HS 900110 Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables
Quick Answer: Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles, and cables imported under HS 900110 enter the EU at 2.90%, the UK at 2.00%, and the US at 6.7% under the MFN rate. This classification covers the essential components used for transmitting light signals, including individual glass or plastic fibers, bundled fibers, and finished cables designed for telecommunications, data transmission, and other optical applications. Importers should note that the US also offers duty-free entry for products from specific Free Trade Agreement partners, as detailed in USITC tariff data. Exporters and customs brokers should verify specific product details against the latest CustomTariffs data to ensure accurate declarations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9001100000 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 9001101000 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 9001109000 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 9001109010 | 2.90 % | — | — |
| 9001109090 | 2.90 % | — | — |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9001100000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9001101000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9001109000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9001109010 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9001109090 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9001100030 | — | — | ["m"] |
| 9001100070 | — | — | ["m"] |
| 9001100085 | — | — | ["Fiber m"] |
| 90011000 | 6.7% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 9001100050 | — | — | ["m"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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 9001.10?
Imports of Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables 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, 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 900110 cover?
This subheading covers optical fibres, optical fibre bundles, and optical fibre cables, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature. This includes glass fibres and other materials, whether or not assembled into cables, designed for transmitting light signals. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses both individual fibres and pre-assembled cables intended for telecommunications, data transmission, and other optical applications.
What falls outside HS 900110?
The following products are excluded from HS 900110: electrical cables and wires not designed for optical transmission, such as those carrying electrical current, which are typically classified under Chapter 85. Also excluded are optical elements like lenses, prisms, and mirrors, even if made of glass or other optical materials, which fall under HS heading 9001. Furthermore, finished products incorporating optical fibres, such as certain medical instruments or lighting fixtures, will be classified based on their primary function, not the optical fibre component itself.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 900110?
A common error is misclassifying finished goods that contain optical fibres but whose primary function is not light transmission, such as certain types of lighting or decorative items. Another mistake involves confusing optical fibre cables with electrical cables, leading to incorrect classification under Chapter 85. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, meaning the intended use and essential character of the product are paramount.
How should importers classify products under HS 900110?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 900110 involves a thorough examination of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the explanatory notes for Heading 9001. Confirming that the product is indeed an optical fibre, bundle, or cable designed for light transmission, and not an electrical cable or a finished good with a different primary function, is crucial for accurate declaration.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 900110?
A 100-meter spool of single-mode optical fibre cable, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00 USD. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.05 = $25.00 USD). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 900110.10.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 900110?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 900110, 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 Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer preferential rates, often Free, for eligible products from developing countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's regulations.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 900110 (Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 900110 varies by importing country. For example, the United States applies a 2.90% ad valorem duty. The European Union, under TARIC, often has rates around 2.00% ad valorem for many origins, but this can be higher for certain countries. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff also shows rates around 2.00% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the exact rate applicable to your import.
How is the import duty calculated for optical fibres under HS 900110?
Import duty for HS 900110 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if optical fibres valued at $10,000 are imported into the United States, and the MFN duty rate is 2.90%, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0290 (Duty Rate) = $290.00. Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared according to the relevant valuation rules (e.g., WTO Valuation Agreement).
Are there preferential duty rates available for optical fibres (HS 900110) under trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS code 900110 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists preferential rates for countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR), which can be Free or significantly lower than the MFN rate. The EU TARIC and UK Trade Tariff also detail preferential rates for partner countries. Importers must ensure they have a valid Certificate of Origin and meet all other FTA requirements to claim these lower duties.
What documentation is typically required for importing optical fibres (HS 900110)?
Beyond the standard import documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importing optical fibres under HS 900110 may require specific documentation. If claiming preferential treatment under an FTA, a Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Depending on the importing country's regulations, manufacturers' declarations or compliance certificates related to product safety or technical standards might be requested. Customs brokers should verify the precise requirements with the destination country's customs authority.
What are the key criteria for classifying goods under HS code 900110?
HS code 900110 covers 'Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables'. The key classification criteria are that the goods must be designed to transmit light (optical signals) and function based on the principles of optics. This includes individual optical fibres, assemblies of fibres (bundles), and finished cables containing these fibres, whether or not they are fitted with connectors. Goods that do not transmit light, or are primarily for structural or electrical purposes, would be classified elsewhere.