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85
Tariff Chapter 85
Shavers, hair clippers and hair-removing appliances, with self-contained electric motor
What does heading 8510 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 8510 covers shavers, hair clippers and hair-removing appliances with self-contained electric motor. This includes electric shavers (foil and rotary), beard and hair trimmers, animal clippers, electric epilators and depilators. EU customs duty rates for heading 8510 devices range from 0% to 2.2%. CE marking, compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU are required. Waterproof devices must meet appropriate IP standards. Heading 8510 is part of Chapter 85 (machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 8510 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 8510 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 8510
EU customs duty rates for heading 8510 devices range from 0% to 2.2%. CE marking, compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU are required. CE marking and compliance with Low Voltage and EMC Directives are required. Waterproof shavers must meet appropriate IP protection standards. Battery-powered devices are subject to lithium battery transport regulations. Duty rates range from 0% to 2.2% depending on the device type. When importing goods under heading 8510 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 8510 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 8510 are subject to CE directive compliance (Machinery, LVD, EMC, RoHS). Required documentation includes: CE declarations of conformity, operating instructions, technical documentation, EMC and LVD certificates. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 8510 - key considerations
Heading 8510 covers shavers, hair clippers, and hair-removing appliances with self-contained electric motor. Key: electrically powered shaving/clipping device. Includes beard trimmers, barber clippers, and epilators. Common mistake: disposable razors (no motor) are 8212; hair dryers are 8516.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU customs duty rates for shavers and hair clippers under heading 8510?
EU customs duty rates for shavers, hair clippers, and hair-removing appliances under heading 8510 range from 0% to 2.2% depending on the CN subheading. This heading covers electric shavers (foil and rotary), beard and hair trimmers, animal clippers, electric epilators, and depilators. All devices must have a self-contained electric motor. Correct classification requires determining the exact device type and its intended purpose, as this affects the applicable subheading and duty rate. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What certificates and regulatory requirements apply to importing electric shavers into the EU?
Importing shavers and hair clippers requires CE marking with conformity declarations covering the Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). Battery-powered devices must comply with the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC. RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance is mandatory. If the device features Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, additional compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU) is required. Importers must ensure WEEE registration in the destination country. Customs documentation includes a commercial invoice and certificate of origin. This applies to goods classified under heading 8510 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing electric shavers and epilators into the EU?
When importing heading 8510 devices, check voltage compatibility - devices with chargers must support European 230 V / 50 Hz or include an appropriate adapter. Waterproof shavers require additional IPX rating tests. Devices with wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) are subject to additional radio certification requirements. Packaging and instructions must be in the language of the destination country. Battery directive obligations regarding disposal information for rechargeable batteries must be observed. Consider seasonal demand patterns for personal grooming devices. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
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