Cable HSN Code: Understanding HSN Classifications for Cable Products
Cables are used in homes, offices, factories and data centres for electrical power and signal transmission. Traders, contractors and manufacturers need to use the correct cable HSN code so that GST on power cables, HDMI cables and cable ties is charged in the right way.
In this guide you will learn how cables are classified under HSN, how different types of cables get separate codes, how GST rates apply and how cable manufacturers and dealers use these codes in GST billing and return filing.
What Is the Cable HSN Code?
Under GST, most electrical cables are classified in chapter eighty five, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts. The main heading for insulated electric wires and cables is 8544.
Heading 8544 covers insulated wires, cables and other electric conductors. It includes cables for electricity distribution, control cables, flexible cords, communication cables, HDMI cables and many similar products that have insulation around the conductors.
Within this heading, the detailed eight digit HSN code depends on the type of conductor, the insulation material, the voltage rating and whether the cable is fitted with connectors. Even then, for day to day GST work, 8544 is treated as the common cable HSN code for standard power and signal cables.
| HSN Code | Product Description | Product Type or Variant | GST Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8544 | Insulated electric cables | Power, control and communication cables for electricity | 18% |
| 8544 | HDMI and data cables | HDMI, LAN, USB and similar insulated cables with connectors | 18% |
| 3926 | Plastic cable ties | Plastic cable ties and similar plastic accessories | 18% |
HSN Code for HDMI, Power and Cable Ties
Power cables that are used for supplying electricity to machines, panels and appliances are normally classified under heading 8544 as insulated electric conductors. This covers single core and multicore cables, flexible industrial cables and house wiring cables that carry current at low or medium voltage.
HDMI cables used to connect televisions, monitors and other devices are also treated as insulated electric conductors with connectors. They are usually classified under detailed lines inside heading 8544 that cover cables fitted with connectors for communication and audio visual equipment.
Network cables such as LAN cables and USB cables also fall under similar detailed lines in the same heading when they have insulation and are fitted with connectors. In all these cases, the base heading remains 8544, even though the final eight digit code differs by type.
Cable ties are different from electric cables. They are small strips that are used to tie and bundle wires and other items. Plastic cable ties are usually treated as plastic articles and are classified under chapter thirty nine in headings such as 3926, which cover other articles of plastics. So cable ties usually do not share the same HSN code as the cables they hold together.
GST on Cables and HSN Code Classification
The cable HSN code 8544 is linked with a specific GST slab in the rate schedule . For many years, electric wires and cables were taxed at higher rates under excise and VAT. Under GST, they have been kept in the standard rate slab for most varieties.
In the current structure, most insulated electric wires and cables under heading 8544 attract 18% GST on their transaction value. This includes power cables, control cables, communication cables, HDMI cables and most other insulated cables used in homes, offices and industries.
Special cables that are part of renewable energy projects or specific notified schemes can sometimes receive concessional treatment. In such cases, the HSN code remains 8544, but the GST rate may be reduced under a special entry. Businesses should avoid guessing and should always check the latest notifications before charging a lower rate.
Plastic cable ties under heading 3926 also generally attract 18% GST in the present structure. So in most real life cases, both cables and cable ties fall in the standard 18% slab even though they use different HSN codes and sit in different chapters.
Because cables and accessories are often used by registered businesses for further supply or installation contracts, correct HSN classification is important for smooth input tax credit . If the buyer uses the cables for taxable projects, the 18% GST charged on cables and cable ties usually becomes fully creditable, subject to normal rules.
For GST returns, cable manufacturers and dealers use heading 8544 for cables and heading 3926 for plastic cable ties in their outward supply tables. This helps tax officers understand the product mix and verify whether the applied GST rate matches the rate for those headings during assessments and audits.
Conclusion
The cable HSN code is the base for correct GST classification of electrical and communication cables. Most insulated cables, including power and HDMI cables, are grouped in chapter eighty five under heading 8544, while cable ties as plastic accessories are usually classified under headings like 3926 in chapter thirty nine.
When you map each cable and cable accessory to the correct HSN code and apply the matching GST slab, usually 18% for both cables and plastic cable ties in the present structure, your invoices remain accurate and your input tax credit stays safe. This makes GST return filing easier and reduces the risk of disputes about wrong HSN codes or wrong rates on cable products.
I’m Fazeel Zaidi, a Chartered Accountant based in Prayagraj with 8 years of experience. I specialize in GST and Audits, helping businesses stay compliant and audit-ready. With a B.Com background, I focus on practical, clear guidance that simplifies regulations and supports better decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the HSN code for cables in India?
In India, most insulated electric cables are classified under heading 8544. This heading covers insulated wires, cables and other electric conductors used for power and signal transmission.
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How is GST applied to power cables?
GST on power cables is based on the rate notified for heading 8544. Under the current structure, most standard power cables under this heading attract 18% GST on their transaction value.
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Are HDMI cables classified under a different HSN code?
HDMI cables are normally classified under detailed lines inside heading 8544 that cover insulated conductors fitted with connectors. So they share the same main heading 8544 as other electric cables, but they have their own eight digit code within that heading.
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How does the HSN code affect GST filing for cable manufacturers?
Cable manufacturers use HSN code 8544 on all cable invoices and HSN code 3926 or similar codes for plastic cable ties. They file GST returns using HSN wise summaries so that sales of cables and accessories are correctly reported under the right headings and rates.
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What are the GST rates for cables under the HSN code?
Most insulated wires and cables under heading 8544 attract 18% GST. Plastic cable ties under headings like 3926 also generally attract 18% GST, although any concessional rate for special projects should always be confirmed from the latest GST notifications.