HS Code Category

HS Code Candidates for Phone Chargers

Use this page to prepare candidate HS headings, product facts, material and function variants, invoice descriptions, ecommerce catalog fields, and risk flags before official review.

Use HS Code Finder Check CSV Catalog Read Methodology

Answer summary

Product facts to verify

Main material and fiber or chemical composition
Construction: knitted, woven, molded, assembled
Function and intended use
Whether it includes electronics, battery, magnets, leather, or textile
Country of origin and destination market

Use this tool

HS Code Finder Commercial Invoice CSV Catalog Checker

Source note

Candidates are preparation aids only. Verify final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Last reviewed

July 2026

Candidate headings table

Review candidates

The table below lists candidate HS headings for phone chargers. Each row is a starting point, not a final classification; verify in the destination tariff database before filing.

Code	Heading	Use when
`8504.40`	Static converters, not elsewhere specified	USB wall chargers, wireless charging pads, multi-port chargers, car chargers.
`8544.42`	Insulated wire, cable, with connectors, used for telecommunication	USB charging cables with connectors (USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, micro-USB).
`8504.31`	Transformers, having a power handling capacity not exceeding 16 VA	Very small transformers and inductors used within chargers.
`3926.90`	Other articles of plastic, not elsewhere specified	Charging stands, cradles, and mounts without electronic function.

National extensions after the 6-digit heading vary by destination market. Verify the full national code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff before filing.

Decision tree

How to classify phone chargers

Step 1: Identify the product type

Wall charger, wireless pad, car charger, USB cable, power bank, or charging dock.

Step 2: Identify the function

AC-DC conversion (charger), wireless charging, or insulated wire (cable).

Step 3: Apply the heading

USB chargers, wireless chargers, car chargers, power banks: 8504.40. USB cables with connectors: 8544.42. Docks without electronics: 3926.90.

Step 4: Verify origin and Section 301

Check USTR Section 301 list for China-origin rates on 8504.40 and 8544.

Step 5: Document on the invoice

Product type + connector + power rating.

Material variants

How material changes the code

Material	Typical heading	Notes
USB wall charger (plastic housing)	8504.40	USB wall chargers are static converters; classify under 8504.40.
Wireless charging pad (plastic housing)	8504.40	Wireless charging pads are static converters; classify under 8504.40.
Car charger (plastic housing)	8504.40	Car chargers are DC converters; classify under 8504.40.
USB cable with connectors	8544.42	USB cables with connectors are insulated wire; classify under 8544.42.
Charging dock or stand (no electronics)	3926.90	Docks and stands without electronic function are plastic articles; verify no charger circuitry.

Function and use-case variants

How function changes the code

Function	Typical heading	Notes
USB wall charger (AC-DC converter)	8504.40	Most common phone charger; USB-C PD chargers and USB-A chargers both 8504.40.
USB charging cable with connectors	8544.42	Cables with connectors are insulated wire; classify separately from the charger brick.
Wireless charging pad	8504.40	Qi and other wireless charging pads are static converters; classify under 8504.40.
Car charger (12V/24V DC input)	8504.40	Car chargers convert vehicle DC to USB DC output; classify under 8504.40.
Power bank (battery charger)	8504.40	Power banks that charge other devices are battery chargers; classify under 8504.40.
Charging dock or stand (no electronics)	3926.90	Verify the dock has no charging circuitry; if it has a charger circuit, classify as 8504.40.

Risk flags

Source-check required

Flag	Impact on classification	Where to verify
USB cable vs charger distinction	USB cables with connectors are classified as insulated wire (8544.42), not as chargers.	USITC HTS chapter 85 notes, EU TARIC heading 8544.
Battery charger function	Battery chargers are classified as static converters under 8504.40.	USITC HTS heading 8504 notes.
Wireless charging	Wireless charging pads are static converters; classify as 8504.40.	USITC HTS heading 8504 notes.
Section 301 additional tariff	Section 301 additional tariffs apply to China-origin phone chargers and charging cables.	USTR Section 301 list, USITC HTS.
Power bank vs battery charger	Power banks are battery chargers (8504.40); standalone batteries are chapter 85 cells.	USITC HTS chapter 85 notes.

Risk flags signal the need for official review before the candidate code is used on customs documents.

Invoice description examples

Strong descriptions

Strong invoice descriptions include material, function, product type, and key components (battery, electronics, magnet, leather, textile). Avoid generic words such as gift, sample, accessory, or product. The descriptions below are examples only, not final classifications.

USB-C PD wall charger, 20W, AC input, plastic housing, for smartphone
USB-A to Lightning charging cable, 1 m, with connectors, insulated wire
Wireless charging pad, Qi standard, 15W, plastic housing
Multi-port USB charger, 60W total, USB-C and USB-A ports, plastic housing
USB-C car charger, 30W, DC input, for smartphone

Use these descriptions on the commercial invoice line item, with the candidate HS code and country of origin declared per line.

Ecommerce catalog fields

Shopify, WooCommerce, and CSV fields to check

Before labels and invoices are generated, prepare these fields in your ecommerce catalog. The CSV Catalog Checker scans Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or custom CSV exports for missing customs fields locally in your browser.

Field	Why it matters
SKU	Stable identifier; maps catalog row to invoice line.
Product type (charger / cable / pad / power bank)	Drives the heading; must be on the invoice.
Connector type (USB-C / USB-A / Lightning / micro-USB)	Distinguishes cable from charger; must be on the invoice for cables.
Power rating (W / output)	Distinguishes charger types; note on the invoice.
Includes battery?	Power banks with battery function are battery chargers; verify.
Country of origin	Drives Section 301 additional tariff for China-origin goods.
Candidate HS code	Working candidate from the AI HS Code Finder; never a final classification.
Customs description	Strong description (product type + connector + power + housing material) used on the commercial invoice.
Unit value and currency	Customs value input; affects duty base.

Pair this with the Commercial Invoice Generator, the HS Code Finder, and the CSV Catalog Checker.

Worked example

Worked example: classifying a $8 USB-C wall charger

Scenario: A Shopify merchant imports 500 USB-C PD wall chargers from China at a unit value of $8, FOB Shenzhen, sold to US buyers. The charger is 20W, USB-C output, plastic housing.

Step 1: identify product facts. Product type: USB wall charger. Function: AC-DC converter. Connector: USB-C. Output: 20W. Housing: plastic. Origin: China.
Step 2: pick the closest heading. USB wall chargers are static converters; fall under 8504.40.
Step 3: confirm function. AC-DC conversion; no battery, no cable; stays in 8504.40.
Step 4: check origin and additional tariff. Origin is China; check USTR Section 301 list for current rate on 8504.40.
Step 5: write the invoice description. Use "USB-C PD wall charger, 20W, AC input, plastic housing, for smartphone."
Step 6: document the basis. Short note: product type USB wall charger, function AC-DC converter, connector USB-C, output 20W, candidate 8504.40, country of origin China.

Final classification depends on product facts, destination tariff rules, and official review. The candidate is preparation aid only.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Classifying USB cables as chargers instead of insulated wire (8544.42 instead of 8504.40).
Classifying wireless charging pads under the wrong subheading.
Skipping the Section 301 check for China-origin chargers and cables.
Not distinguishing power banks (battery chargers) from standalone batteries.
Classifying charging docks with circuitry as plastic articles (3926) instead of static converters (8504).

Related Tools

Continue the workflow

Editorial

About this category page

Written by the TariffCatalog Editorial Team. Maintained by Ryan Cole and reviewed for candidate-only customs-data workflow clarity.

This page follows TariffCatalog's methodology for candidate-only classification, estimate-only calculators, and document draft workflows. Candidates are preparation aids, not binding classifications.

Methodology Sources Report an error

Maintainer

Reviewed by Ryan Cole

Ryan Cole maintains TariffCatalog from the perspective of a long-time ecommerce operator with 15+ years of experience in product catalog, international shipping, and pre-shipment data workflows. This page is reviewed for candidate-only HS code preparation, source-check clarity, and estimate-only or candidate-only wording.

TariffCatalog is a preparation aid, not a customs broker, legal, tax, or freight-forwarding service. Verify final classifications, rates, documents, and filing treatment with official sources or qualified professionals.

Official Source Note

Check final codes

USITC HTS

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

CBP

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

EU TARIC

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

UK Trade Tariff

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

FAQ

Common questions

Are these HS code candidates binding?

No. The headings on this page are candidates, preparation aids based on function and material facts. Final classification depends on function, destination tariff rules, and any binding ruling in effect. Verify the final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff, or the destination tariff database before filing.

What heading do USB wall chargers fall under?

USB wall chargers fall under heading 8504.40 (static converters, not elsewhere specified). Both USB-A and USB-C PD chargers are classified as static converters. Verify the output power and any applicable Section 301 rate.

What heading do USB charging cables fall under?

USB charging cables with connectors fall under heading 8544.42 (insulated wire with connectors). The connector type (USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, micro-USB) does not change the heading; the cable with connectors is classified as insulated wire.

What heading do wireless charging pads fall under?

Wireless charging pads fall under heading 8504.40 (static converters). Qi standard and other wireless charging technologies are classified as static converters when the primary function is AC-DC conversion or induction charging.

What heading do power banks fall under?

Power banks fall under heading 8504.40 (battery chargers). A power bank that charges other devices via its internal battery is a battery charger, not a standalone battery cell.

What should the commercial invoice say for a phone charger?

Write product type + connector + power. For example: "USB-C PD wall charger, 20W, AC input, plastic housing, for smartphone" or "USB-A to Lightning charging cable, 1 m, with connectors, insulated wire."

Do phone chargers from China have additional tariffs?

Yes. Section 301 additional tariffs apply to China-origin phone chargers (8504) and charging cables (8544). Check the USTR Section 301 tariff list for the current rate on the relevant HTS subheading. The Import Duty Calculator allows you to enter a base duty rate and a separate additional tariff rate.

When should I ask a broker for phone charger classification?

Ask a licensed broker or trade specialist when the product is a combination (charger + cable), high-volume, regularly shipped, or subject to a current trade investigation. A written classification opinion can protect the importer during a post-entry audit.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Disclaimer

TariffCatalog provides candidate HS code suggestions, estimate-only calculators, and document drafts. Verify final classifications, duty rates, document requirements, and filing obligations with official sources, carriers, brokers, or destination authorities before filing or shipping.

Candidate headings on this page are preparation aids, not binding classifications. Final classification depends on exact product facts and the destination tariff rules in effect on the entry date.