Product classification
HS code for Copper winding wire: 8544.11
Insulated electric conductors, winding wire, of copper.
Classification of copper winding wire under HS 8544.11
Copper winding wire is classified under HS code 8544.11 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This classification is determined by the product's primary function as an insulated electric conductor designed specifically for winding purposes in electrical machinery. Under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment, heading 8544 applies to insulated wire, cable, and other insulated electric conductors. Subheading 8544.11 is specifically reserved for winding wire made of copper. The classification requires the wire to be coated with an insulating material, typically a thin layer of resin, enamel, or lacquer, which allows the wire to be wound into tight coils for use in motors, transformers, and inductors without causing a short circuit. The technical distinction lies in the insulation's ability to withstand thermal and mechanical stress during the winding process while maintaining dielectric strength. Unlike standard power cables, winding wire is characterized by its high precision in diameter and the uniformity of its insulating film, which is essential for achieving the required electromagnetic properties in electrical components.
- Covers
- Enamelled copper wire
- Magnet wire for electric motors
- Litz wire with individual strand insulation
- Paper-insulated copper winding wire
- Glass-fiber covered copper winding wire
- Self-bonding copper magnet wire
- Also under 8544.11
- Superior Essex magnet wire
- Rea Magnet Wire
- Sumitomo Electric winding wire
- Hitachi Cable winding wire
Codes often confused with 8544.11
Common mistake. A frequent error in classification involves confusing copper winding wire with uninsulated copper wire, which falls under heading 7408. Specifically, 7408.19 is often incorrectly used for bare copper wire that has not yet been coated. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 8544.42, which covers other electric conductors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V, fitted with connectors. Winding wire is distinguished from these by its lack of connectors and its specific application in electromagnetic coils. Additionally, if the wire is made of a copper alloy rather than refined copper, it may be misclassified under 8544.19, which is reserved for winding wire of other metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854411 (the code used for copper winding wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854411 (the code used for copper winding wire) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 854411, not only copper winding wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $762M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Italy $596M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $7.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $826M 11% of world imports
- 2 Japan $619M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $419M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $7.2B 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 copper winding wire
Brazil classifies copper winding wire under NCM 8544.11.00: HS 8544.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper winding wire
What is the HS code for Copper winding wire?
The HS code for Copper winding wire is 854411 (Insulated electric conductors; winding wire, of copper). The primary HS code for copper winding wire is 8544.11, which specifically identifies insulated winding wire made of refined copper.
How do I classify Copper winding wire for customs?
Copper winding wire is classified under HS code 854411 — Insulated electric conductors; winding wire, of copper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does winding wire differ from standard electrical cable in HS classification?
Winding wire (8544.11) is classified based on its use in creating electromagnetic fields within devices like motors, whereas standard cables (8544.49 or 8544.60) are classified based on their role in power transmission or distribution and typically feature thicker, multi-layered insulation.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper winding wire (HS 854411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854411 (the code used for copper winding wire) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 20% of world exports), Germany ($762M) and Italy ($596M). World exports came to about $7.9B, 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 copper winding wire (HS 854411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854411 (the code used for copper winding wire) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($826M, 11% of world imports), Japan ($619M) and Germany ($419M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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 Copper winding wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854411 for Copper winding 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 copper winding wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, copper winding wire (HS 854411) is classified under NCM 8544.11.00.