85446000
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 exceeding 1 000 V
Definition and scope of subheading 854460 - conductors above 1000 V
Subheading 854460 of the Combined Nomenclature covers insulated electric conductors for a voltage exceeding 1000 V. Typical products include medium-voltage cables (6-36 kV), high-voltage cables (36-150 kV), extra-high-voltage cables (above 150 kV) and submarine cables. These cables are used in electricity distribution and transmission, in power plants, transformer stations and industrial installations. High-voltage cable insulation is made of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) or, less commonly, oil-impregnated paper. Subheading 854460 covers single-core and multi-core cables for voltage exceeding 1000 V, both with and without connectors. These cables must be distinguished from cables for voltage up to 1000 V (854442, 854449) - the decisive criterion is the rated voltage exceeding 1000 V. Classification follows the GIR, rules 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements for importing high-voltage cables
High-voltage cables under subheading 854460 placed on the EU market are subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU), although cables for power networks may benefit from sector-specific exclusions. Under the CPR Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, permanently installed cables in construction works are subject to reaction-to-fire requirements and CE marking. Power cables must comply with IEC 60502 (cables up to 36 kV) and IEC 60840 (cables above 30 kV) or equivalent EN standards. Submarine cables may be subject to additional environmental protection regulations. CBAM does not apply to cables under Chapter 85. Import requires an EORI number, detailed technical specifications and in some cases quality certificates from accredited laboratories. In the context of critical infrastructure, power cable imports may be subject to additional scrutiny under supply security regulations.
Customs duties and TARIC classification for high-voltage cables
Current MFN customs duty rates for subheading 854460 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Power cables are a strategic commodity in the context of the EU energy transition, with demand growing due to the expansion of renewable energy networks and offshore wind farms. Preferential duty rates may be available under FTAs. The importer should check in TARIC whether any anti-dumping measures apply to high-voltage cables from a specific country. The EU has historically conducted anti-dumping proceedings regarding power cables from China. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to sanctions restrictions. Current 10-digit TARIC codes should be checked before clearance. National VAT is charged on every import. Power cables are subject to stringent quality requirements, and the importer should ensure compliance with technical standards.
Conductors above 1 kV - power transmission cables
Importing conductors above 1 kV (CN 8544 60) 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 high-voltage cables under subheading 854460 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. High-voltage cables under subheading 854460 are insulated 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. Raw copper or aluminium used as the conductor is only subject to CBAM in its raw form (Chapter 74 or 76), not as a finished cable.
Are there anti-dumping measures on power cables from China?
The EU has historically conducted anti-dumping proceedings regarding power cables and wires from certain countries, including China. Current anti-dumping and countervailing measures should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database at the 10-digit TARIC code level and specific country of origin before each customs clearance. Trade measures may change as a result of periodic reviews. The importer should also check whether any sanctions apply to the exporting country.
What standards must high-voltage cables imported to the EU meet?
Cables for voltage exceeding 1000 V imported into the EU must comply with relevant IEC and EN standards: IEC 60502 for cables up to 36 kV, IEC 60840 for cables above 30 kV and IEC 62067 for cables above 150 kV. Under the CPR Regulation, cables used in construction works must meet reaction-to-fire requirements. Test certificates from accredited laboratories may be required by network operators. Import requires standard customs documentation with a full technical specification of the cable.
What regulations apply when importing conductors above 1 kV CN 8544 60?
Importing conductors above 1 kV (CN 8544 60) 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
Customs calculators
Related glossary terms