Key facts
- Most likely code
- 8544.42
- Candidate codes
- 2
- HS edition
- HS2022
Summary
USB cables are usually classified under HS code 8544.42 when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts, fitted with connectors. It sits in heading 85.44, “Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including co-axial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors”. USB cables can also fall under 8544.49, depending on the connector fitting.
How to choose the right code
Is the cable fitted with connectors at its ends? Use 8544.42 when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts, fitted with connectors. Use 8544.49 when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts without connectors.
Some similar goods are classified elsewhere: 8544.70 applies when it is an optical fibre cable made up of individually sheathed fibres.
Codes for USB cables
Each code is listed with its legal text from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, quoted as published, and the condition under which it applies to USB cables.
- 8544.42
Most likely
Legal text: “Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V: Fitted with connectors”
Heading 85.44: “Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including co-axial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors”
Applies when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts, fitted with connectors.
- 8544.49
Possible
Legal text: “Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V: Other”
Heading 85.44: “Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including co-axial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors”
Applies when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts without connectors.
- 8544.70
Classified elsewhere
Legal text: “Optical fibre cables”
Heading 85.44: “Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including co-axial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors”
Applies when it is an optical fibre cable made up of individually sheathed fibres.
Similar products
Products in the same category as USB cables, or classified under the same headings.
- Computer keyboardsHS 8471.60
- Computer miceHS 8471.60
- Computer monitorsHS 8528.52
- Digital camerasHS 8525.89
- HeadphonesHS 8518.30
- LaptopsHS 8471.30
- Memory cardsHS 8523.51
- Phone chargersHS 8504.40
- SmartphonesHS 8517.13
- Tablet computersHS 8471.30
- TelevisionsHS 8528.72
- USB flash drivesHS 8523.51
Duty rates by country
National tariff lines for USB cables are live for the United States. Each page lists the lines under the codes above, with their duty rates where they are live.
- USB cables in United States4 national lines, duty rates live
Check your exact product
Describe your product, or paste its page, and the classifier suggests the code with its reasons.
Classification depends on the exact product
The right code depends on what the product is made of, how it is made and what it is for, so two products sold as USB cables can fall under different codes.
Guidance from published tariff data, not a binding ruling. For a decision customs must follow, apply to the destination’s customs authority for a binding tariff ruling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for USB cables?
USB cables are usually classified under HS code 8544.42 when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts, fitted with connectors. It sits in heading 85.44, “Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including co-axial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors”.
Does the connector fitting change the HS code for USB cables?
Yes. Use 8544.42 when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts, fitted with connectors. Use 8544.49 when it is an insulated electric conductor for no more than 1,000 volts without connectors.
Sources and updates
The legal texts are from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The conditions and questions on this page were written for USB cables by border.bot and checked against those legal texts; the page changes when a new release goes live or the topic is reviewed again.