Product classification
HS code for Insulated wire: 8544.49
Insulated electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors.
Classification of insulated wire under HS 8544.49
Insulated electric conductors are classified under HS code 8544.49 when they meet specific technical criteria regarding voltage capacity and the absence of connectors. This classification falls within Chapter 85, which is dedicated to electrical machinery, equipment, and their parts. The primary requirement for an item to be classified under heading 8544 is that it must consist of one or more metal conductors that are insulated with a non-conductive material. This insulation can be made of various substances, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, enamel, or specialized polymers, and its purpose must be to provide electrical isolation. Subheading 8544.49 is a residual category for conductors designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts that have not been fitted with any terminal connectors like plugs, sockets, or lugs. If the wire were fitted with such connectors, it would be classified under 8544.42. The distinction between 8544.49 and other subheadings often rests on the voltage rating; for instance, conductors rated for more than 1,000 volts are classified under 8544.60. It is also important to differentiate these from bare wires, which are classified in Chapters 74 or 76 based on the metal used. The classification process involves verifying that the insulation is permanent and intended for electrical purposes, rather than just a protective coating against corrosion.
- Covers
- PVC-insulated copper building wire
- Enamelled copper winding wire
- Low-voltage aluminum power cables without connectors
- Insulated hook-up wire for electronics
- Multi-core control cables rated under 1000V
- 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. Insulated wire is frequently misclassified under 8544.42 if the customs officer believes the wire is \"fitted with connectors.\" A connector must be a terminal device like a plug or a jack; simple stripping of the insulation at the ends does not count as a connector. Additionally, bare copper wire is often wrongly placed here but belongs in 7408.11 or 7408.19. High-voltage cables (exceeding 1000V) are another source of confusion and must be moved to 8544.60. Finally, fiber optic cables, which do not conduct electricity, are classified under 8544.70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854449 (the code used for insulated wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854449 (the code used for insulated 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 insulated 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 insulated wire
Brazil classifies insulated 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 insulated wire
What is the HS code for Insulated wire?
The HS code for Insulated wire is 854449 (Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectors). The HS code for insulated electric wire for a voltage not exceeding 1000V, without connectors, is 8544.49.
How do I classify Insulated wire for customs?
Insulated 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 automotive wiring harnesses?
No, automotive wiring harnesses are typically fitted with connectors and would be classified under 8544.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of insulated wire (HS 854449)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854449 (the code used for insulated 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 insulated wire (HS 854449)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854449 (the code used for insulated 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 Insulated wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854449 for Insulated 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 insulated wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, insulated wire (HS 854449) is classified under NCM 8544.49.00.