Coaxial cable and other coaxial electric conductors

Subheading 854420 of the Combined Nomenclature covers coaxial cables and other coaxial electric conductors. A coaxial cable consists of a central conductor surrounded by dielectric insulation, a metallic shield (braided or foil) and an outer insulating jacket. Typical products include RG-6, RG-11 and RG-59 cables used in television signal distribution, antenna cables for radio communications, RF cables for telecommunications and measurement systems, and coaxial cables for computer networks. Subheading 854420 covers coaxial cables both with connectors (BNC, F, SMA, N) and without connectors. Coaxial cables must be distinguished from fibre optic cables (854470) and from wiring harnesses for vehicles (854430). The key classification criterion is the concentric construction with a central conductor, insulation, shield and jacket. Classification follows the GIR, rules 1 and 6, taking into account the notes to Chapter 85.

Coaxial cables under subheading 854420 placed on the EU market as finished products are subject to the RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU), which restricts hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. The importer should hold a RoHS compliance declaration from the manufacturer. The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) may apply to cables with connectors where they constitute a complete element of a telecommunications system. Under Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (CPR), cables used in construction works may be subject to reaction-to-fire requirements. Under the ITA, telecommunications cables may benefit from preferential duty rates, but the ITA scope for coaxial cables should be verified at the 10-digit TARIC code level. CBAM does not apply to electrical cables under Chapter 85. Import requires an EORI number and standard customs documentation with a technical description of the cable.

Current MFN customs duty rates for subheading 854420 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Coaxial cables are goods with significant trade volumes, imported from China, Taiwan and South Korea, among others. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU FTAs, subject to rules of origin being met. Under the ITA, cables for telecommunications applications may benefit from a zero rate, although the specific ITA scope should be verified in TARIC. The importer should check whether any anti-dumping or countervailing duties apply to coaxial cables from a specific country of origin. The EU has historically applied anti-dumping measures on cables and wires from certain countries. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be subject to sanctions. Current 10-digit TARIC codes should be checked before customs clearance. National VAT is charged on every import.

Importing coaxial cables (CN 8544 20) 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.