Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
3.9%
This is an ad valorem duty, meaning the import duty is calculated as a percentage (3.9%) of the declared value of the imported goods.
Special Trade Agreement Rates
The following countries and trade agreements qualify for reduced or eliminated tariffs:
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
Australia FTA
Bahrain FTA
Chile FTA
Colombia TPA
AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
Caribbean Basin Initiative
Israel FTA
Jordan FTA
Korea-U.S. (KORUS) FTA
Morocco FTA
Oman FTA
CAFTA-DR (Central America)
Panama TPA
Peru TPA
AGOA Least-Developed Beneficiary
Singapore FTA
Rate: Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
35%
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 8544.49.90.00 Covers
This code covers insulated electric conductors, meaning wire and cable, rated for use at 1,000 volts or less, that are not fitted with connectors and are not copper telecom wire. In practice it captures general-purpose insulated wire and cable for power distribution, building wiring, appliances, and industrial equipment. The wire is shipped as bare-ended conductor, typically on spools or reels, rather than as finished cable assemblies.
Notes for Importers
The biggest classification pitfall is connectors: if the wire has plugs, terminals, or other fittings attached on either end, it moves to subheadings under 8544.42 instead. Wire rated for telecommunications use or of a kind used for telecommunications may fall under 8544.49.20, and conductors rated over 1,000 volts fall under 8544.60. Coaxial cable (8544.20) and fiber optic cable (8544.70) also have their own headings, so check the construction of the cable before defaulting here.
Product Category
Machinery and Electrical Equipment
This chapter includes boilers, pumps, engines, motors, generators, transformers, electrical machinery, and related mechanical equipment.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 8544.49.90.00 |
| Description | Other |
| Chapter | 85 - Machinery and Electrical Equipment |
| General Duty Rate | 3.9% |
| Rate Type | Ad Valorem |
| Special Rates | Free (A,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are classified under 8544.49.90.00?
Insulated electric wire and cable rated for 1,000 volts or less, without connectors fitted, such as hook-up wire, building wire, appliance wire, and industrial power cable shipped on spools or in coils.
Does 8544.49.90.00 cover cables with plugs or terminals attached?
No. Once connectors are fitted to the conductor, the product is classified under the connector-fitted subheadings of heading 8544, most commonly under 8544.42.
How is this code different from 8544.49.20?
8544.49.20 covers insulated conductors of a kind used for telecommunications. 8544.49.90.00 is the residual provision for other insulated wire and cable not fitted with connectors, generally power and signal wire not designed for telecom use.
What is the HTS code 8544.49.90.00 used for?
HTS code 8544.49.90.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Other. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 8544.49.90.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 8544.49.90.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Machinery and Electrical Equipment products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 8544.49.90.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 8544.49.90.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.