HS 854442 Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V
Quick Answer: Electric conductors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V imported under HS 854442 enter the UK at rates up to 2.00%, the US at rates up to 35%, and the EU at rates up to 3.30%. This classification covers a broad range of insulated electrical wires and cables designed for use in low-voltage applications, excluding those specifically designed for telecommunications or optical fiber. Importers should consult specific subheadings within HS 854442 for precise duty rates, as variations exist based on conductor material (e.g., copper, aluminum) and construction. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying the exact tariff line for accurate customs declarations and duty calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544421000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8544429040 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8544429050 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8544429070 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8544429090 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544429010 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 854442 | — | — | — |
| 8544421000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 8544422000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
| 85444290 | 2.6% | Free (18 programs) | [""] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544420000 | — | — | — |
| 8544421000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8544429000 | 3.30 % | — | — |
| 8544429010 | 3.30 % | — | — |
| 8544429020 | 3.30 % | — | — |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8544.42?
Imports of Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 854442 cover?
This subheading covers other electric conductors, specifically those insulated or otherwise sheathed, designed for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC, this category includes a wide array of cables and wires used in electrical installations, appliances, and electronic equipment where the operating voltage is below 1,000 volts. This explicitly excludes bare conductors and those for voltages exceeding 1,000 V.
What falls outside HS 854442?
The following products are excluded from HS 854442: bare electrical conductors, which are classified under HS 8544.11 to 8544.19; electric conductors for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V, classified under HS 8544.60; and insulated winding wires, typically found in HS 8544.11. Additionally, cables that are not primarily designed as conductors, such as optical fiber cables (Chapter 85, Note 10), are classified elsewhere. For instance, a multi-conductor cable with integrated data transmission capabilities might be classified based on its primary function or component if it deviates from a standard electrical conductor.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 854442?
A common error is misinterpreting the voltage limitation. Importers may incorrectly classify conductors intended for higher voltages under this subheading. Another frequent mistake involves confusing these insulated conductors with bare wires or winding wires, which have distinct classifications. Furthermore, the presence of additional features, such as shielding or specific jacketing materials, can sometimes lead to misclassification if not properly assessed against the specific wording of the tariff schedule and the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), particularly GRI 3 for composite goods.
How should importers classify products under HS 854442?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 854442 involves a systematic approach. Importers and customs brokers must first determine the product's intended use and its electrical characteristics, specifically the maximum voltage it is designed to carry, ensuring it does not exceed 1,000 V. Next, they should examine the construction of the conductor, confirming it is insulated or sheathed. Consulting the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing the relevant Chapter and Heading notes, along with Explanatory Notes, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 854442?
A shipment of 100 meters of 2.5mm² copper electrical cable, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.50. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($50 USD × 0.05 = $2.50). It is important to note that specific subheadings within 8544.42 may have different rates, and other jurisdictions will have their own tariff schedules and rates.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 854442?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 854442, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for goods from member countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a specific certificate of origin, depending on the agreement and the exporting country, such as a valid Certificate of Origin for USMCA.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 854442 in the US, EU, and UK?
Import duty rates for HS code 854442, 'Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V', vary by country and trade agreement. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is often 3.30% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate can be 2.00% ad valorem for many third countries, though specific rates may apply. The UK Trade Tariff also shows a standard rate of 2.00% ad valorem for goods from countries without a preferential trade agreement. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and consider any applicable preferential rates.
How is the duty for HS 854442 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 854442 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of electric conductors valued at $10,000 is imported into the US with an MFN duty rate of 3.30%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0330 (Duty Rate) = $330.00. Always ensure the customs value is correctly determined according to the importing country's valuation rules.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 854442?
HS code 854442 covers 'Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V'. The primary criteria for classification are: 1) The item must be an electric conductor (e.g., wire, cable). 2) It must be insulated or otherwise covered. 3) The intended operating voltage must not exceed 1,000 V (this includes both AC and DC voltages). Items that are not specifically covered by other headings within Chapter 85, such as insulated winding wire (8544.11) or power cables (8544.60), fall into this 'other' category. The physical characteristics, construction, and intended use are critical for accurate classification.
Which trade agreements commonly affect duty rates for HS 854442, and how can importers leverage them?
Trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS 854442. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing nation may qualify for preferential duty rates, often 0.00% (Free). Examples include agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) for goods originating from Canada or Mexico, or the EU's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with various African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. To leverage these agreements, importers must obtain a 'proof of origin' document (e.g., Certificate of Origin) from the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. This documentation is essential for claiming preferential treatment at customs.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 854442?
Standard import documentation for HS code 854442 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific product, additional documents may be necessary. These could include a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement), a declaration of conformity to relevant safety standards (e.g., CE marking for the EU), and potentially specific import licenses or permits if the conductors are for specialized applications. Customs brokers play a vital role in ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays.