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SITCSection 8
U.S. exports of optical fibers, fiber bundles, cables, polarizing sheets & unmounted optical elements, n.e.s. (SITC 88419) totaled $160.7M in July 2026.
Importers of Optical Fibers, Fiber Bundles, Cables, Polarizing Sheets & Unmounted Optical Elements, N.E.S. paid $26.0M in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 21% on $121.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Optical Fibers, Fiber Bundles, Cables, Polarizing Sheets & Unmounted Optical Elements, N.E.S. imports of $131.0M in July 2026 ran 20% above the year-to-date monthly average of $108.8M.
Basic heading 74 of 419 in section 8
Basic heading 88419 · $131.0M of $44.8B
A broad residual heading, this category captures unmounted optical components that do not fit more specific headings—ranging from single optical fibers and coherent fiber bundles used in imaging and sensing, to polarizing sheet stock and specialty optical elements for laser, defense, and scientific instrumentation applications. Optical fiber cables are a critical input for telecommunications infrastructure, while polarizing materials feed display and imaging manufacturing. Classification disputes often arise at the boundary between this heading and mounted optical elements or telecommunications cable headings, making precise product specification documentation essential.
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5.1K shipments/mo
An optical element is considered unmounted when it is not yet set into a housing, frame, or assembly that prepares it for direct use in an instrument or device. Once an element is fitted into a mount, barrel, or holder—even without a complete instrument—it typically shifts to a mounted optical elements heading. Documentation of the element's physical state at time of import is critical for correct classification.
The classification depends on construction and context. Optical fiber cables designed specifically for telecommunications networks are often classified under dedicated telecom cable headings rather than here. This heading is more commonly applied to fiber bundles, individual fibers, and specialty optical cables not primarily designed for long-haul telecom transmission. Importers should review the specific construction and end-use documentation carefully.
Supplier Network
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Exports · July 2026
destination
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$131.0MYoY · Pro
Exports
$160.7MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.