Product classification
HS code for Patch cable: 8544.42
Insulated electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors.
Classification of patch cable under HS 8544.42
Patch cables, defined as insulated electric conductors fitted with connectors, are classified under HS code 8544.42. This classification is governed by the requirements of heading 8544, which covers insulated wire, cable, and other insulated electric conductors. To fall under 8544.42, the cable must be rated for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts and must be pre-fitted with connectors such as RJ45, USB, or proprietary plugs at one or both ends. These cables are essential components in telecommunications and data processing systems, used to connect end devices to power sources or network hubs. The presence of the connector is the defining characteristic that separates this subheading from 8544.49.
- Covers
- Ethernet patch cables (Cat5e, Cat6) with RJ45 connectors
- USB data and charging cables
- HDMI cables for audio-visual signals
- Power cords fitted with plugs for electronic devices
- Internal computer ribbon cables with connectors
- Also under 8544.42
- Anker USB-C cables
- Belkin HDMI cables
- Monoprice Ethernet cables
- Tripp Lite power cords
- Apple Lightning cables
Codes often confused with 8544.42
Common mistake. Patch cables are often misclassified under 8544.49, which is for cables "not fitted with connectors." Another common error is attempting to classify them under 8517 as part of telecommunication apparatus; however, Note 2 to Section XVI generally dictates that cables remain in 8544. Fiber optic patch cables are also a source of confusion; if they consist of individually sheathed fibers, they belong in 8544.70, not 8544.42.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854442 (the code used for patch cable), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854442 (the code used for patch cable) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 854442, not only patch cable.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $16.4B 31% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $3.9B 7.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.6B 6.9% of world exports
World total: $52.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.9B 18% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $3.6B 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $3.5B 7.0% of world imports
World total: $49.6B 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 patch cable
Brazil classifies patch cable under NCM 8544.42.00: HS 8544.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about patch cable
What is the HS code for Patch cable?
The HS code for Patch cable is 854442 (Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors). The HS code for insulated electric patch cables fitted with connectors (under 1000V) is 8544.42.
How do I classify Patch cable for customs?
Patch cable is classified under HS code 854442 — Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fiber optic patch cables classified here?
No, fiber optic cables are specifically classified under HS code 8544.70, regardless of whether they are fitted with connectors.
Which countries are the top exporters of patch cable (HS 854442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854442 (the code used for patch cable) in UN Comtrade data were China ($16.4B, 31% of world exports), Hong Kong ($3.9B) and the United States ($3.6B). World exports came to about $52.5B, 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 patch cable (HS 854442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854442 (the code used for patch cable) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.9B, 18% of world imports), Mexico ($3.6B) and Germany ($3.5B). World imports came to about $49.6B, 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 Patch cable the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854442 for Patch 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 patch cable in Brazil?
In Brazil, patch cable (HS 854442) is classified under NCM 8544.42.00.