Import Duty Guide

HS Code 8544 — Electrical Wires, Cables & Winding Wire: Import Duty in India (2026)

HS code 8544 covers electrical wires, cables, and winding wire. These attract BCD 15% and IGST 18%, giving a total effective duty of approximately 36%. BIS CRS is required for certain cable types under India's Quality Control Order.

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Quick answer: HS code 8544 covers insulated electrical cables, coaxial cables, ignition wiring sets, and winding wire. BCD: 15%. IGST: 18%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 36% on CIF value. BIS CRS is required for certain cable types. Anti-dumping duty may apply on PVC insulated cables from China.

What Products Fall Under HS Code 8544?

HS code 8544 covers insulated electrical conductors and cables. 85444999 covers insulated electrical cables not elsewhere classified. 85442000 covers coaxial cable. 85443000 covers ignition wiring sets for vehicles. This includes power cables, data cables, and optical fibre cables.

What is the difference between HS code 8544 and similar codes?

Cable connectors and terminals use HS 8536. Cable trays and conduits use HS 7308. Wire harnesses for vehicles use HS 8544 or 8708 depending on application. HDMI and USB cables are classified under HS 8544 as insulated cables.

Customs Duty Calculation for HS Code 8544: Worked Example

Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 8544, BCD is 15% and IGST is 18%.

Duty Component	Rate	On ₹500,000 CIF (electrical cable batch)
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)	15%	₹75,000
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)	10% of BCD	₹7,500
IGST	18%	₹104,850
Total Customs Duty	~37.5% of CIF	₹187,350

Note: CBIC has previously levied ADD on PVC insulated wires and cables from China. Check the current DGTR ADD notification for your specific cable type (PVC, XLPE, rubber-insulated) and conductor size.

Can I reduce import duty on HS code 8544 goods?

Cables used in export-oriented manufacturing may qualify for the Advance Authorisation scheme, allowing duty-free import of inputs. EPCG may apply if cables are part of capital goods for export production.

Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.

Compliance Requirements for Importing HS Code 8544 Goods

BIS CRS is required for certain electrical cables covered under India's Quality Control Order for wires and cables, including PVC insulated cables under IS 694.

BIS CRS is required for certain electrical cables covered under India's Quality Control Order for wires and cables. PVC insulated cables (IS 694), flexible cables, and certain industrial cables fall under mandatory certification. Verify your specific cable type with your CHA before importing.

CBIC has previously levied anti-dumping duty on PVC insulated wires and cables from China. Check the current DGTR ADD notification for your specific cable type (PVC, XLPE, rubber-insulated) and conductor size.

All cable imports require accurate conductor material (copper/aluminium), insulation type, voltage rating, and cross-sectional area declaration on the invoice.

Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.

How to Import HS Code 8544 Goods to India: Process Overview

Typical lead time: 25–35 days via sea freight from China.

Obtain IEC code and GST registration
Verify BIS CRS applicability and anti-dumping duty status for your cable type
Book FCL (20ft for heavy cable reels) or LCL sea freight
Ensure accurate technical specifications on commercial invoice
File Bill of Entry on ICEGATE with BIS licence (if applicable)
Customs clearance at Chennai Port or ICD Whitefield (3–5 days)

Our customs clearance guide explains each step in detail. For Bengaluru-bound cargo, we clear at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel air freight) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days for sea freight).

Frequently Asked Questions — HS Code 8544

What is the import duty on electrical cables and wires in India?

Insulated electrical cables (HS 8544) attract BCD 15%, SWS 1.5% (10% of BCD), and IGST 18% — total effective duty approximately 36% on CIF value. Anti-dumping duty may apply on PVC insulated cables from China — verify current CBIC notification.

Do electrical cables need BIS certification for import?

BIS CRS is required for certain electrical cables covered under India's Quality Control Order for wires and cables. PVC insulated cables (IS 694), flexible cables, and certain industrial cables fall under mandatory certification. Verify your specific cable type with your CHA before importing.

What HS code should I use for HDMI cables vs power cables vs data cables?

HDMI and display cables: HS 8544 (insulated cables) or 8473 (computer peripherals accessories). Power cables: HS 8544. Optical fibre cables: HS 8544. USB cables: HS 8544. The distinction between cable types affects duty classification only marginally since most HS 8544 sub-headings attract the same 15% BCD.

Is there anti-dumping duty on Chinese electrical cables?

CBIC has previously levied ADD on PVC insulated wires and cables from China. Check the current DGTR ADD notification for your specific cable type (PVC, XLPE, rubber-insulated) and conductor size. Sea Air verifies ADD applicability before you place your order.

How are large cable reels shipped from China to Bangalore?

Cable reels are heavy and dense — typically shipped FCL in 20ft containers (weight-limited). A 20ft container can handle 10–20 tonnes of cable reels. Routing via Chennai Port to ICD Whitefield is standard. Provide reel dimensions and weight for clearance planning (heavy-lift equipment may be needed).