85447000
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›Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors
Optical fibre cables
Definition and scope of subheading 854470 - optical fibre cables
Subheading 854470 of the Combined Nomenclature covers optical fibre cables - cables constructed from optical fibres (glass or polymer), enclosed in protective layers, intended for optical signal transmission. Optical fibre cables are the primary transmission medium in telecommunications, broadband networks, data centres and long-distance connections. Subheading 854470 covers single-fibre and multi-fibre cables, single-mode and multi-mode cables, duct cables, aerial cables (ADSS, OPGW) and submarine cables. Optical fibre cables must be distinguished from optical fibres without cable sheathing (heading 9001) and from coaxial cables (854420). The key criterion is that the cable contains at least one optical fibre and has a protective sheath providing it with the mechanical properties of a cable. Classification follows the GIR, rules 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements and ITA for optical fibre cables
Optical fibre cables under subheading 854470 may benefit from a zero rate under the ITA, as telecommunications infrastructure is a key element of the Information Technology Agreement. The ITA scope for a specific fibre optic cable should be verified in TARIC at the 10-digit code level. Optical fibre cables are not typically subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU), as they do not typically contain restricted substances - they contain no electronic elements or lead solders. Under the CPR Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, optical fibre cables used in construction works are subject to reaction-to-fire requirements (Euroclass) and CE marking. CBAM does not apply to cables under Chapter 85. Import requires an EORI number and customs documentation with a technical description (fibre type, fibre count, cable type, standard). Submarine cables may be subject to additional environmental regulations.
Customs duties and TARIC classification for optical fibre cables
Current MFN customs duty rates for subheading 854470 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Optical fibre cables may benefit from ITA zero duty when imported from signatory countries. Demand for fibre optic cables is growing in the context of the European broadband network rollout and 5G deployment. Key exporters include China, Japan and South Korea. Preferential duty rates may be available under FTAs. The importer should check in TARIC whether any anti-dumping measures apply to optical fibre cables from a specific country. The EU has conducted proceedings regarding fibre optic cables from China. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be subject to sanctions. Current 10-digit TARIC codes should be checked before clearance. National VAT is charged on every import.
Optical fibre cables - telecoms and FTTH networks
Importing optical fibre cables (CN 8544 70) into the European Union requires compliance with RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) and CE marking. An EORI number and correct customs declaration are mandatory. MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC, as ITA preferences or EU FTA rates (e.g. CETA, EPA, EU-Korea) may apply. Import from Russia and Belarus is subject to EU sanctions. National import VAT applies at the destination Member State rate.
Frequently asked questions
Do optical fibre cables under subheading 854470 qualify for ITA zero duty?
Optical fibre cables as telecommunications infrastructure may benefit from a zero MFN rate under the ITA when imported from signatory countries. The ITA scope for a specific fibre optic cable depends on the 10-digit TARIC code. Most telecommunications fibre optic cables are covered by ITA preferences. Current rates and TARIC codes should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database before customs clearance. Imports from non-ITA countries are subject to standard MFN rates.
Do fibre optic cables for buildings require CE marking?
Yes. Optical fibre cables intended for permanent installation in construction works are subject to the CPR Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 and require CE marking as a construction product. The manufacturer prepares a Declaration of Performance (DoP) specifying the reaction-to-fire class (Euroclass) of the cable. Cables intended for outdoor installation, telecommunications ducts or submarine applications may be subject to other sector-specific regulations. The importer should verify the intended use of the cable before customs clearance.
Are optical fibre cables under subheading 854470 subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers only a closed list of products from emissions-intensive sectors. Optical fibre cables under subheading 854470 are products from Chapter 85 of the CN and are not subject to CBAM. Import into the EU does not require CBAM registration, the purchase of certificates, or the filing of CBAM declarations. Optical fibre cables consist primarily of glass fibres and polymers, not metals subject to CBAM.
What regulations apply when importing optical fibre cables CN 8544 70?
Importing optical fibre cables (CN 8544 70) requires RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.
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