1. HS CODE DESCRIPTION
Chapter: 85 – Electrical machinery and equipment
Heading: 8544 – Insulated wire, cable and other electric conductors
Full Code: 8544.42.00 – Electric conductors fitted with connectors (USB, HDMI, network cables)
2. EAC TARIFF RATES
| Tariff Component | Rate | Remarks |
| Import Duty (CET) | 10% | Common External Tariff |
| VAT | 18% | Standard rate in Uganda |
| Withholding Tax | 6% | For non-resident suppliers |
| Total Effective Rate | ≈30% | Combined estimate |
3. PRODUCT EXAMPLES
| Product Type | Specific Examples |
| USB Cables | USB-A, USB-C, Micro USB, Lightning cables |
| HDMI Cables | HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, high-speed HDMI |
| Network Cables | Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a Ethernet cables |
| DisplayPort Cables | DP 1.4, Mini DisplayPort cables |
| Audio Cables | 3.5mm aux cables, XLR, TRS cables |
| VGA Cables | Video graphics cables, DVI cables |
| Fiber Optic Cables | LC, SC fiber patch cables |
| Power Cables | IEC power cords, AC power cables |
4. RELATED HS CODES
| HS Code | Description | Duty Rate (EAC) |
| 8544.49.00 | Electric conductors for voltage >1000V | 10% |
| 8544.70.00 | Fiber optic cables | 0% |
| 8536.69.00 | Cable connectors (separate) | 25% |
| 8517.70.00 | Parts for telecom equipment | 10% |
| 8544.11.00 | Winding wire (magnet wire) | 10% |
| 3917.40.00 | Plastic fittings for cables | 10% |
5. EAC IMPORT REQUIREMENTS
When importing data cables with connectors (HS 8544.42.00) into EAC countries, the following requirements apply:
- Valid import declaration (Single Customs Document)
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential rates)
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate (if required)
- Standards compliance certificate (KEBS/UNS/TBS)
- Import permit (if applicable)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) of importer
6. EAC MEMBER STATES
| Country | Capital | Customs Authority |
| Burundi | Gitega | OBR (Office Burundais des Recettes) |
| DR Congo | Kinshasa | DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes) |
| Kenya | Nairobi | KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) |
| Rwanda | Kigali | RRA (Rwanda Revenue Authority) |
| South Sudan | Juba | NRA (National Revenue Authority) |
| Somalia | Mogadishu | SRA (Somalia Revenue Authority) |
| Tanzania | Dodoma | TRA (Tanzania Revenue Authority) |
| Uganda | Kampala | URA (Uganda Revenue Authority) |
7. KEY NOTES
• Duty rate of 10% for cables with connectors
• Cables without connectors may be classified differently
• Length and gauge of cable affects customs valuation
• Fiber optic cables have preferential 0% duty rate
• Quality standards important – substandard cables may be rejected
• Bundled cables sold with devices may be valued separately
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Document prepared for EAC Trade Reference
For the most current tariff rates, consult official customs authorities