EU: Which TARIC code for a GPSDO?

[thinkfat]

Hi,

I'm currently trying to find out where one of my ebay purchases went, according to the logistics company it has been handed over to customs quite some time ago and I guess it's meanwhile on its way back to China. 

Usually, Ebay vendors from far east can't be arsed to provide a proper customs declaration so I figured it might be a good idea to give them a hint when I order something next time.

I checked the TARIC database and I think one of the following codes from Section XVIII is applicable:

9031 80 80, for a general measurement instrument that isn't a balance, geometrical measurement or optical equipment
or
9031 90 00, a part or accessory for a general measurement instrument.

I'd like to hear your opinions.

[Someone]

9033.00.90
8517.70

[bitwelder]

Supposing that there wasn't any difference in custom duties for the different categories, has anyone been in any trouble for reporting an item in a slightly wrong category?

[thinkfat]

Hm, I'm pretty sure the TARIC declaration is open to interpretation. As long it's not high-volume stuff that is being shipped, customs officers usually don't spend a lot of time on a single packet. They're not skilled enough to find a correct declaration code anyway. Well, that's actually not true, they are trained to do that, but that kind of research costs quite some time and it's just not worth their time. I just collected a packet from customs and the officer just asked me to provide the ebay transaction details since he needed to check the shipment cost. He did ask me what was in the shipment and to open the packet and show the content, but of course he couldn't make hands or tails of what was inside. So, he just collected the import VAT and send me off to mind my own business.