85444200
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES›Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including coaxial 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
Other electric conductors, for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V - Fitted with connectors
Definition and scope of subheading 854442 - conductors with connectors up to 1000 V
Subheading 854442 of the Combined Nomenclature covers insulated electric conductors fitted with connectors (plugs, sockets, terminals), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 V. Typical products include power cables with plugs, signal cables with connectors, USB cables, HDMI cables, Ethernet network cables with RJ-45 plugs, and charging cables. Key classification criteria: the conductor must be insulated, fitted with at least one connector, and rated for voltage not exceeding 1000 V. Conductors without connectors are classified under 854449; vehicle harnesses under 854430; coaxial cables under 854420. Subheading 854442 covers both single-core and multi-core conductors with connectors. Classification follows the GIR, rules 1 and 6. For multi-function cables combining power and data transmission functions, Binding Tariff Information ruling is recommended.
Regulatory requirements for conductors with connectors up to 1000 V
Conductors with connectors under subheading 854442 placed on the EU market are subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) restricting hazardous substances and, where they form part of electrical equipment, the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU). Power cables with plugs must comply with electrical safety standards (EN 60320 series or national plug standards). The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) may apply to shielded signal cables. USB, HDMI and Ethernet cables may also be subject to the RED Regulation (2014/53/EU) where they contain active electronic elements. Under the CPR Regulation, cables used in construction works must meet reaction-to-fire requirements in accordance with Euroclass classification. CBAM does not apply. WEEE 2 applies to finished electronic equipment, but cables as accessories may be covered by WEEE obligations in some interpretations.
Customs duties and TARIC classification for conductors with connectors
Current MFN customs duty rates for subheading 854442 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Conductors with connectors are very high-volume trade goods, imported primarily from China. Preferential duty rates may be available under FTAs. Under the ITA, telecommunications and computer cables may benefit from a zero rate, but the ITA scope should be verified at the 10-digit TARIC code level. The importer should check whether any anti-dumping measures apply. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be subject to sanctions. Particular attention should be paid to the correct classification of multi-function cables (e.g. USB-C cables with power delivery and data transmission functions), as different functions may qualify under different subheadings. Current 10-digit TARIC codes should be checked before clearance. National VAT is charged on every import.
Conductors with connectors up to 1 kV - installations
Importing conductors with connectors ≤1 kV (CN 8544 42) into the European Union requires compliance with RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) and CE marking. An EORI number and correct customs declaration are mandatory. MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC, as ITA preferences or EU FTA rates (e.g. CETA, EPA, EU-Korea) may apply. Import from Russia and Belarus is subject to EU sanctions. National import VAT applies at the destination Member State rate.
Frequently asked questions
Are power cables with plugs under subheading 854442 subject to RoHS 2?
Yes. Power cables with plugs as finished electrical products placed on the EU market are subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU). Restrictions apply to lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE and four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP). Phthalate restrictions in PVC cable insulation are of particular relevance. The importer must hold documentation from the manufacturer or supplier confirming RoHS compliance.
How to distinguish subheading 854442 from 854449 in CN classification?
Subheading 854442 covers insulated electric conductors fitted with connectors (plugs, sockets, terminals) for voltage up to 1000 V. Subheading 854449 covers other insulated electric conductors for voltage up to 1000 V but without connectors - that is, conductors sold by the metre or on drums without fitted terminals. The key criterion is the presence of connectors: a conductor with even one plug or connector qualifies under 854442; a conductor without connectors under 854449.
Are USB and HDMI cables under subheading 854442 subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers only products from emissions-intensive sectors: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. USB, HDMI and other conductors with connectors under subheading 854442 are insulated electric conductors from Chapter 85 of the CN and are not subject to CBAM. Import into the EU does not require CBAM registration, the purchase of certificates, or the filing of CBAM declarations.
What regulations apply when importing conductors with connectors ≤1 kV CN 8544 42?
Importing conductors with connectors ≤1 kV (CN 8544 42) requires RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.
Useful tools & resources
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