Product classification

HS code for Optical fiber cable: 8544.70

Insulated electric conductors, optical fibre cables.

Classification of optical fiber cable under HS 8544.70

Optical fiber cables are classified under HS code 8544.70. This classification is specific to cables made up of individually sheathed fibers, whether or not they contain electric conductors or are fitted with connectors. The essential characteristic for 8544.70 is the construction of the cable; each optical fiber must be individually protected by a sheath of material, such as plastic, before being bundled together. This distinguishes them from optical fiber bundles found in Chapter 90. The inclusion of these cables in Chapter 85 reflects their primary use in telecommunications and data transmission, aligning them with other insulated electric conductors and communication cables. The classification remains 8544.70 even if the cable includes copper wires for power delivery, provided the optical fibers are the primary component for data transmission.

Covers
  • Individually sheathed optical fiber cables for telecommunications
  • Fiber optic cables for local area networks (LAN)
  • Submarine optical fiber cables for transoceanic data
  • Hybrid cables containing both sheathed fibers and copper wire
  • Aerial fiber optic cables for utility poles
  • Underground armored fiber optic cables
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. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 9001.10. While both involve optical fibers, 9001.10 is reserved for optical fibers and optical fiber bundles that are not individually sheathed. If the fibers are merely bundled together without individual protective layers, they belong in Chapter 90. Another error is using 8544.42 for cables with connectors; however, 8544.70 is the specific provision for all optical fiber cables regardless of connectors.

9001.10Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables; excluding those of heading no. 85448544.42Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors

Top exporters and importers of HS 854470 (the code used for optical fiber cable), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854470 (the code used for optical fiber 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 optical fiber cable.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.3B
  2. 2 United States $2.2B
  3. 3 Mexico $2.0B

World total: $13.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $3.9B
  2. 2 Germany $640M
  3. 3 Mexico $622M

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 optical fiber cable

Brazil splits HS 8544.70 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about optical fiber cable

What is the HS code for Optical fiber cable?

The HS code for Optical fiber cable is 854470 (Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables). The correct HS code for optical fiber cables made of individually sheathed fibers is 8544.70.

How do I classify Optical fiber cable for customs?

Optical fiber cable is classified under HS code 854470 — Insulated electric conductors; optical fibre cables. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can a cable with both copper and fiber be 8544.70?

Yes, hybrid cables are classified under 8544.70 as long as the optical fibers are individually sheathed and serve as a primary component of the cable assembly.

Which countries are the top exporters of optical fiber cable (HS 854470)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854470 (the code used for optical fiber 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 optical fiber cable (HS 854470)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854470 (the code used for optical fiber 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 Optical fiber cable the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854470 for Optical fiber 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 optical fiber cable in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854470 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for optical fiber 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).