85364900
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›Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V; connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables
Other
Definition and scope of subheading 8536 49 - relays for circuits 60-1000 V
Subheading 8536 49 of the Combined Nomenclature covers relays for electrical circuits with a voltage exceeding 60 V but not exceeding 1000 V. This subheading complements subheading 8536 41 (relays up to 60 V) and covers relays for higher mains voltages. Typical goods include industrial relays for motor control, installation relays for building automation, protective relays (overcurrent, voltage, thermal), mains timer relays and power relays for 230/400 V circuits. The key criterion is a switched circuit voltage above 60 V up to and including 1000 V. Relays for circuits above 1000 V are classified under heading 8535. Classification follows GRI Rules 1 and 6 and the Notes to Chapter 85 of the CN. Complex protective relays comprising measurement modules, controllers and output elements may require individual classification analysis.
Regulatory requirements for relays under subheading 8536 49
Relays under subheading 8536 49 placed on the EU market are subject to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU) for equipment rated 50-1000 V AC and require CE marking. Harmonised standards from the IEC/EN 61810 series specify design requirements and test methods for electromechanical relays. The RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) applies to relays intended for equipment within its scope. The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) applies regarding electromagnetic compatibility. CBAM does not apply to apparatus in Chapter 85. Import requires an EORI number and customs declaration with the correct CN code. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, technical specification with rated parameters (voltage, current, switching capacity), type test certificates, CE declaration of conformity and RoHS declaration. Preferential duty rates require compliance with rules of origin and valid proof of origin.
Duty rates and trade measures for subheading 8536 49
Current MFN duty rates for relays under subheading 8536 49 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Mains relays for 230/400 V circuits are standard components of electrical installations and industrial automation. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs. Under the ITA, certain IT relays may qualify for a zero duty rate. Importers should check TARIC for trade measures. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be restricted under EU sanctions. VAT at the applicable national rate is charged on import. The correct 10-digit TARIC code should be verified before clearance. Importers should ensure that relays meet EU standards, as the absence of CE marking prevents lawful placement on the EU market.
Other relays up to 1000 V - customs classification
Importing other relays up to 1000 V (CN 8536 49) into the European Union requires compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/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
What distinguishes subheading 8536 49 from subheading 8536 41?
Both subheadings cover relays for circuits up to 1000 V, but the dividing criterion is the switched circuit voltage. Subheading 8536 41 covers relays for circuits up to 60 V (typically electronics, telecommunications, automotive). Subheading 8536 49 covers relays for circuits above 60 V up to 1000 V (typically 230/400 V mains installations, industrial automation). The key parameter is the voltage of the circuit switched by the relay contacts, not the coil control voltage. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Do mains relays require CE marking?
Yes. Relays under subheading 8536 49 for circuits rated 50-1000 V AC or 75-1500 V DC are subject to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU) and require CE marking. The manufacturer or authorised representative in the EU must prepare an EU Declaration of Conformity, maintain technical documentation and carry out conformity assessment. Relays should comply with the IEC/EN 61810 series. Relays rated below 50 V AC classified under 8536 41 are not directly subject to LVD.
Are relays under subheading 8536 49 subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) covers only emissions-intensive goods: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity. Relays classified under subheading 8536 49 are electrical apparatus in Chapter 85 of the CN and fall outside the scope of CBAM. Importing relays into the EU does not require CBAM registration, CBAM certificates or CBAM declarations, regardless of the country of manufacture.
What regulations apply when importing other relays up to 1000 V CN 8536 49?
Importing other relays up to 1000 V (CN 8536 49) requires the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC 2014/30/EU compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.
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