Tactical response robot (Tariff notice 4)
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-25)

Check the tariff classification for the tactical response robot.

New regulation

A new regulation (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/oj/daily-view/L-series/default.html?&ojDate=xx-xxxx-xxxx) was published on 8 October 2024 and entered into force 20 days after this date.

L Series

Reg. 2024/2621

This is not considered a change in Northern Ireland practice.

Classification (Combined Nomenclature (CN) code)

8424 98 70

Description of goods

A machine, so-called tactical response robot consisting of the following:

— a track-mounted chassis with dimensions of approximately 1 500× 1 200× 1 300mm, with 2 electrical 7,5 kW drive motors for propulsion, providing a tractive force of up to 4 tonnes (the electrical power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery), — a camera system with four static directional cameras, capable of transmitting a live image feed to the user, — 6 LED spotlights each aligned in the direction of movement, as well as LED ambient lighting, — a device for the dispersing of water or foam for firefighting, with a capacity of up to 2 000l/min at 10 bars, fully compatible for connection with the hose of a firefighting truck, — a cable winch with an extendable claw support for stability when handling large loads.

The product is controlled via remote control with a range of up to 150 m and/or from a system carrier vehicle via intranet with a range of up to 2 500m (WLAN-based).

The product may be presented in different configurations depending on the extra equipment mounted on the chassis, upon request.

The optional equipment may include movable cameras for normal and thermal image transmission, additional LED spotlights, a Raman spectrometer for the detection of hazardous substances, a remotely controlled manipulator arm to perform precise tasks (e.g., sampling), a trailer coupler, etc.

The product is designed to be used in firefighting and recovery operations, allowing the firefighting personnel to remain outside the danger zone (conditions of hazardous material exploration, collapse danger or intense heat development), while still being involved in and remotely controlling the operations at a safe distance.

Reason

Classification is determined by general rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 3 to Section XVI and by the wording of CN codes 8424, 8424 89 and 8424 89 70.

Although the product has a significant tractive force, classification under heading 8701 is excluded, as it is not a vehicle constructed essentially for hauling or pushing another vehicle, appliance, or load. (See also Note 2 to Chapter 87).

Classification under heading 8705 is also excluded, as the product does not have the characteristics of a vehicle of heading 8705, namely it does not form what is in fact an essentially complete motor vehicle chassis or lorry (truck). It does not comprise at least the following mechanical features: propelling engine, gear box and controls for gearchanging, and steering and braking facilities. (See also Harmonized System Explanatory Notes to heading 8705.)

The product is a composite machine within the meaning of Note 3 to Section XVI and it is to be classified as if consisting only of that component or as being that machine which performs the principal function.

Due to the objective characteristics of the dispersing device, mainly the volume, the pressure and the projecting distance of the water or foam, the dispersing function is considered to be the principal function of the machine. The product is, consequently, to be classified according to the dispersing device.

The camera system and the LED spotlights serve to remotely control and guide the machine, whereas the winch operation for transferring loads is only performed by human intervention via the cable winch and, optionally, via the trailer coupler.

The functions of identifying possible dangerous fields, detecting hazardous substances and performing precise tasks, are complementary and subsidiary to the function of dispersing water or foam, as they are performed by the optional equipment.

The product is therefore to be classified under CN code 8424 89 70, as other appliances for the dispersing of fluids.

Contact details

Tariff ClassificationCustoms Policy & Strategy3rd Floor14 Westfield AvenueStratfordLondonE20 1HZ

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

This Tariff notice is published for information purposes only.