

  A handheld device (so-called “Aircraft passenger handset”) comprising a control unit incorporating a microphone and a loudspeaker, various buttons on the front and back, a display, a magnetic card-reader and a connection socket, for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V, with dimensions of approximately 16 × 4 × 2,5 cm.    The device is designed to be installed into the passenger seat of an aircraft for performing the following functions:      acting as a switch and control device for various external devices, for example, audio/video equipment, game consoles or other on-board services,      making telephone calls through the public on-board communication network as it converts audio-frequency pulses into sound waves and vice versa,      reading data from swipe cards.      The device cannot connect directly to a communication network.  ,8537 10 99,  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 8537, 8537 10 and 8537 10 99.    The device cannot connect directly to a communication network. Consequently, classification under heading 8517 as a telephone set or other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data is excluded.    The device is a composite machine consisting of machines classified under different headings of Section XVI. By virtue of Note 3 to Section XVI and due to its objective characteristics, the component performing the electric control function is considered the machine’s principal function, as it is principally used for selecting and controlling various external devices. Consequently, classification under heading 8471 as a card reader or under heading 8518 as a microphone and a loudspeaker is excluded.    The article is therefore to be classified under CN code 8537 10 99 as other boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases for electric control for a voltage not exceeding 1 000 V.  ,
