85041000
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLES›Electrical transformers, static converters (for example, rectifiers) and inductors
Ballasts for discharge lamps or tubes
Subcodes (2)
Scope of subheading 850410 - ballasts for discharge lamps
Subheading 850410 of the Combined Nomenclature covers ballasts for discharge lamps and metal vapour lamps. A ballast is an electromagnetic or electronic device that limits the current flowing through a discharge lamp, ensuring stable operation of the light source. Electromagnetic (inductive) ballasts consist of a ferromagnetic core and copper winding. Electronic (HF) ballasts use semiconductor circuits to generate high-frequency current, providing higher efficiency and flicker-free operation. Applications: linear and compact fluorescent lamps, sodium, metal halide and mercury lamps in street, industrial and commercial lighting. Classification requires the device to be a ballast intended for discharge lamps. LED drivers are classified under 850440 as static converters. Classification per GRI rules 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements for ballasts imported into the EU
Importing ballasts under subheading 850410 requires a customs declaration with EORI number. Ballasts are subject to RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) and must be free from hazardous substances. The Ecodesign Regulation (EU) No 245/2009 (as amended) sets efficiency requirements - class D electromagnetic ballasts (lowest efficiency) have been withdrawn from the EU market. LVD (2014/35/EU) requires CE marking. EMC (2014/30/EU) covers electromagnetic emissions. WEEE (2012/19/EU) imposes recycling obligations. Energy labelling may be required for luminaires containing ballasts. CBAM does not apply. Documentation: invoice, specification with efficiency class, CE declaration.
Customs duties and the ballast market
MFN duty rates for ballasts under subheading 850410 should be verified in TARIC. The electromagnetic ballast market is declining due to the transition to LED lighting, which does not require traditional ballasts. Electronic ballasts for fluorescent and metal halide lamps still find use in existing installations. Main exporters include China, India and Turkey. Preferential rates under FTAs require rules of origin. Imports from sanctioned countries are restricted. VAT is charged on import.
Energy efficiency requirements for transformers 8504 10
Transformers under CN 8504 10 are subject to Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1783, setting minimum efficiency classes (Tier 2 since July 2021). MFN duty: 2.7%. Import requires CE declaration (LVD + EMC). Liquid-dielectric transformers may face additional REACH requirements regarding chemicals in transformer oil. A BTI ruling provides classification certainty.
Frequently asked questions
Are LED drivers classified under subheading 850410?
No. LED drivers are static converters that convert AC voltage to constant-current DC power for LED diodes and are classified under subheading 850440, not 850410. Subheading 850410 covers only ballasts for discharge lamps (fluorescent, sodium, metal halide). The distinction is critical due to different duty rates and regulatory requirements. Rates should be verified in TARIC.
Can electromagnetic ballasts still be imported into the EU?
The Ecodesign Regulation has progressively withdrawn the lowest-efficiency ballasts from the EU market. Class D electromagnetic ballasts cannot be placed on the EU market. Class B and C ballasts may still be available, but the market trend is towards electronic ballasts and LED lighting. The importer should verify the current status of ecodesign regulations and ballast efficiency classes before import. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Are ballasts subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers: steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Ballasts from Chapter 85 CN are not within CBAM scope. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
What efficiency classes apply to transformers under 8504 10?
Transformers under 8504 10 are subject to Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1783, requiring Tier 2 efficiency since July 2021 for transformers ≥ 1 kVA.
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