Product classification
HS code for Power cord: 8544.42
Insulated electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors.
Classification of power cord under HS 8544.42
Power cords are classified under HS code 8544.42. This code applies to insulated electric conductors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts that are "fitted with connectors." Heading 8544 covers a broad range of wire and cable products, but the distinction for 8544.42 lies in the presence of connectors (such as plugs or sockets) at one or both ends. The classification process involves verifying the insulation material, the voltage rating (must be 1,000V or less), and the physical assembly of the cord set. These products are ubiquitous in both consumer and industrial markets, serving as the primary interface between electrical appliances and their power sources. The insulation can be made of various materials, including rubber, plastics, or fluoropolymers, provided it meets the safety requirements for the intended voltage. The "fitted with connectors" requirement is the most critical factor; it transforms a simple bulk wire into a finished electrical component ready for immediate use by the end consumer. This classification also includes extension cords and patch cords used in telecommunications, provided they meet the voltage and connector criteria.
- Covers
- Standard AC power cords for household appliances
- Extension cords with molded plugs and sockets
- Computer power cables (IEC cables)
- USB charging cables (when used for power delivery)
- Industrial power leads with connectors rated under 1000V
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8544.49, which is for insulated conductors "not fitted with connectors." If a shipment consists of bulk wire on a spool, it must be classified under 8544.49. Another common mistake is using 8536.69 for the plugs themselves; while the plug is a connector, a cord with a plug attached is a composite good that must be classified as a conductor under 8544. Furthermore, if the power cord includes an integrated transformer or converter (like a laptop charger), it should be classified under 8504.40 instead of 8544.42. Coaxial cables are also excluded, falling under 8544.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854442 (the code used for power cord), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854442 (the code used for power cord) 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 power cord.
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 power cord
Brazil classifies power cord 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 power cord
What is the HS code for Power cord?
The HS code for Power cord is 854442 (Insulated electric conductors; for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors). The HS code for power cords fitted with connectors and rated for 1,000 volts or less is 8544.42.
How do I classify Power cord for customs?
Power cord 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.
Does this code cover high-voltage industrial cables?
No, this code is limited to conductors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 volts. Cables designed for higher voltages are classified under 8544.60.
Which countries are the top exporters of power cord (HS 854442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854442 (the code used for power cord) 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 power cord (HS 854442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854442 (the code used for power cord) 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 Power cord the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854442 for Power cord 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 power cord in Brazil?
In Brazil, power cord (HS 854442) is classified under NCM 8544.42.00.