Import duty on usb & charging cables in the UK

HS code

8544.42

UK codes

UK import duty

0% – 2%

UK VAT

20%

Source: UK Global Tariff (HMRC Trade Tariff service) · checked 2026-10-31

Cables fitted with connectors for up to 1,000 V — USB, Lightning and HDMI cables — fall under 8544.42.

UK commodity codes under 8544.42

UK commodity code	Description	Import duty	VAT
8544 42 10 00	Of a kind used for telecommunications	0%	20%
8544 42 90	Other 8 full 10-digit codes 8544 42 90 10 — Other › Data transmission cable capable of a bit rate transmission of 600 mbit/s or more, with:<br>- a voltage of 1,25 v (± 0,25 v)<br>- connectors fitted at one or both ends, at least one of which contains pins with a pitch of 1 mm,<br>- outer screening shielding,<br>used solely for communication between lcd, pdp or oled panel and video processing electronic circuits 8544 42 90 20 — Other › Pet or pvc insulated flexible cable with or without connector with:<br>-voltage of not more than 250 v,<br>-a current of not more than 1 a,<br>-a heat resistance of not more than 105 °c,<br>-individual wires of a thickness of not more than 0,1 mm (± 0,01 mm) and a width of not more than 0,8 mm (± 0,03 mm),<br>-a distance between conductors of not more than 0,5 mm and<br>-a pitch (distance from centreline to centreline of conductors) of not more than 1,25 mm 8544 42 90 45 — Other › Specially designed connector for solar power system:<br> -as 1-part system with 1 plastic housing with 1 or more but not more than 4 diodes and 2 insulated copper cables with connectors or<br> -as 3-part system with one plastic housing with 1 or more but not more than 4 diodes and 2 plastic housings with insulated copper cables with connectors,<br> -with a current for the diodes of 3 a or more but not more of 50 a,<br> -with a cable length of not more than 1 500 mm,<br> -with a maximum rated voltage of 1 500 v 8544 42 90 50 — Other › Four-core connecting cable containing two female connectors for the transmission of digital signals from navigation and/or audio systems to a usb connector and/or lcd monitor, for use in the manufacture of goods of chapter 87 8544 42 90 55 — Other › Wire harness for the transmission of signals and/or electrical power,<br>-with a 26-pin or 28-pin wire to board connectors in crimping technology,<br>-bound by rubber or vinyl or electrical tape or conduit or a weave of extruded string or a combination thereof,<br>for connection of power supply with main printed (circuit) board assembly (pba) and electrical components of refrigerator or washing machine 8544 42 90 70 — Other › Electric conductors:<br>- of a voltage of not more than 80 v,<br>- with a length of not more than 120 cm,<br>- fitted with connectors,<br>for use in the manufacture of hearing aids, accessory kits and speech processors 8544 42 90 75 — Other › Electrical wiring harness or cable for the steering system:<br>-with a rated voltage of 12 v,<br>-fitted with connectors on both ends or/and with special adapter providing sealing and anti-rotation feature,<br>-with or without plastic anchoring jaws for mounting the steering gear housing of motor vehicles,<br>for use in the manufacture of power steering systems for motor vehicles 8544 42 90 90 — Other › Other	2%	20%

Import duty on usb & charging cables by country

Import into the US

Free – 2.6%

See HTS codes ›

Import into the UK

0% – 2%

You are here

Import into the EU

0% – 3.3%

See CN codes ›

How UK import charges work

The duty shown is the standard rate for goods from countries without a trade deal. Goods from a country with a UK trade agreement may pay less, or nothing, if they meet the rules of origin. A few products from certain countries also pay anti-dumping duties. The UK charges import VAT on the customs value plus shipping, insurance and duty.

What will usb & charging cables really cost you?

Add freight, duty and fees to your supplier price for a true per-unit cost.

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Sellers of usb & charging cables also look up

Related products and their UK import duty.

HS 8504.40

Phone chargers & power adapters

UK duty: 0%

HS 8507.60

Power banks

UK duty: 2%

HS 8471.60

Computer mice & keyboards

UK duty: 0%

HS 8518.30

Wireless earbuds & headphones

UK duty: 0%

HS 8517.62

Smartwatches & fitness trackers

UK duty: 0%

HS 8517.13

Smartphones

UK duty: 0%

Frequently asked questions

Q1What is the UK commodity code for usb & charging cables?

It depends on the product’s details: 2 UK codes sit under HS 8544.42. The table on this page lists each one with its duty.

Q2What is the import duty on usb & charging cables in the UK?

Between 0% – 2%, depending on the exact code. Goods from countries with a trade agreement may pay less if they meet the rules of origin.

Q3Do I pay VAT on imported usb & charging cables?

Yes. Import VAT of 20% applies on top of duty. The UK charges import VAT on the customs value plus shipping, insurance and duty.

Q4Is the UK code the same as the US HTS code?

Only the first 6 digits (8544.42) are the same. The US adds its own digits and rates: see the US HTS code for usb & charging cables.

Find another product’s UK duty

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New to customs terms? Read what an HS code is and our guide on how to calculate landed cost.

Classification guidance only, not a binding ruling or customs advice. The right code depends on your product’s exact material, function and construction. For certainty, get an Advance Tariff Ruling from HMRC, or ask a licensed customs broker.