Classification and tariff conclusion
A complete television transmission apparatus without reception is examined under CN 8525 50 00 and the corresponding TARIC code. The imported system must objectively generate and amplify the DVB-T2 RF signal; the commercial name alone is insufficient. Equipment incorporating reception or retransmission, and separately presented functional units, require their own GIR 1 and 6 analysis.
Complete transmitter versus components
Record the exciter/modulator, RF power-amplifier cabinets, frequency range, 8 MHz channel bandwidth, rated power, cooling and controller. Encoders, multiplexers, standalone exciters, amplifier modules, filters/combiners, feeders, dummy loads and antennas imported separately are not automatically classified with the complete transmitter. Split consignments should be reviewed for the state of the goods at import and any unassembled-machine rule.
Customs duty, VAT and origin
The common customs duty for CN 8525 50 00 is generally 0%, subject to the current TARIC and origin-specific measures. Import VAT is charged at the Member State rate on the customs value plus duty and statutory additions. Preferential origin requires the exact product-specific rule and valid proof; routing or minor processing does not create origin. Sanctions, dual-use controls and trade remedies remain separate checks.
RED conformity and CE marking
The complete transmitter is radio equipment under Directive 2014/53/EU (RED). Before placing it on the Union market, the manufacturer must assess Article 3 health/safety, EMC and efficient-spectrum-use requirements, prepare technical documentation and an EU declaration of conformity, affix CE marking and supply instructions. Harmonised standards relevant to DVB-T/T2 transmitters, including the current ETSI EN 302 296 series where applicable, must be matched to the actual frequency, power and configuration.
Broadcast spectrum and service authorization
CE conformity does not allocate spectrum or authorize a television service. Installation and on-air operation require the Member State's frequency assignment, broadcasting/network authorization and approved transmitter site, ERP, antenna and emission parameters. A lawful laboratory or factory test should use a dummy load or operate under a specific test authorization. Cross-border marketing therefore needs both Union product compliance and country-specific operating permission.
Import file and declaration
Keep the invoice, valuation and origin evidence, bill of materials, block diagram, RF frequency, channel bandwidth, output power, emission-mask and spurious-emission reports, RED risk assessment, technical file, EU declaration, labels, instructions and importer identification. Suggested description: “Complete DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television transmitter, 8 MHz channel, frequency ..., rated RF output ... W, exciter and power amplifiers, model ..., new; CN 8525 50 00.”
Official sources
Sources checked September 22, 2026: EU TARIC consultation; Directive 2014/53/EU; European Commission RED guidance; harmonised radio standards; EU audiovisual media framework.