Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1404
Of 6 September 2019 — CELEX 32019R1404
Description of the goods
A pair of tips consisting of plastics and metal (steel with a tip of tungsten) specially designed to be attached to Nordic-walking sticks with a click-on system. See image (*1)
Reasons
Classification is determined by general rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 3 to Chapter 95 and by the wording of CN codes 9506, 9506 91 and 9506 91 90. Nordic-walking sticks cannot be considered walking sticks and the like of heading 6602. The objective characteristics of Nordic-walking sticks are different from walking sticks of heading 6602 as they are designed to be used in pairs to push the body forward similar to the movement in cross country skiing. The handles are a vertical prolongation of the sticks similar to handles of cross-country ski sticks, whereas the handles of walking sticks are a horizontal prolongation of the sticks to allow the users to sustain their weight with the stick. Nordic walking is different from ordinary walking as the upper part of the body is working to push the body forward by means of the sticks and, consequently can be considered a physical exercise within the meaning of heading 9506. The tips have a characteristic shape and design and a specific attachment system that make them suitable for use solely or principally with Nordic-walking sticks (articles of heading 9506) within the meaning of Note 3 to Chapter 95. Classification under heading 6603 as parts of walking sticks of heading 6602 is therefore excluded by virtue of Note 1(c) to Chapter 66. The tips are therefore to be classified under CN code 9506 91 90 as parts of articles and equipment for general physical exercise.