NCS/ARS/CL/10339

This is in reference to your application requesting tariff classification of the following telecommunications equipment:

1. System Power, DCDB48-200-16B-4731, DC48V, Front cabling, 442 mm (W) × 255 mm (D) × 45 mm (H), NULL
2. HERT BBU, WD24UMPTga3, Universal Main Processing and Transmission Unit (2 Electrical FE/GE & 2 Optical GE/XGE, UMPTga3), with LMA
3. MIMO Active Antenna System (AAU5336w).

 These items have been packed separately in individual cartons.

PRODUCT ANALYSIS

1. System Power DCDB48-200-16B-4731

The System Power DCDB48-200-16B-4731 is an intelligent 48 V DC power distribution expansion unit with a rated current capacity of 200 A and up to 16 protected output channels, designed for telecommunications and data communication infrastructure.

The equipment is used to distribute DC power from rectifiers or battery systems to multiple telecommunications loads in a safe and controlled manner. A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, into direct current (DC), which flows in one direction only. The unit is typically deployed as part of embedded telecom power solutions, such as base stations, switching centres, and network equipment cabinets manufactured by Huawei.

The equipment function is to Expand the DC output capacity of an existing power system, provide circuit protection and overload control, enable load prioritization and management, Ensure reliable and stable power supply, Support monitoring and remote control etc.

The suffix “4731” denotes a specific configuration comprising one contactor (switches used for frequent, high-current switching) and one shunt (specialized circuit breakers that, when triggered, permanently break a circuit and require manual resetting, offering superior safety for fault conditions) for intelligent monitoring and control.

The unit is rack-mounted (19-inch standard), compact, and suitable for installation in telecom cabinets with limited space. It measures 442 mm × 255 mm × 45 mm and weighs not more than 10 kg. All DC input and output connections are accessible from the front panel.

It is commonly used in 5G, LTE, and GSM base stations, Telecommunications switching and transmission centres, Data centres and IT infrastructure, Hybrid and renewable telecom power systems and Industrial communication networks.

2. HERT BBU WD24UMPTga3 (UMPTga3)

The HERT BBU WD24UMPTga3 is a Universal Main Processing and Transmission (UMPT) unit installed in a Baseband Unit (BBU) of cellular radio systems. It is a core processing and transmission control board responsible for system management, networking, and communication in modern telecom base stations.

The unit performs Baseband signal processing, System control and management, Network transmission and routing, Synchronization and clock distribution, Data exchange between radio units and the backhaul network, Support for multiple wireless technologies including LTE and 5G etc.

The WD24UMPTga3 supports both electrical and optical communication interfaces, which is designed to enhance scalability and transmission flexibility.

The Electrical interfaces consist 2 × Fast Ethernet/Gigabit Ethernet (FE/GE) ports used for local connectivity, maintenance, and redundancy.

The Optical interfaces consist 2 × Gigabit/10-Gigabit Ethernet (GE/XGE) optical ports used for high-speed and long-distance transmission and connection to transport and core networks.

The unit is supplied with LMA (Local Maintenance Agent), which provides for Local and remote operation and maintenance, Fault detection and diagnostics, Software and configuration management, Performance monitoring and troubleshooting etc. This improves operational efficiency and reliability of telecom infrastructure.

3. MIMO Active Antenna System AAU5336w

The AAU5336w WD7MQTQEKA02 is a 5G massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) Active Antenna Unit (AAU) designed to operate in the 3.4–3.6 GHz frequency band (3500A), with 32T32R antenna configuration, 320 W output power, and 25 Gbps optical connectivity.

The equipment integrates the functions of Radio frequency (RF) transceiver, Power amplifier, Massive MIMO antenna array, Digital beamforming and Remote radio unit.

The system communicates with the baseband unit through high-speed optical interfaces, enabling high-capacity and high-efficiency wireless coverage in modern 5G networks.

The 3500A band refers to transmission and reception within 3400–3600 MHz, providing Wide coverage, High capacity and good signal penetration.

The 32T32R signifies an antenna configuration used in 5G and LTE base stations, featuring 32 transmit (T) and 32 receive (R) (32T32R) radio paths. It supports Massive MIMO technology, improved spectral efficiency, Enhanced user capacity, multi-user beamforming (a signal processing technique used in antenna arrays to direct radio signals specifically toward a target device, rather than broadcasting in all directions) and Interference suppression. This significantly improves network performance in high-density urban environments.

The unit has a maximum output power of 320 W, supporting deployment in Urban macro cells, High-traffic locations and Dense city coverage areas. It features 25 Gbps high-speed optical interface, Outdoor and weather-resistant design, Integrated cooling and energy efficiency, Weight of approximately 23.8 kg, Enhanced capability (eC) including advanced monitoring and power optimization etc. The equipment is typically installed on towers or poles.

TARIFF CLASSIFICATION

1. The System Power DCDB48-200-16B-4731 is a 19-inch rack-mounted DC Distribution Expansion Unit designed for 48V DC power systems designed solely and principally for use with telecommunications base station equipment and functions as a power distribution module dedicated to such systems. 

By virtue of its design and function, the product is classifiable under tariff heading 8537 – Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 85.35 or 85.36, for electric control or the distribution of electricity.

1. HERT BBU WD24UMPTga3 and AAU5336w Active Antenna Unit

The HERT BBU WD24UMPTga3 (Universal Main Processing & Transmission Unit) and the AAU5336w Active Antenna Unit perform functions essential to the transmission and reception of voice, data, and other wireless communication signals. These units operate as integral functional components of cellular base station systems, enabling signal processing, conversion, transmission, and reception within wireless networks.

In accordance with their technical characteristics and principal function, the products fall under tariff heading 8517 – Telephone sets, including telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network.

Accordingly, the items are properly classified, in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2027 under the following subheadings: -

LEGAL JUSTIFICATION

GIR 1 & GIR 6