85176900
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›Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network), other than transmission or reception apparatus of heading 8443 , 8525 , 8527 or 8528
Other
Subcodes (4)
Definition and scope of subheading 8517 69 — other telecommunications apparatus
Subheading 8517 69 of the Combined Nomenclature covers other telecommunications apparatus not classified under more specific subheadings of heading 8517. In commercial practice, this encompasses cellular signal boosters (repeaters), powerline communication devices (PLC/BPL), telemetry and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, satellite modems, VSAT terminals, specialised transmitters and receivers, and other telecommunications equipment not elsewhere specified. The essential criterion is the telecommunications function of a device not falling under subheadings 8517 11 to 8517 62. Radio data transmission devices may be classified under 8517 69 or 8525. IoT and M2M (Machine to Machine) communication modules with wireless functionality are classified under 8517 69. Classification is based on GRI Rules 1 and 6.
Regulatory requirements for apparatus under subheading 8517 69
Telecommunications apparatus under subheading 8517 69 placed on the EU market are subject to the RED (2014/53/EU) if they contain a radio module, or LVD and EMC directives for purely wired devices. CE marking is required. Cellular signal repeaters are subject to special regulations — in many EU countries their installation requires operator consent. The RoHS 2 Directive restricts hazardous substances. The WEEE 2 Directive requires registration. IoT and M2M devices may be subject to cybersecurity requirements under the Cyber Resilience Act. CBAM does not apply. The GPSR Regulation requires EU representative designation.
Duty rates and import conditions for subheading 8517 69
Current MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC. Many telecommunications devices under this subheading are covered by the ITA at 0%. Major production countries include China, USA, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Documentation includes commercial invoice with technical specifications and functional description, transport documents, EORI number, CE declaration, RoHS and WEEE data. Correct CN classification is particularly important for this residual subheading — the goods description must clearly show that the device does not fall under more specific subheadings. National VAT is levied on import.
RED directive and telecom equipment 8517 69
Telecom equipment under CN 8517 69 is subject to RED 2014/53/EU if it emits or receives radio waves. From 2025, smartphones and tablets require USB-C charging. MFN duty: 0% (ITA). Devices must comply with LVD, EMC and RoHS 2. Cybersecurity of connected devices is regulated by the Cyber Resilience Act (EU) 2024/2847.
Frequently asked questions
Are cellular signal repeaters classified under 8517 69?
Yes. Cellular signal boosters (repeaters, boosters) are classified under subheading 8517 69 as other telecommunications apparatus. Repeaters are subject to the RED and require CE marking. In many EU countries, repeater installation requires consent from the cellular network operator, as unauthorised repeaters can interfere with network operations. Importers should inform buyers about licensing requirements in individual EU countries.
Are IoT modules classified under subheading 8517 69?
Yes. IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (Machine to Machine) communication modules with wireless data transmission functionality are classified under subheading 8517 69. These modules are subject to RED, RoHS 2 and WEEE 2. IoT modules may also be subject to cybersecurity requirements under the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). ITA 0% eligibility depends on the specific product and should be verified in TARIC.
Does CBAM apply to apparatus under subheading 8517 69?
No. CBAM covers only goods from emission-intensive sectors: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Telecommunications apparatus under subheading 8517 69 belongs to Chapter 85 and falls outside CBAM scope.
Do telecom devices under 8517 69 benefit from ITA 0%?
Yes, most telecom devices under 8517 69 benefit from ITA 0% duty. Compliance with RED, LVD, EMC and RoHS 2 is required. USB-C is mandatory from 2025.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Related glossary terms