Bells, gongs and the like

Subheading 830610 of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) covers bells, gongs and similar acoustic articles of base metal, intended for household use or as decorative items. The scope includes in particular: mechanical and pendulum non-electric doorbells, decorative table bells, dinner gongs and drawing-room gongs, Chinese gongs (tam-tams), wind chimes, tea bells and similar metal articles that produce sound by mechanical strike or vibration. The defining criterion for classification in this subheading is the non-electric mechanism of operation: electric articles, including electric doorbells and alarm bells, are classified in Chapter 85 CN. Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN (GRI), in particular rules 1 and 6, together with the notes to Chapter 83 and the notes to Section XV. Decorative sets comprising a gong and striker(s) are classified as a set under GRI rule 3b. Where doubt exists as to the correct classification, it is recommended to apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) through the EBTI database.

Importation of goods under subheading 830610 into the European Union requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and lodge a customs declaration with the correct CN code. Required commercial documentation includes a commercial invoice with a product description (type, material, mechanism, intended use), a packing list and a transport document. As consumer products, bells and gongs of base metal are subject from 13 December 2024 to the General Product Safety Regulation GPSR (EU) 2023/988, which obliges the importer to conduct a product risk assessment, maintain technical documentation and designate a responsible person established in the EU. Goods must comply with the REACH Regulation (No 1907/2006) regarding hazardous substances in metal alloys and lacquer coatings. Articles of brass, bronze or tin alloy must not contain cadmium, lead or other SVHC substances above the thresholds set under REACH. Imports from countries covered by EU sanctions packages are subject to restrictions. Always verify current requirements and duty rates in TARIC on the European Commission website.

MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates applicable to goods under subheading 830610 must be verified in the current TARIC database of the European Commission, as applicable rates may change through tariff regulations and suspension decisions. Metal bells and gongs imported from China or India may be subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties if the Commission has imposed such measures on specific categories of base metal articles. Importers should verify in TARIC whether trade defence measures apply for a specific TARIC code and country of origin. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU free trade agreements (including the EPA with Japan, the agreement with South Korea, CETA, CPTPP) and the GSP for developing countries. The condition is compliance with rules of origin and presentation of valid proof of origin (EUR.1, REX or invoice declaration). Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to sanctions restrictions. Metal gongs and percussion instruments may in some cases also be classifiable in Chapter 92 CN - this should be verified case by case. Always verify current duty rates and trade measures in TARIC on the European Commission website.

CN code 8306 10 covers non-electric bells and gongs of base metal. Import into the EU is subject to standard TARIC duty rates. Products must meet relevant EN standards and REACH requirements for chemical substances in metals. Customs declarations require a commercial invoice, certificate of origin and manufacturer's declaration of conformity.