Analysis
Subheading 8544.60 covers other electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V, within heading 8544. The first six digits are shared by every country that uses the Harmonized System, so this part of the code is the same in the US, UK and EU schedules; the 3 US tariff lines below it are national.
None of its 3 lines is duty-free at the general rate. Rates run from 3.2% to 3.7% with a median of 3.5%, so the line you choose sets the duty.
The US splits it as follows: 8544.60.20 for fitted with connectors (3.7%), 8544.60.40 for other: of copper (3.5%) and 8544.60.60 for other: other (3.2%).
By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Other Communication and Energy Wire Manufacturing (335929). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.
Goods only reach 8544.60 once they fall within heading 8544 (insulated (including enameled or anodized) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and…). Under General Rule 6, subheadings are then compared only with others at the same level, so a product is matched against its siblings, not against lines elsewhere in the chapter.
Tariff lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8544.60.20 | Fitted with connectors | 3.7% |
| 8544.60.40 | Other: of copper | 3.5% |
| 8544.60.60 | Other: other | 3.2% |