[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/EU CN Codes for Electronics EU customsCN codeimport duty # EU CN Codes for Electronics: Customs Classification and Import Duty Rates Every product imported into the EU must be classified under the Combined Nomenclature — the EU's 8-digit customs tariff system built on the internationally harmonized 6-digit HS system. For electronics hardware companies importing into the EU, the CN code determines the applicable customs duty rate, whether anti-dumping duties apply, and which import licensing requirements are triggered. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Feu-cn-codes-electronics) [Check my EU import requirements](/platform/new) CN structure ## How the EU Combined Nomenclature relates to the HS The EU Combined Nomenclature (CN) is the EU's implementation of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS), extended to 8 digits for EU-specific purposes. The first 6 digits are internationally standardized — the same across all 160+ countries using the HS. Digits 7-8 are EU-specific subheadings that further differentiate products and determine the specific duty rate. For import into the EU, a 10-digit TARIC code is used — the CN 8-digit code extended by 2 additional TARIC digits that encode specific EU trade policy measures including anti-dumping duties, quotas, and import restrictions. The EU's TARIC database (ec.europa.eu/taxation\_customs/dds2/taric/) is the authoritative source for current duty rates and applicable measures for any given CN/TARIC code. Always query the live database rather than relying on cached information as trade measures change dynamically. Electronics duty rates ## Common CN codes and duty rates for electronics Most electronics benefit from zero duty rates in the EU under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), concluded under WTO auspices. Products covered by ITA — including computers, monitors, semiconductor devices, circuit boards, data storage media, and telecommunications equipment — are imported duty-free from all WTO member countries. Common zero-duty CN codes include: 8471 (computers and tablets), 8517 (smartphones and wireless network equipment), 8525 (transmission apparatus), 8542 (electronic integrated circuits), and 8544 (insulated wire and cable). Non-ITA products that face duties include certain audio equipment (CN 8518, 2.2-3.7%) and some video game consoles (0-2.2% depending on subheading). Anti-dumping duties on some electronics components from specific countries may apply — verify current status via the TARIC database before planning sourcing strategy as these measures are regularly revised. Binding tariff information ## How to get official EU customs classification rulings Binding Tariff Information (BTI) is the EU's equivalent of a US CBP binding ruling — an official customs classification decision issued by a national customs authority that is legally binding for the holder across the entire EU for up to three years. BTI applications are submitted to the customs authority of the EU member state where the importer is established. A BTI issued by German customs is binding when importing through Rotterdam, Antwerp, or any other EU port of entry. For hardware companies importing significant volumes, obtaining BTI for your key product lines provides: certainty on duty rates for landed cost calculations, protection from post-import reclassification disputes, and a legal basis for challenging incorrect customs assessments at the border. BTI applications in most EU member states can be submitted through the EU's EBTI system and are processed within 120 days. ## Learn this properly, not just for one product In-depth courses and books that teach the process — not a one-off answer you'll need to look up again next time. [Browse courses](/courses)See your free roadmap [Prefer to read? Get the book](/books) ## Frequently asked questions ### Are all electronics imported duty-free into the EU? Most electronics are duty-free under the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA), which covers computers, semiconductors, telecommunications equipment, software, and related products. However, ITA coverage is not universal — some consumer electronics categories face EU customs duties of 2-4%. Check the TARIC database with the specific 10-digit TARIC code for your product to confirm the applicable duty rate. ### What is the TARIC code and how does it differ from the CN code? The TARIC code is the CN code extended by two additional digits. The CN (8 digits) is the tariff nomenclature; the TARIC (10 digits) is the CN plus EU trade policy measures encoded in the last 2 digits. For import declarations, you always need the 10-digit TARIC code. The CN and TARIC codes appear together in the EU's TARIC database. ### Do I need to pay VAT on electronics imported into the EU? Yes. Import VAT applies to all goods imported into the EU regardless of the customs duty rate. VAT is calculated on the customs value plus any applicable customs duty. VAT rates vary by member state (typically 19-25%). Import VAT is usually recoverable by VAT-registered businesses as input tax. ### How often do CN codes change? The Combined Nomenclature is revised annually, effective 1 January each year. The revisions update product descriptions, merge or split subheadings, and implement WTO and international classification decisions. Companies must verify that their CN/TARIC codes remain valid after each annual revision. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇪🇺 CE Marking compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Related guides * [EU Electronics Customs Classification Deep DiveA deep dive into classifying electronics hardware under the EU Combined Nomenclature: how the General Rules of Interpretation resolve ambiguous products, common chapter-84-vs-85 disputes, anti-dumping exposure, and when Binding Tariff Information is worth the wait.](/guides/eu-cn-codes-electronics-deep-dive) * [US HTS Codes for ElectronicsHarmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes determine import duty rates for electronics entering the United States.](/guides/us-hts-codes-electronics) * [Export Control and Dual-UseExport control regulations — including the EU Dual-Use Regulation, US EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and US ITAR — re…](/guides/export-control-dual-use) * [EU Packaging RegulationEU Regulation 2025/40 introduces mandatory recycled content targets, recyclability requirements, packaging minimization obligat…](/guides/eu-packaging-regulation) * [EU Economic Operators ExplainedThe EU product safety framework assigns distinct compliance obligations to each economic operator in the supply chain.](/guides/eu-economic-operators-explained) Educational resource only. CN classification and duty rates are subject to annual revision and trade policy changes. Verify current rates in the EU TARIC database or via a licensed customs broker.