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85389000
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND PARTS THEREOF; SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, TELEVISION IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDERS AND REPRODUCERS, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF SUCH ARTICLESParts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading 8535, 8536 or 8537

Other

Definition and scope of subheading 8538 90

Subheading 8538 90 covers other parts suitable for use solely or principally with apparatus of headings 8535, 8536 or 8537, not classified under 8538 10. Typical goods include arc-quenching chambers for circuit breakers, replacement contacts for relays and contactors, operating handles and mechanisms for switches, socket inserts, DIN rail mounting elements and front panels for switchboards.

Regulatory requirements for parts under subheading 8538 90

Spare parts under 8538 90 may not require CE marking independently but must be compatible with equipment meeting EU standards. RoHS 2 restricts hazardous substances. CBAM does not apply. Import requires EORI, customs declaration and technical documentation supporting CN classification.

Duty rates for subheading 8538 90

MFN rates should be verified in TARIC. Spare parts for switchgear follow standard customs procedures. Preferential rates under FTAs. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be restricted. VAT is charged.

Other parts for switchgear and control apparatus

Importing other switchgear parts (CN 8538 90) 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.

Frequently asked questions

What goods are classified under subheading 8538 90?
Parts for apparatus of headings 8535-8537 not covered by 8538 10: arc chambers, replacement contacts, switch handles, socket inserts, DIN rail elements, panel covers. The key criterion is identifiability as a part specific to switchgear apparatus. General fasteners (bolts, nuts) are classified in Chapter 73.
Do spare parts for circuit breakers require CE?
Spare parts as components do not require independent CE marking but must be compatible with apparatus meeting EU standards and must not compromise device safety. The part manufacturer should provide documentation confirming compatibility with the parent apparatus.
Are parts under 8538 90 subject to CBAM?
No. CBAM covers only emissions-intensive goods. Parts under 8538 90 belong to Chapter 85 and fall outside CBAM scope.
What regulations apply when importing other switchgear parts CN 8538 90?
Importing other switchgear parts (CN 8538 90) requires RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU), WEEE 2 (2012/19/EU) compliance, CE marking and an EORI number. Check the duty rate in TARIC. Import VAT applies.