Fitel AllWave
- Fujikura SpiderWeb Ribbon
Codes often confused with 8544.70
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 854442 (other electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 80 V but not exceeding 1,000 V) or 854449 (other electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V) if the focus is solely on electrical conductors without considering the optical fibre aspect, or if the insulation type is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854470, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854470 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 $3.3B 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.2B 17% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $2.0B 15% of world exports
World total: $13.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.9B 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $640M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $622M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $12.4B 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 codes for 8544.70 4
Brazil splits HS 8544.70 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8544.70.10 Optical fibre cables, dielectric sheathCom revestimento externo de material dielétrico
- 8544.70.20 Submarine optical fibre cables, steel sheathCom revestimento externo de aço, próprios para instalação submarina (cabo submarino)
- 8544.70.30 Optical fibre cables, aluminium sheathCom revestimento externo de alumínio
- 8544.70.90 Other optical fibre cablesOutros
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 8544.70
What is HS code 854470?
HS code 854470 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables. This HS code is crucial for the global telecommunications and data infrastructure, encompassing the arteries of modern communication. It covers both traditional insulated electrical conductors, vital for power transmission and internal wiring, and the increasingly dominant optical fibre cables, which are the backbone of high-speed internet and data networks. Major importers include countries with rapidly expanding digital economies or those undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades, such as developing nations in Asia and Africa, as well as developed countries investing in 5G and fiber-to-the-home initiatives. Exporters are typically countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities in electronics and materials science, like China, Germany, Japan, and the USA. Key things to know include the constant innovation in fibre optic technology, driving demand for faster and more efficient cables, and the strategic importance of these goods for national security and economic competitiveness. The trade volume is immense, reflecting the world's insatiable demand for connectivity and electricity.
What products fall under HS code 854470?
Fiber optic patch cords, Multi-mode fiber cables, Single-mode fiber cables, Armored fiber optic cables, Aerial fiber optic cables, Submarine fiber optic cables, FTTH drop cables, Data center fiber cables
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854470?
This code can be confused with 854442 (other electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 80 V but not exceeding 1,000 V) or 854449 (other electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V) if the focus is solely on electrical conductors without considering the optical fibre aspect, or if the insulation type is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854470?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854470 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.3B, 24% of world exports), the United States ($2.2B) and Mexico ($2.0B). World exports came to about $13.4B, 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 854470?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854470 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.9B, 31% of world imports), Germany ($640M) and Mexico ($622M). World imports came to about $12.4B, 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 854470 structured?
HS code 854470 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 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854470?
Brazil splits HS code 854470 into 4 NCM codes: 8544.70.10 (Optical fibre cables, dielectric sheath), 8544.70.20 (Submarine optical fibre cables, steel sheath), 8544.70.30 (Optical fibre cables, aluminium sheath), 8544.70.90 (Other optical fibre cables). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.