8518 40 — Audio-frequency electric amplifiers

8518 Microphones and stands therefor; loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency electric amplifiers; electric sound amplifier sets: 8518 10 – Microphones and stands therefor – Loudspeakers, whether or not mounted in their enclosures: 8518 21 – – Single loudspeakers, mounted in their enclosures 8518 22 – – Multiple loudspeakers, mounted in the same enclosure 8518 29 – – Other 8518 30 – Headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, and sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers 8518 40 – Audio-frequency electric amplifiers 8518 50 – Electric sound amplifier sets 8518 90 – Parts

This heading covers microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, earphones and audio-frequency electric amplifiers of all kinds, presented separately, irrespective of the particular use for which such apparatus may be designed (e.g., telephone microphones, headphones and earphones, and radio receiver loudspeakers). The heading also covers electric sound amplifier sets. (A) MICROPHONES AND STANDS THEREFOR Microphones convert sound vibrations into corresponding variations or oscillations of electric current, thus enabling transmission, broadcasting or recording. According to their principle of operation, they include: (1) Carbon microphones. Their principle of operation is based on the dependence of the electrical resistance of carbon powder on the pressure of the diaphragm as it is displaced by sound waves. The carbon granules (or powder) are tightly packed in a housing between two electrodes, one of which is the diaphragm or is attached to it.

(2) Piezo-electric microphones, in which the pressure of the sound waves, transmitted by means of a diaphragm, creates mechanical stresses in a piece of crystal of a particular cut (e.g., quartz or rock crystal), thus producing electric charges on the crystal. This type of element is often used in the "contact" microphone employed in the pick-ups of acoustic musical instruments such as guitars, pianos, wind and string orchestral instruments, etc. (3) Moving-coil microphones or ribbon microphones (also known as dynamic microphones), in which the sound wave causes a coil or an aluminium ribbon placed in a magnetic field to vibrate, thereby inducing electric impulses in the coil or aluminium ribbon. (4) Capacitor or electrostatic (capacitive) microphones, comprising two plates (or two electrodes) separated by an air gap: one of them is fixed (the back plate) and the other (the diaphragm) is free to vibrate. The sound waves cause variations in the capacitance between the two plates. (5) Thermal microphones or hot-wire microphones, comprising a heated resistance wire whose temperature, and consequently its resistance, varies under the action of sound waves. The heading also covers wireless microphone sets, each set consisting of one or more wireless microphones and a wireless receiving unit. The wireless microphone transmits a signal representing the sound waves received by means of a radio transmitting circuit and an internal or external antenna. The receiving unit is equipped with one or more antennae for receiving the transmitted radio waves and an internal circuit for converting the radio waves into an electrical audio signal, and may have one or more volume controls and output jacks. Microphones have many applications (e.g., in sound amplifying equipment for public places; telephony; sound recording; aircraft or submarine detecting devices; trench listening devices; the study of heartbeats). Generally, the electric current at the output of a microphone is in the form of an analogue signal, but some microphones are equipped with an analogue-to-digital converter, so that the output is a digital signal. Microphones are sometimes given greater sensitivity by the addition of amplifiers (usually called pre-amplifiers). Capacitors are sometimes fitted for tone correction. Some microphones require a power supply for their operation. Such power may be supplied from a mixing console or from a sound recording apparatus or from a separate power supply unit. Power supply units presented separately are excluded from this heading (generally heading 8504). Microphones are also sometimes fitted with devices for concentrating the sound waves and may have, as in sound amplifying systems, special stands for placing them on a table, desk, etc., or on the floor, or for suspending them. Such stands or devices are classified in this heading provided they are all of a type specially designed for use with microphones, even when presented separately. However, monopods, bipods, tripods and similar articles are excluded (heading 9620).

(B) LOUDSPEAKERS, WHETHER OR NOT MOUNTED IN THEIR ENCLOSURES The function of loudspeakers is the reverse of that of microphones: they reproduce sound by converting the electrical variations or oscillations from an amplifier into mechanical vibrations which produce sound waves. They include the following types: (1) Moving-iron or moving-coil loudspeakers. In the moving-iron loudspeaker a soft iron armature or reed is placed in the field of a permanent magnet and is subjected to the action of an electric field created by the varying current flowing through the coils; the field varies in accordance with this current, and the diaphragm, attached to the armature or reed, produces corresponding vibrations in the air. Moving-coil loudspeakers consist of a coil which is placed in the field of a permanent magnet or an electro-magnet and which is fed with alternating current. The coil is rigidly connected to the diaphragm. (2) Piezo-electric loudspeakers, the principle of which is based on the fact that certain natural or artificial crystals undergo mechanical deformation when an electric current is applied to them. Such loudspeakers are usually called "crystal loudspeakers". (3) Electrostatic loudspeakers (also known as capacitor loudspeakers). Their principle of operation is based on the electrostatic interaction between two plates (or electrodes), one of which acts as the diaphragm. Matching transformers and amplifiers are sometimes fitted with the loudspeakers. Generally, the electrical input signal received by loudspeakers is in analogue form, but in some cases the input signal is in digital format. Such loudspeakers incorporate digital-to-analogue converters and amplifiers, from which the mechanical vibrations produce sound waves. Loudspeakers may be mounted on frames, chassis or in cabinets of various types (often acoustically designed) or even in articles of furniture. They are classified in this heading provided that the principal function of the whole remains that of a loudspeaker. Frames, chassis, cabinets, etc., presented separately are also classified in this heading provided they are identifiable as being principally designed for mounting loudspeakers; articles of furniture of Chapter 94 designed to accommodate loudspeakers in addition to their normal function fall in Chapter 94. Loudspeakers designed for connection to an automatic data processing machine are classified in this heading when presented separately. (C) HEADPHONES AND EARPHONES, WHETHER OR NOT COMBINED WITH A MICROPHONE, AND SETS CONSISTING OF A MICROPHONE AND ONE OR MORE LOUDSPEAKERS Headphones and earphones are electro-acoustic receivers used to produce low-intensity sound signals. Like the loudspeakers described above, they convert an electrical signal into an acoustic one; the means used for this purpose remain the same in both cases, the only difference being the power required. This heading covers headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone, for telephony or telegraphy; head sets,

consisting of a special throat microphone and permanently attached earphones (used, for example, in aviation); telephone headsets, which are devices combining a microphone and a loudspeaker and are used mainly by telephone operators; headphones and earphones for connection to radio or television receivers, sound reproducing apparatus or automatic data processing machines. The heading also covers sets consisting of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers, which may be combined together. A headphone or earphone may be included in a set for individual listening. Such sets are designed to be connected, by means of a plug or otherwise, to a central system equipped with an amplifier. Such devices may be used by participants at meetings or conferences. The heading also covers prenatal listening apparatus, usually consisting of a microphone, earphones, a loudspeaker, an acoustic funnel, volume and on/off controls and a battery compartment. This apparatus makes it possible to listen to the sounds of the foetus in the womb as well as to the mother's heartbeat. The apparatus does not incorporate a sound recording device. The apparatus is intended for non-medical use. However, electro-diagnostic apparatus designed for use by medical, surgical or veterinary professionals falls in heading 9018. (D) AUDIO-FREQUENCY ELECTRIC AMPLIFIERS Audio-frequency amplifiers are used to amplify electrical signals with frequencies lying within the range of audibility of the human ear. The basic elements of the great majority of them are transistors or integrated circuits, but some are still built with hot-cathode valves. They are generally powered from a mains-connected power supply unit or, in the case of portable amplifiers, from electric accumulators or batteries. The input signals of audio-frequency amplifiers may come from a microphone, a laser optical disc reader, a pick-up head, a magnetic head (of a tape recorder), a radio relay network device, a film sound-track reproducing device or another source of audio-frequency electrical signals. Generally speaking, the output is connected to a loudspeaker, but this is not always the case (pre-amplifiers may be connected to a subsequent amplifier or may be incorporated in an amplifier). Audio-frequency amplifiers may include a volume control for varying the gain of the amplifier, and usually also include controls (bass boost, treble boost, etc.) for correcting the frequency response. The heading covers audio-frequency amplifiers used as repeaters in telephony or as measurement amplifiers. High or intermediate frequency amplifiers fall in heading 8543 as electrical apparatus having individual functions. Audio mixers and equalisers also fall in heading 8543. (E) ELECTRIC SOUND AMPLIFIER SETS The heading also covers amplifier sets consisting of microphones, audio-frequency amplifiers and loudspeakers. This type of equipment is widely used for public address at public events, on advertising vehicles, on police vehicles or with certain musical

tools, etc. Similar systems are also used on large trucks (particularly trucks with trailers) to allow the driver to hear extraneous noises or beeps coming from behind, which he would not otherwise be able to hear due to the sound of the engine. Subject to the general provisions relating to the classification of parts (see the general provisions of Section XVI), parts of the goods of this heading are also included in this heading. This heading also excludes: (a) helmet-phones for pilots, including head telephones with or without a microphone (heading 6506); (b) telephone apparatus (heading 8517); (c) hearing aids of heading 9021.

Notes

Machine translation. The original is the Russian text of the EAEU tariff, and customs goes by it; this translation is for understanding only and has no legal force.

1. This group does not include:

(a) blankets, mattresses, pillows, foot warmers, electrically heated or similar articles; clothing, shoes or headphones or other electrically heated articles used by a person;

(b) glass articles of heading 7011;

(c) machinery and apparatus of heading 8486;

(d) vacuum apparatus used in the medical, surgical, dental or veterinary fields of science (heading 9018); or

(e) Electrically heated furniture of Chapter 94.

2. Headings 8501 to 8504 do not cover the goods of heading 8511, 8512, 8540, 8541 or 8542.

However, mercury arc rectifiers with metal reservoirs are classified in heading 8504.

3. For the purposes of heading 8507, the term “electrical accumulators” applies to electric accumulators presented with additional components that contribute to the storage and supply of energy to the battery or protect it from damage, such as electrical connectors, thermostats (e.g., thermistors) and protective devices. They may also include a portion of the protective casing of the goods in which they will be used.

4. Heading 8509 covers only the following types of electromechanical machinery commonly used in household use:

(a) canvases, food grinders, mixers and juicers for fruits or vegetables of any mass;

(b) other machines weighing not more than 20 kg.

Однако данная товарная позиция не включает вентиляторы или вентиляционные или рециркуляционные вытяжные колпаки или шкафы с вентилятором, с фильтрами или без фильтров (товарная позиция 8414), центробежные сушилки для белья (товарная позиция 8421), посудомоечные машины (товарная позиция 8422), бытовые стиральные машины (товарная позиция 8450), валковые или другие гладильные машины (товарная позиция 8420 или 8451), швейные машины (товарная позиция 8452), электрические ножницы (товарная позиция 8467) или электронагревательные приборы (товарная позиция 8516).

5. For the purposes of heading 8517, the term “smartphones” means telephones for cellular communication networks equipped with a mobile operating system designed to perform computer functions, such as the downloading and simultaneous operation of several applications, including third-party applications, whether or not other components, such as digital cameras and navigation systems, are embedded therein.

6. In heading 8523:

(a) “solid state-of-the-art non-volatile storage devices” (e.g., “flash memory cards” or “electronic flash memory cards”) mean connector storage devices comprising one or more flash memory devices (e.g., “Flash ES ROMs”) in the form of integrated circuits installed on a printed circuit board. They may include an integrated circuit controller and discrete passive components such as capacitors and resistors.

(b) the term “smart cards” means cards that have one or more electronic integrated circuits (a microprocessor, randomly sampled memory (ROM) or permanent memory (ROM)) in the form of crystals. These cards may have contacts, a magnetic strip, or a built-in antenna, but they do not contain any other active or passive elements.

7. For the purposes of heading 8524, the expression “flat display panel modules” refers to display devices or apparatus equipped with at least a display screen which are designed to be incorporated into the articles of other headings before use. In shape, the display screens of such modules can be flat, curved, flexible, folding, stretching or other shapes. Flat display panel modules may include additional components, including those necessary for receiving video signals and distributing them across screen pixels. Heading 8524, however, does not include display modules equipped with components for converting video signals (e.g., a video format conversion integrated circuit, a decoder integrated circuit or an application processor) or otherwise having assumed the character of articles of other headings.

In classifying the flat panel modules referred to in this note, heading 8524 takes precedence over any other heading of the Nomenclature.

8. For the purposes of heading 8534, the term “printed circuits” means circuits made by forming on an insulating substrate by any printing process (e.g., electroplating, etching) or by “film” technology of conductors, contacts, or other printed elements (e.g., inductances, resistors, capacitors) individually or in a particular order, with the exception of elements which are capable of producing, straightening, modulating, or amplifying an electrical signal (e.g., semiconductor elements).

The term "printed circuits" does not include circuits combined with elements other than those obtained in the printing process, as well as individual discrete resistors, capacitors or inductors. Printed circuits, however, may be equipped with connecting elements manufactured by a technology other than printing.

Thin or thick-film circuits employing passive and active elements obtained in the same process are classified in heading 8542.

9. For the purposes of heading 8536, the term “connectors for fibers of optical, fiber-optic harnesses or cables” means connectors which simply mechanically connect the ends of optical fibers in a digital link system. They do not perform any other function, such as amplifying, restoring, or changing a signal.

10. Heading 8537 excludes wireless infrared devices for remote control of television receivers or other electrical equipment (heading 8543).

11. For the purposes of heading 8539, the expression “LED light sources” covers:

(a) "LED modules" are electric light sources based on LEDs connected in electrical circuits and containing additional components such as electrical, mechanical, thermal or optical elements. For supply or control of power, these modules also contain discrete active elements, discrete passive elements or articles of heading 8536 or 8542. LED modules (LED) are not equipped with a cap, facilitating installation or replacement in the lamp, and providing mechanical and electrical contact;

(b) "LED lamps" are electrical light sources containing one or more LED modules containing additional components such as electrical, mechanical, thermal or optical elements. The difference between LED modules (LED) and LED lamps (LED) is that the latter have a cap that facilitates installation or replacement in the lamp, and provides mechanical and electrical contact.

12. In headings 8541 and 8542:

(a) (i) “semiconductor devices” means semiconductor devices whose operation is based on a change in their resistance under the action of an electric field or semiconductor-based transducers.

Semiconductor devices may also comprise an assembly of multiple elements, regardless of whether the devices are provided with active and passive auxiliary functions or not.

For the purposes of this definition, “semiconductor-based transducers” are semiconductor-based sensors, semiconductor-based actuators, semiconductor-based resonators, and semiconductor-based generators that are varieties of discrete semiconductor-based devices that perform a given function and are capable of converting any physical or chemical phenomenon or effect into an electrical signal, or an electrical signal into some physical phenomenon or action.

All elements of transducers based on semiconductors are inextricably combined with each other, and can contain inseparably attached to them materials necessary for their design or functioning.

The following expressions have the following meanings:

(1) “semiconductor-based” means created or manufactured on a semiconductor substrate or made of semiconductor materials, in a semiconductor technology in which a semiconductor substrate or material plays an essential and irreplaceable role in the performance by a converter of its function, the operation of which is based on the properties of the semiconductor, including physical, electrical, chemical and optical properties;

(2) “physical or chemical phenomena” refers to phenomena such as pressure, acoustic waves, acceleration, vibration, motion, orientation, stress, magnetic field strength, electric field strength, light, radioactivity, humidity, flow rate, concentration of chemicals, etc.;

(3) "semiconductor-based sensor" is a type of semiconductor device consisting of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of the semiconductor and having the function of determining the values of physical or chemical action and their conversion into electrical signals caused by a change in electrical properties or displacement of the mechanical structure.

(4) "semiconductor-based drive" is a type of semiconductor device consisting of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of the semiconductor and having the function of converting electrical signals into physical motion;

(5) "semiconductor-based resonator" is a type of semiconductor device consisting of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of the semiconductor, and having the function of generating mechanical or electrical oscillations of a given frequency, depending on the physical geometry of these structures responding to an external input signal;

(6) "semiconductor-based generator" is a type of semiconductor device consisting of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of the semiconductor and having the function of generating mechanical or electrical oscillations of a given frequency, depending on the physical geometry of these structures;

(ii) "LEDs (LEDs)" are semiconductor devices based on semiconductor materials that convert electrical energy into visible, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, whether electrically connected or unconnected, combined with protective diodes or not combined. The LEDs of heading 8541 do not contain components intended to provide power supply or control power supply.

(b) "electronic integrated circuits":

(i) monolithic integrated circuits in which circuit elements (diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductances, etc.) are carried out in mass (mainly) and on the surface of a semiconductor or complex semiconductor material (for example, doped silicon, gallium arsenide, silicohermanium, indium phosphide) and are inseparably linked;

(ii) hybrid integrated circuits in which passive elements (resistors, capacitors, inductances, etc.) made by thin- or thick-film technology processes and active elements (diodes, transistors, monolithic integrated circuits, etc.) obtained by semiconductor technology processes are connected into a single inseparable whole by interconnections or connecting cables on a single insulating substrate (glass, ceramics, etc.). Such circuits may also contain discrete components;

(iii) multi-crystal integrated circuits consisting of two or more interconnected monolithic integrated circuits, inseparably combined into a single whole, located or not located on one or more insulating substrates, having or not having a frame with terminals, but containing no other active or passive elements;

(iv) multi-component integrated circuits consisting of one or more monolithic, hybrid or multi-crystal integrated circuits combined with at least one of the following components: silicon-based sensors, silicon-based actuators, silicon-based generators, silicon-based resonators or combinations thereof, or components performing the functions of articles classified in headings 8532, 8533, 8541, or inductors classified in heading 8504, inseparably combined in a single integrative form of a single integrated circuit, carried by means of a connection with a printed terminal or other terminal.

In this definition:

(1) “Components” may be discrete, produced independently, then installed on the rest of the multi-component integrated circuit, or integrated into other components;

(2) “Silicon-based” means that they are made on a silicon substrate, or are made of silicon, or are made on an integrated circuit chip;

(3)(a) “silicon-based sensors” consist of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of the semiconductor and have the function of detecting physical or chemical phenomena and converting them into electrical signals caused by a change in electrical properties or displacement of the mechanical structure. “Physical or chemical phenomena” refer to phenomena such as pressure, acoustic waves, acceleration, vibration, motion, orientation, stress, magnetic field strength, electric field strength, light, radioactivity, humidity, flow rate, concentration of chemicals, etc.;

(b) “silicon-based actuators” consist of microelectronic and mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of the semiconductor and that have the function of converting electrical signals into physical motion;

(c) “silicon-based resonators” are components that consist of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of a semiconductor and that have the function of generating mechanical or electrical oscillations of a given frequency depending on the physical geometry of these structures responding to an external input signal;

(d) “silicon-based generators” are active components that consist of microelectronic or mechanical structures that are created in the mass or on the surface of a semiconductor and that have the function of generating mechanical or electrical oscillations of a given frequency depending on the physical geometry of those structures.

In classifying the articles referred to in this note, headings 8541 and 8542 shall take precedence over any other heading of the Nomenclature which may include those articles in accordance with, in particular, their function, with the exception of heading 8523.

Subheading notes

English text as published in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/1832 (Combined Nomenclature). The EAEU tariff and the EU nomenclature copy these notes from the same convention. For a Russian declaration the binding version is the Russian one: Annex to Decision No 80 of the EEC Council of 14 September 2021.

1. Subheading 8525 81 covers only high-speed television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders having one or more of the following characteristics: - writing speed exceeding 0,5 mm per microsecond; - time resolution 50 nanoseconds or less; - frame rate exceeding 225 000 frames per second.

2. In respect of subheading 8525 82, radiation-hardened or radiation-tolerant television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders are designed or shielded to enable operation in a high-radiation environment. These cameras are designed to withstand a total radiation dose of at least 50 × 103 Gy(silicon) (5 × 106 RAD (silicon)), without operational degradation.

3. Subheading 8525 83 covers night vision television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders which use a photocathode to convert available light to electrons, which can be amplified and converted to yield a visible image. This subheading excludes thermal imaging cameras (generally subheading 8525 89).

4. Subheading 8527 12 covers only cassette-players with built-in amplifier, without built-in loudspeaker, capable of operating without an external source of electric power and the dimensions of which do not exceed 170 mm × 100 mm × 45 mm.

5. For the purposes of subheadings 8549 11 to 8549 19, ‘spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators’ are those which are neither usable as such because of breakage, cutting-up, wear or other reasons, nor capable of being recharged.

Additional notes

Machine translation. The original is the Russian text of the EAEU tariff, and customs goes by it; this translation is for understanding only and has no legal force.

1. Subheadings 8519 20 100 0, 8519 30 000 0 and 8519 89 110 0 do not include sound-reproducing apparatus with a laser reading system.

2. Примечание к субпозиции 4 применимо при внесении соответствующих изменений к подсубпозициям 8519 81 150 0 и 8519 81 650.

3. For the purposes of subheadings 8528 71 150 0 and 8528 71 910 0 only, the term “modem” means devices or equipment which modulate outgoing and demodulate incoming signals, such as V.90 modems or cable modems and other devices which use similar technologies to access the Internet via WLAN, ISDN and Ethernet. Access to the Internet may be limited by the service provider.

The apparatus of these subheadings shall provide for a bidirectional communication process or a bidirectional flow of information in order to facilitate the interactive exchange of information.

Additional notes of the Eurasian Economic Union

Machine translation. The original is the Russian text of the EAEU tariff, and customs goes by it; this translation is for understanding only and has no legal force.

1. For the purposes of subheading 8542 31 100 1, the term “process not exceeding 32 nanometers” means a process for the manufacture of electronic integrated circuits in accordance with the technological standards of which the gates of the logical transistors of a microprocessor do not exceed 32 nanometers. Logical transistors are the main computational elements of a microprocessor that implement all arithmetic and logical operations. The gate is the control element of the transistor. Data on the technological process of manufacturing microprocessors are given in the manufacturer's technical documentation, which may be submitted by its authorized representative in the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.

2. For the purposes of subheading 8535 90 000 1, the term “passage insulators” means devices attached to the flanges of the compartments of modules forming part of a complete switchgear of an elegasic unit (CSG) and intended to separate gas volumes between these compartments or to combine the various CSG modules into a single gas volume, as well as connections through the electrodes of conductors of the CSGM modules built into the passage insulators among themselves during the assembly of the CSGM. Passage insulators are gas dense and non-gas dense. With the help of gas-dense insulators, the gas volumes of KREE are separated. With the help of non-gas-dense insulators, various CSRE modules are combined into one gas volume. Passage insulators consist of a flange ring, a cast insulator and electrodes poured into the insulator.