Product classification
HS code for Coax cable: 8544.20
Insulated electric conductors, co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors.
Classification of coax cable under HS 8544.20
Coaxial cables are classified under HS code 8544.20, which falls within Chapter 85 for electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8544 covers insulated wire, cable, and other insulated electric conductors. The specific subheading 8544.20 is dedicated to co-axial conductors. These are defined by their unique construction: a central inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric insulating layer, which is then enclosed by a tubular outer conductor (the shield), and finally protected by an external insulating sheath. This classification applies regardless of whether the cable is intended for telecommunications, data transmission, or television signals. The primary identifying feature is the coaxial geometry of the conductors, which distinguishes them from standard twisted pair or multi-core cables.
- Covers
- RG-6 and RG-59 television cables
- RG-11 long-distance coaxial cables
- Triaxial cables for high-end video production
- Semi-rigid coaxial cables for RF applications
- Twin-axial (Twinax) data cables
- Also under 8544.20
- Belden RG-6
- CommScope coaxial cable
- Times Microwave LMR series
- Amphenol RF coaxial assemblies
Codes often confused with 8544.20
Common mistake. Coax cables are often misclassified under 8544.42 if they are fitted with connectors and used for low voltage, but 8544.20 is more specific for the coaxial construction. They are also sometimes confused with 8544.70, which is reserved for optical fiber cables that transmit light rather than electrical signals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854420 (the code used for coax cable), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854420 (the code used for coax cable) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.2% 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 854420, not only coax cable.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $1.4B 17% of world exports
- 2 China $1.4B 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $599M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $8.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $645M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 Morocco $531M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $461M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $7.0B 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 coax cable
Brazil classifies coax cable under NCM 8544.20.00: HS 8544.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about coax cable
What is the HS code for Coax cable?
The HS code for Coax cable is 854420 (Insulated electric conductors; co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors). The international HS code for co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors is 8544.20.
How do I classify Coax cable for customs?
Coax cable is classified under HS code 854420 — Insulated electric conductors; co-axial cable and other co-axial electric conductors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the classification different if the cable has connectors?
Generally, coaxial cables remain under 8544.20 even when fitted with connectors, as the coaxial nature is the primary defining characteristic for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of coax cable (HS 854420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854420 (the code used for coax cable) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($1.4B, 17% of world exports), China ($1.4B) and the United States ($599M). World exports came to about $8.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of coax cable (HS 854420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854420 (the code used for coax cable) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($645M, 9.2% of world imports), Morocco ($531M) and Malaysia ($461M). World imports came to about $7.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Coax cable the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854420 for Coax cable 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 coax cable in Brazil?
In Brazil, coax cable (HS 854420) is classified under NCM 8544.20.00.