Product classification
HS code for Electrical wire: 8544.49
Insulated electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors.
Classification of electrical wire under HS 8544.49
The classification of electrical wire under HS code 8544.49 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 8544 covers insulated electric conductors, including coaxial cable and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors. Subheading 8544.49 specifically addresses conductors designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts that are not fitted with connectors. This classification is crucial for customs purposes as it distinguishes bulk wiring from finished cable assemblies. The primary factor for this code is the insulation, which must be present to prevent electrical leakage or short circuits. The material of the conductor, such as copper or aluminum, is secondary to the fact that it is insulated and lacks terminal connectors like plugs or jacks. If the wire were bare, it would be classified based on its constituent metal in Chapter 74 or 76. The 1,000V threshold is a standard dividing line in the HS for low-voltage versus high-voltage equipment. This code is often used for building wire, internal wiring for appliances, and general-purpose electrical cables sold in bulk reels.
- Covers
- Insulated copper building wire
- Insulated aluminum electrical cables
- Multi-core power cables without plugs
- Flexible insulated cords for low voltage
- PVC-insulated electrical wiring
- 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. Electrical wire is frequently misclassified under HS code 8544.42. The distinction lies in whether the wire is \"fitted with connectors.\" If the wire has plugs, jacks, or terminals attached, it must be moved to 8544.42. Another common error is using 7408 for copper wire; however, 7408 is strictly for non-insulated copper wire. If the wire is designed for voltages exceeding 1,000 volts, it should be classified under 8544.60. Importers must verify both the voltage rating and the presence of connectors to ensure accuracy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854449 (the code used for electrical wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854449 (the code used for electrical 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 electrical 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 electrical wire
Brazil classifies electrical 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 electrical wire
What is the HS code for Electrical wire?
The HS code for Electrical wire is 854449 (Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors). The HS code for insulated electrical wire for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts, without connectors, is 8544.49.
How do I classify Electrical wire for customs?
Electrical 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 this code include fiber optic cables?
No, fiber optic cables are classified under HS code 8544.70, as they consist of individually sheathed fibers, regardless of whether they are assembled with electric conductors.
Which countries are the top exporters of electrical wire (HS 854449)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854449 (the code used for electrical 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 electrical wire (HS 854449)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854449 (the code used for electrical 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 Electrical wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854449 for Electrical 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 electrical wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, electrical wire (HS 854449) is classified under NCM 8544.49.00.