Parts

Subheading 8301 60 of the Combined Nomenclature covers parts of locks, latches and padlocks of subheadings 8301 10 to 8301 50, made of base metal. This category primarily includes: finished lock cylinders intended for assembly into lock bodies (supplied without the lock housing), key blanks (uncut keys) before profiling, spring elements of lock mechanisms, combination wheels, bolts, latch bolts, lock cases and incomplete lock bodies. Classification follows GRI 2a (parts and unfinished articles having the essential character of the finished article) and Note 2 to Section XVI and Note 1 to Chapter 83. The key criterion is that the component does not constitute a complete lock capable of independently performing the bolting function. The most important categories are key blanks imported in large volumes by the key-cutting industry, and cylinder cores supplied as service or assembly components for master-key systems. The qualification of a given element as a part (8301 60) or a complete article (8301 40) directly affects the applicable duty rate and any trade measures, so importers should carefully document the completeness status of goods with photographs and technical descriptions. The EBTI database of the European Commission contains previous BTI rulings on the classification of cylinders and key blanks.

Importing parts of locks classified under subheading 8301 60 into the European Union is subject to the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and submit a customs declaration in the AIS/IMPORT system. Required documents include: a commercial invoice with a detailed technical description, transport document, packing list and certificate of origin for preferential rates. The import of key blanks and cylinder cores may be subject to national regulations on the protection of anti-burglary systems - in several EU member states the manufacture or supply of key blanks for patent cylinders is subject to authorisation requirements. At EU level, metal articles under this subheading are subject to REACH regulations on hazardous substances (nickel, chromium, lead). For brass keys with chromium plating, compliance with Cr(VI) restrictions must be verified. Importers should check anti-dumping measures for steel and brass articles from Asian countries in the TARIC system.

Correct classification under subheading 8301 60 requires distinguishing from several adjacent categories. A complete and functional cylinder core (with plug, pins and shell) may be classified as a complete lock under 8301 40 depending on its degree of completeness and functionality assessed under GRI 2a. Key blanks classified in 8301 60 differ from finished keys, which may fall in 8301 60 or elsewhere depending on the subheading of the lock for which they are intended. Springs serving as general mechanical springs not specific to locks are classified in heading 7320. Fasteners and screws used in lock assembly fall under heading 7318. Plastic housings used exclusively in products of Chapter 83 may be classified in 8301 60 as parts or under heading 3926 as plastic articles. For complex assembly sets (cylinder plus keys plus fittings), the classification of the whole depends on the component conferring essential character. Classification doubts should be resolved through a BTI ruling.

CN code 8301 60 covers parts of locks and padlocks. Import into the EU is subject to TARIC duty rates. Products must comply with EN standards for security and durability, including EN 12209 for door locks and EN 12320 for padlocks. Correct TARIC classification is essential as lock parts and complete locks carry different duty rates.