12.10.2026 Regulation #EU #Import #Codes & nomenclature

EU classifies telescopic vacuum tube in 8508 and updates CN notes

The Official Journal of the EU published three Combined Nomenclature (CN) documents on 9 October 2026. One is a regulation classifying a telescopic vacuum cleaner tube, and two amend the Explanatory Notes, for headings 9405 and 3004. The regulation enters into force on 29 October 2026.

Vacuum tube: a part of the appliance, not an aluminium pipe

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2265 of 6 October 2026 concerns an aluminium telescopic tube. It consists of two non-separable rigid tubes of different diameters joined by a locking mechanism, and the inner tube is ribbed so the length can be adjusted. One end connects to the flexible hose and the other takes cleaning heads. It is designed for one specific type of vacuum cleaner.

The Commission classified it under CN code 8508 70 00 as a part of vacuum cleaners of heading 8508, and ruled out heading 7608 (aluminium tubes and pipes). The grounds are:

General Rules for the Interpretation 1 and 6, and Note 2(b) to Section XVI;
the Court of Justice judgment in HARK (C-450/12);
the finding that the rigid tube maintains airflow and suction and also works as an ergonomic handle, so it is an integral part of the vacuum cleaner.

Lighting and pharmaceuticals: clarified Explanatory Notes

Notes C/2026/5274 add an exclusion to heading 9405. The heading does not cover illuminated articles of various materials (glass, metal, plastics) designed merely for indoor or outdoor decorative purposes. These are fitted with LED strings or strips that enhance their decorative character. They are not meant to light a room, their light output is too low for functional lighting, and they are not specialised lamps (see the HS Explanatory Notes to 9405, (I)(1) and (3)). Such goods are classified by the material of the decorative component. The presence of solar panels is irrelevant to classification in 9405. The notes illustrate this with examples in figures.

Notes C/2026/5276 concern heading 3004. A footnote () is added to the "Glucosamine sulfate" row of the table. The defined daily dose (DDD) of 1.5 g in the ATC-DDD index refers to the substance bis(2-ammonio-2-deoxy-D-glucose) sulfate. Its CAS RN is 14999-43-0, its formula is (C6H13NO5)2·H2SO4, and its molecular weight is 456.42 g/mol*. Both notes are adopted under Article 9(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87.

What this means for importers

Vacuum tubes and accessories. The regulation sets a reference description against which existing BTIs for similar tubes, including those entered under 7608, can be compared. It covers a tube designed for one specific type of vacuum cleaner.
Decorative lighting. Illuminated articles of glass, metal, plastics or other materials whose LED lighting only accentuates the decorative character fall outside 9405 under the notes. They are classified by the material of the decorative component; solar panels are irrelevant. The publications give no duty rates.
Pharmaceuticals. The footnote clarifies that the DDD of 1.5 g in the ATC-DDD index for heading 3004 refers to bis(2-ammonio-2-deoxy-D-glucose) sulfate, that is, to a specific form of the substance.

How long non-conforming BTIs remain usable

Regulation 2026/2265 enters into force on the twentieth day after publication, that is 29 October 2026 (per the document record). Under Article 2, non-conforming BTIs may still be invoked for three months from entry into force, under Article 34(9) of the Union Customs Code. The published texts of Notes C/2026/5274 and C/2026/5276 state no separate date of application; both were published in the OJ C series on 9 October 2026.

Primary sources

Mentioned codes

8508 7608 9405 3004

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.