Product classification
HS code for Building wire: 8544.49
Insulated electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors.
Classification of building wire under HS 8544.49
Building wire is classified under HS code 8544.49 because it consists of insulated electric conductors designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the classification is determined by the material composition and the functional capacity of the conductor. This specific subheading is reserved for wires that are not fitted with connectors. The insulation serves as a dielectric barrier, typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), or rubber, which distinguishes it from bare wire classified in Chapter 74 or 76. The voltage limit of 1,000 V is a critical threshold; conductors designed for higher voltages are classified under 8544.60. Furthermore, the absence of connectors, such as plugs, sockets, or terminals, is the primary factor that separates 8544.49 from 8544.42. This wire is typically used in permanent electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, often housed within conduits or cable trays. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the conductor is copper or aluminum, provided the insulation and voltage requirements are met.
- Covers
- THHN/THWN-2 building wire
- NM-B (Romex) non-metallic sheathed cable
- UF-B underground feeder cable
- XHHW-2 cross-linked high heat-resistant wire
- Service entrance (SE) cable without connectors
- Armored cable (Type AC) and Metal-Clad (MC) cable
- Also under 8544.49
- Southwire THHN wire
- Belden multi-conductor cable
- Carol Brand flexible cords
- General Cable building wire
Codes often confused with 8544.49
Common mistake. Building wire is frequently confused with HS code 8544.42, which covers insulated conductors fitted with connectors. If the wire has been pre-terminated with lugs or plugs, it must move to 8544.42. Another common error is using 7408 for bare copper wire; however, 8544 requires the presence of insulation. Additionally, wires rated for over 1,000 V must be classified under 8544.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854449 (the code used for building wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854449 (the code used for building wire) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.9% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 854449, not only building wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $9.0B 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.3B 7.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.0B 6.6% of world exports
World total: $45.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.9B 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.7B 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $2.0B 4.6% of world imports
World total: $43.9B 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 building wire
Brazil classifies building wire under NCM 8544.49.00: HS 8544.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about building wire
What is the HS code for Building wire?
The HS code for Building wire is 854449 (Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors). The standard HS code for building wire rated for 1,000 V or less and not fitted with connectors is 8544.49.
How do I classify Building wire for customs?
Building wire is classified under HS code 854449 — Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the conductor material affect the HS code?
No, whether the wire uses copper or aluminum conductors, it remains under 8544.49 as long as it is insulated and lacks connectors.
Which countries are the top exporters of building wire (HS 854449)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854449 (the code used for building wire) in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.0B, 20% of world exports), Germany ($3.3B) and the United States ($3.0B). World exports came to about $45.9B, 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 building wire (HS 854449)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854449 (the code used for building wire) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.9B, 8.9% of world imports), Germany ($3.7B) and Mexico ($2.0B). World imports came to about $43.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Building wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854449 for Building wire is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for building wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, building wire (HS 854449) is classified under NCM 8544.49.00.