Product classification
HS code for Fiber optic cable: 8544.70
Insulated electric conductors, optical fibre cables.
Classification of fiber optic cable under HS 8544.70
Fiber optic cables are classified under HS code 8544.70. This code is reserved for cables made up of individually sheathed fibers, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors. The classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The primary factor for this classification is the presence of optical fibers as the transmission medium. Unlike copper cables, which are classified elsewhere in heading 8544 based on their voltage and connectors, fiber optic cables are grouped specifically under the 8544.70 subheading to reflect their unique technological application in telecommunications and data transmission. The construction of these cables typically involves a core of glass or plastic fibers, each protected by a buffer layer, and then enclosed in a common protective jacket. The inclusion of "individually sheathed" is a key technical requirement for classification here. If the fibers are not individually sheathed but are instead bundled together in a single tube, the classification might shift to Chapter 90. This code is used globally to monitor the infrastructure development of high-speed internet and telecommunications networks.
- Covers
- Single-mode fiber optic cables for long-distance transmission
- Multi-mode fiber optic cables for data centers
- Armored optical cables for underground or harsh environments
- Aerial fiber optic cables for utility pole installation
- Fiber optic patch cords fitted with connectors
- Hybrid fiber-copper cables where optical fiber is the primary component
- Also under 8544.70
- Corning ClearCurve Fiber
- Prysmian Group Sirocco
- CommScope TeraSPEED
- OFS Fitel AllWave
- Fujikura SpiderWeb Ribbon
Codes often confused with 8544.70
Common mistake. Commonly confused with 9001.10, which covers individual optical fibers and fiber bundles that are not individually sheathed. It is also sometimes misclassified under 8544.42 if the cable contains copper wires for power, but the optical fiber component usually dictates the classification under 8544.70. Another error is using 8544.49 for cables without connectors, but 8544.70 covers fiber optic cables regardless of connectors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854470 (the code used for fiber optic cable), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854470 (the code used for fiber optic cable) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 854470, not only fiber optic cable.
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 fiber optic cable
Brazil splits HS 8544.70 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8544.70.10Optical fibre cables, dielectric sheath
- 8544.70.20Submarine optical fibre cables, steel sheath
- 8544.70.30Optical fibre cables, aluminium sheath
- 8544.70.90Other optical fibre cables
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fiber optic cable
What is the HS code for Fiber optic cable?
The HS code for Fiber optic cable is 854470 (Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables).
How do I classify Fiber optic cable for customs?
Fiber optic cable is classified under HS code 854470 — Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for fiber optic patch cords?
Fiber optic patch cords are classified under 8544.70 because they consist of individually sheathed fibers, even when fitted with connectors.
Does 8544.70 cover plastic optical fiber (POF)?
Yes, as long as the plastic fibers are individually sheathed and assembled into a cable, they fall under this classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of fiber optic cable (HS 854470)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854470 (the code used for fiber optic cable) 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 fiber optic cable (HS 854470)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854470 (the code used for fiber optic cable) 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.
Is the HS code for Fiber optic cable the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854470 for Fiber optic 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 fiber optic cable in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854470 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for fiber optic cable depends on the product's details: 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).