Product classification
HS code for High voltage cable: 8544.60
Insulated electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts.
Classification of high voltage cable under HS 8544.60
High voltage cables are classified under HS code 8544.60 because they meet the criteria for insulated electric conductors designed for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically GIR 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8544 covers all types of insulated wire and cable, while subheading 8544.60 is the specific designation for conductors rated for high-voltage applications. These cables are engineered with specialized insulation layers, such as Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR), to withstand significant electrical stress. The classification is determined solely by the voltage rating and the presence of insulation, regardless of the conductor material, which is typically copper or aluminum. The construction often includes metallic shielding and armoring to ensure safety and durability in underground or subsea environments.
- Covers
- XLPE insulated power cables for transmission lines
- Submarine high-voltage power cables
- Oil-filled high-voltage cables
- Gas-insulated lines (GIL) for high-voltage transmission
- Armored high-voltage distribution cables
- EPR insulated cables for industrial high-voltage equipment
- Also under 8544.60
- Prysmian Group high-voltage cables
- Nexans power cables
- Sumitomo Electric high-voltage solutions
- General Cable medium-voltage cables
Codes often confused with 8544.60
Common mistake. High voltage cables are frequently confused with low-voltage cables classified under HS code 8544.49, which are rated for 1,000 volts or less. Another common error is attempting to classify them under HS code 7408 (copper wire) or 7605 (aluminum wire); however, these codes apply only to bare, non-insulated wires. If the cable is fitted with connectors, it might be mistakenly classified under 8544.42, but that code is specifically for lower voltage assemblies. It is vital to verify the dielectric strength and rated voltage on the technical datasheet to ensure the 1,000V threshold is exceeded before using 8544.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854460 (the code used for high voltage cable), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854460 (the code used for high voltage cable) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 854460, not only high voltage cable.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.4B 21% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $1.3B 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Germany $850M 5.2% of world exports
World total: $16.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 10.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $690M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $14.0B 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 high voltage cable
Brazil classifies high voltage cable under NCM 8544.60.00: HS 8544.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about high voltage cable
What is the HS code for High voltage cable?
The HS code for High voltage cable is 854460 (Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts). The primary HS code for high voltage cable is 8544.60, which covers insulated electric conductors for a voltage exceeding 1,000 volts.
How do I classify High voltage cable for customs?
High voltage cable is classified under HS code 854460 — Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the conductor material change the HS code?
No, the HS code 8544.60 applies to both copper and aluminum conductors, provided they are insulated and rated for over 1,000 volts.
Which countries are the top exporters of high voltage cable (HS 854460)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854460 (the code used for high voltage cable) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.4B, 21% of world exports), South Korea ($1.3B) and Germany ($850M). World exports came to about $16.4B, 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 high voltage cable (HS 854460)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854460 (the code used for high voltage cable) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and the United Kingdom ($690M). World imports came to about $14.0B, 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 High voltage cable the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854460 for High voltage 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 high voltage cable in Brazil?
In Brazil, high voltage cable (HS 854460) is classified under NCM 8544.60.00.