52004XC0421(05)

Uniform application of the Combined Nomenclature (CN)

(Classification of goods)

(2004/C 96/07)

Explanatory notes adopted in accordance with the procedure defined in Article 10(1) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff(1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 2344/2003(2)

The explanatory notes to the Combined Nomenclature of the European Communities(3) shall be amended as follows:

On page 333 the following text is to be added after the first paragraph:

8544 Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors "Connectors for optical fibre cables are plug-in connections between each individual optical fibre. They normally consist of a plastic or metal housing containing a ferrule. Ferrules typically have the following appearance:

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The ferrule is the most important component in terms of the connector's operation and may be made of ceramic, zirconium oxide (ceramic), nickel silver, glass, tungsten carbide, etc. Though the material of the ferrule does not normally predominate in the connector as a whole, the importance of the ferrule to the product's application is such that the material is to be seen as determining the connector's essential character.

Adapters for optical fibre cables are used to connect at least two single-fibre connectors. They contain precision-tooled guides and consist mainly of metal or plastic."

On page 343 following sentence is to be added:

9001 10 10 and 9001 10 90 Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables "See also the Explanatory Notes to heading 8544."

(1) OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 346, 31.12.2003, p. 38.

(3) OJ C 256, 23.10.2002, p. 1.