Optical fibre box with connectors (Tariff notice 24)

Changes to the Tariff on an article (so-called ‘optical fibre box with connectors’) of cylindrical shape measuring approximately 140 millimetres in diameter and 400 millimetres in height.

A new regulation was published on 6 June 2019.

This is not considered a change in UK practice.

An article (so-called ‘optical fibre box with connectors’) of cylindrical shape measuring approximately 140mm in diameter and 400mm in height. The weight of the article is approximately 2.5kg. The article is made mainly of plastics with some small elements (brackets and screws) made of metal.

The base of the article is provided with 4 cable entry points. When the article is fully assembled, the base is fixed to the cylindrical plastic covering of the article by a detachable round clasp.

Inside, there is a splice tray made of plastics, attached to the base of the article. This tray contains specific grooves to align optical fibres/optical cables and it is equipped with connectors.

The article as a whole is intended for the preservation of optical fibres/optical cables and may be used in different kinds of networks.

8536 70 00

Classification is determined by general rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 7 to Chapter 85 and by the wording of CN codes 8536 and 8536 70 00.

Classification under CN code 8536 90 10 is excluded since that code covers ‘connections and contact elements for wire and cables’, such as, electrical apparatus for making electrical connections. The article in question is a box with connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or optical cables and does not possess any electrical connections.

The article has the characteristics of connectors for optical fibres, opticle fibre bundles or optical cables which simply mechanically align optical fibres end to end in a digital line system (see also the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes to heading 8536, part IV).

Given its characteristics, the article is therefore to be classified under CN code 8536 70 00 as connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables.

Tariff Classification Customs Directorate 10th Floor South East Alexander House 21 Victoria Avenue Southend-on-Sea Essex SS99 1AA

Email: [email protected]

This Tariff notice is published for information purposes only.