85182200
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›Microphones and stands therefor; loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency electric amplifiers; electric sound amplifier sets
Multiple loudspeakers, mounted in the same enclosure
Definition and scope of subheading 8518 22
Subheading 8518 22 covers multiple loudspeakers mounted in the same enclosure - two or more electro-acoustic transducers in one acoustic enclosure. The scope includes two-way (woofer + tweeter), three-way (woofer + midrange + tweeter) column speakers, soundbars with multiple transducers, multi-way studio monitors, stage and concert speakers, and surround sets in one enclosure. The key criterion is the presence of two or more transducers in one enclosure. Single-driver subwoofers fall under 8518 21. Home cinema sets of separate enclosures are classified by individual elements or as sets per GRI 3(b). Active multi-way speakers with built-in amplifiers remain under 8518 22.
Regulatory requirements for loudspeaker sets
Loudspeaker sets under 8518 22 are subject to the EMC Directive. Active sets with mains power also fall under LVD. CE marking is required. Sets with Bluetooth or WiFi fall under RED. RoHS 2 restricts hazardous substances. WEEE 2 requires registration. GPSR requires EU representative designation. CBAM does not apply. EN 62368-1 specifies safety requirements for audio/video and telecommunications equipment.
Duty rates and import conditions
Current MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC. Loudspeaker sets may benefit from ITA 0%. Major producers include China, USA (JBL, Bose), Denmark (Dynaudio), Japan (Yamaha) and UK (Bowers & Wilkins). Documentation includes commercial invoice with specifications covering transducer count, power and impedance, transport documents, EORI number, CE declaration and RoHS documentation. National VAT is levied on import.
Audio equipment imports and RED/EMC requirements 8518 22
Audio equipment under CN 8518 22 - microphones, loudspeakers, headphones and amplifiers - is subject to EMC 2014/30/EU. Wireless devices (Bluetooth, WiFi) additionally require RED 2014/53/EU compliance. MFN duty varies: 0% ITA for some devices, up to 2% for others. TWS earbuds with USB-C must comply with the universal charger directive.
Frequently asked questions
Is a soundbar classified under subheading 8518 22?
Yes. A soundbar containing two or more transducers in one elongated enclosure is classified under 8518 22 as a multiple loudspeaker set. If supplied with a separate subwoofer, classification of the complete set depends on GRI 3(b). A soundbar with only one transducer (rare) would fall under 8518 21.
Do loudspeaker sets require CE marking?
Yes, if electrically powered (active or with built-in amplifier). Active loudspeaker sets are subject to LVD and EMC requiring CE marking. Passive sets without electrical power supply are subject only to EMC and general product safety GPSR. Sets with Bluetooth/WiFi require RED compliance.
Does CBAM apply to loudspeaker sets?
No. CBAM covers only emission-intensive sectors. Loudspeaker sets under 8518 22 fall outside CBAM scope.
Do wireless headphones under 8518 22 require RED compliance?
Yes, wireless headphones (Bluetooth/WiFi) under 8518 22 require RED 2014/53/EU compliance. Wired headphones only require EMC.
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