HS Code for USB Cable in India: Data Cable Code, Duty and BIS

USB cables are one of those products nobody thinks twice about. A few rupees each, packed in their thousands. But because they're cheap and high volume, a wrong code or a missed detail adds up fast across a year of shipments.

Here's how I'd look at a data cable before filing.

The usual HS code: 8544 42

A USB cable is an insulated conductor with connectors already fitted at both ends, and it runs at low voltage. That puts it squarely in 8544 42. The Indian tariff then splits 8544 42 into 8-digit lines based on things like whether the cable is of a kind used for telecommunication and what the insulation is. In practice you'll see USB cables filed under lines such as 8544 42 92 and 8544 42 99, so confirm the exact line for your cable.

Why not 8517 or 8473 (phone or computer parts)?

This is the mix-up I see most with cables. Because a USB cable connects a phone or laptop, importers sometimes declare it as a part of a phone (8517) or a computer accessory (8473). But heading 8544 names insulated cables fitted with connectors directly, and a cable that works with many devices isn't a part of any one of them. The specific heading wins.

The other common slip is classifying a cable with electronics inside the same way as a plain cable. That's where the variant details matter.

What decides the final code

• Plain cable or active cable: a simple USB-A to USB-C cable stays in 8544 42. Cables with chips that convert signals (USB-C to HDMI, USB hubs, OTG adapters with circuits) can move to other headings.
• Telecom use or general use: the Indian split within 8544 42 depends on this.
• Insulation material: plastic (PVC, TPE), rubber or other.
• Optical fibre: fibre cables are a different subheading (8544 70).
• Sold with a charger: a cable packed with a charger usually follows the charger. Sold alone, it's 8544 42.

How import duty is worked out

Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Rates for cables have changed through Budget notifications over the years, so check the current rate for your exact 8-digit line on the day you file.

On low-value items like cables, freight and insurance can be a big share of the landed cost. The landed cost calculator shows you the full rupee figure per piece.

Compliance checklist for USB cables

🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required

Mistakes that cost importers money

• Declaring cables as phone parts to match the supplier's paperwork.
• Putting adapters and hubs under the cable code. If there's a chip doing conversion, check it separately.
• Using one 8-digit line for every cable on the invoice when the shipment mixes types.
• Under-declaring value on cheap cables. Customs compares prices across similar imports and can load the value.

My advice

Cables look like the easiest line on the invoice. Spend five minutes confirming the exact 8-digit line once, and keep active adapters on separate lines. That simple habit avoids most queries.