What is the HS code for a flexible PCB?

At the 6-digit international level, printed circuits fall under HS heading 8534. Flexible printed circuits are printed circuits, so they are classified in 8534 rather than as cables or as generic electronic parts. The digits you actually declare are set by the importing country.

Is an FPC 8534 or 8544?

A flexible printed circuit is 8534. An FFC (flexible flat cable) is a different product - parallel conductors laminated between films - and is classified as insulated cable under 8544. Mixing the two is one of the most common declaration errors.

How does China split 8534?

China's 10-digit tariff splits 8534 by layer count: 8534.0010 covers printed circuits of more than four layers, and 8534.0090 covers other printed circuits. The split is by layers, not by flexible versus rigid, so a typical 1-2 layer FPC falls in the 'other' line and a 4+ layer FPC in the first.

What if the flex circuit has connectors or components assembled?

Once connectors or components are assembled, the product may no longer be classified as a bare printed circuit. It can be classified as a part of the end product, depending on its function and essential character. State clearly whether you are shipping bare FPC or an assembled flex assembly.

How do I confirm the code before shipping?

Ask your customs broker for the destination tariff line, and where available request an advance classification ruling from the customs authority. Provide the drawing, layer count, material, whether components are assembled, and the end use - those are the facts the classification depends on.

Home/Flexible PCB HS Code

Flexible PCB HS Code: How FPCs Are Classified for Customs

If you are importing or exporting flexible circuits, the HS code decides the duty rate, whether a trade agreement applies, and how quickly the shipment clears. Flexible PCBs are commonly declared under HS 8534 - but the digits after 8534 are set by each country, and the product description has to match. This guide explains the classification logic and the mistakes that cause delays.

The 6-digit starting point: HS 8534

In the international Harmonized System, heading 8534 covers printed circuits. A flexible printed circuit is a printed circuit, so the classification starts at 8534 - not in the cable chapter and not as a generic electronic component.

The 6-digit code is where agreement between countries ends. Each country extends 8534 into its own 8- or 10-digit tariff line, and those extra digits are what determines the duty rate you actually pay.

How the national lines differ

The same FPC can sit on a different national line depending on how that country splits the heading. Two examples that matter for sourcing from China:

China (export): the 10-digit tariff splits 8534 by layer count - 8534.0010 for printed circuits of more than four layers, and 8534.0090 for other printed circuits. The split is by layers, not by flexible versus rigid: a 1-2 layer FPC falls in the “other” line, while a 4+ layer FPC falls in the first.
United States (import): printed circuits are declared under HTS 8534.00.00, without a separate flexible line.

Other destinations extend the heading in their own way. Always confirm the destination line with your broker before the goods ship - the same HS6 code can carry very different duty treatment.

What is not 8534

FFC (flexible flat cable) - parallel round or flat conductors laminated between insulating films. This is insulated cable, classified under heading 8544, not a printed circuit.
Assembled flex with connectors or components - once populated, the product may be classified as a part of the end product (for example a part of a computer or a communication device) based on its function and essential character.
Connectors themselves - FPC connectors are separate components with their own classification, not part of 8534.
Bare laminate or coverlay film - raw materials are classified in their own chapters, not as printed circuits.

Why the line matters beyond the duty rate

Duty and tax: the national line sets the applicable rate; a wrong line can mean overpaying or a post-clearance adjustment.
Trade agreements: preferential rates depend on the code and on origin documentation. The code has to match the certificate of origin.
Export rebate: in China the export VAT rebate rate is tied to the declared code.
Clearance speed: a description that does not match the code is a common trigger for inspection and holds.

What to put on the commercial invoice

A customs officer should be able to match the goods to the code without opening the carton. Include:

Product description: flexible printed circuit (FPC), and whether it is bare or assembled
Layer count - this drives the Chinese 10-digit split
Base material and whether stiffeners are present
Whether connectors or components are assembled
End use or the device the part goes into
Quantity, unit value, total value and currency
Country of origin

If the shipment contains both bare FPCs and assembled flex assemblies, declare them as separate lines - they are unlikely to share a classification.

Common declaration mistakes

Calling an FPC a “cable” and filing it under 8544 - this is the FFC code, not the FPC code.
Ignoring the layer-count split in China, so a 2-layer FPC is declared on the 4+ layer line, or vice versa.
Declaring an assembled flex as a bare board because the board itself is 8534.
Using the same description for every part number when the stack-ups differ in layer count.
Origin mismatches between the invoice and the certificate of origin.

How to confirm the classification

Identify the facts: bare or assembled, layer count, material, function and end use.
Ask your customs broker for the destination tariff line and the applicable rate.
Where the destination allows it, request an advance classification ruling before the first shipment.
Keep the ruling with the commercial documents so later shipments stay consistent.

This article is general trade information, not customs advice. The final classification is determined by the customs authority of the importing country.

Where this fits in the order

For the product itself, see our flexible PCB (FPC) page. If you are still at sample stage, the FPC prototype service explains how samples are reviewed. For the technical data that supports a declaration, read how to prepare Gerber and stack-up, and for what to check before shipment see how to verify flexible PCB quality. Send your requirements through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS code for a flexible PCB?: At the 6-digit international level, printed circuits fall under HS heading 8534. Flexible printed circuits are printed circuits, so they are classified in 8534 rather than as cables or as generic electronic parts. The digits you actually declare are set by the importing country.
Is an FPC 8534 or 8544?: A flexible printed circuit is 8534. An FFC (flexible flat cable) is a different product - parallel conductors laminated between films - and is classified as insulated cable under 8544. Mixing the two is one of the most common declaration errors.
How does China split 8534?: China's 10-digit tariff splits 8534 by layer count: 8534.0010 covers printed circuits of more than four layers, and 8534.0090 covers other printed circuits. The split is by layers, not by flexible versus rigid, so a typical 1-2 layer FPC falls in the 'other' line and a 4+ layer FPC in the first.
What if the flex circuit has connectors or components assembled?: Once connectors or components are assembled, the product may no longer be classified as a bare printed circuit. It can be classified as a part of the end product, depending on its function and essential character. State clearly whether you are shipping bare FPC or an assembled flex assembly.
How do I confirm the code before shipping?: Ask your customs broker for the destination tariff line, and where available request an advance classification ruling from the customs authority. Provide the drawing, layer count, material, whether components are assembled, and the end use - those are the facts the classification depends on.

Need the product specification for your declaration?

Contact us with your project requirements through the contact page. Our team will explain how to submit Gerber files securely for review, then confirm production feasibility, lead time and quotation.