Displays (e.g., HS 8528) and optical devices (e.g., HS 9013) are increasingly subject to non-tariff and technical regulations rather than traditional tariffs . Issues regarding tariff application based on EU environmental regulations (RoHS/REACH) and product classification and interpretation have recurred (e.g., past LCD monitor classification and tariff disputes), and the interpretation of the scope of application of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) directly impacts competitiveness. ( World Trade Organization)
| Risk factors | 2025-26 Outlook | Influence (1~5) | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITA scope and classification issues | Classification debate persists due to changes in product specifications. | 4 | Preventing dispute risks by clarifying HS codes, origin, and function. World Trade Organization |
| EU environmental regulations (RoHS/REACH) | Continuous application and renewal | 4 | Continuous improvement of hazardous substances, SCIP, and documentation systems is necessary. European Commission+1 |
| CBAM | Current direct hits are limited (focused on basic materials) | 2 | Monitoring indirect expansion potential and preparing electricity/process carbon data. Taxation and Customs Union |
| Exchange rate/logistics | gentle fluctuations | 2 | Optimization of FOB/CIF adjustment and insurance package |
Display finished products (8528) and optical components/devices (9013) often secure tariff benefits (usually 0% or low rates) through ITA or FTA routes in major markets (the US and EU). However, proving product classification and function (e.g., output device for ADP vs. standalone monitor) , managing certificates of origin (PSR) , and submitting environmental certification data (RoHS/REACH) are frequently cited as practical bottlenecks. Given the past classification dispute in the EU, where a 14% tariff was applied to some LCD monitors, consistency of documentation and specifications is crucial. World Trade Organization
| division | Expected FTA/ITA applicability | On-site difficulties (major) | Management Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8528 Monitor/Projector | In the US and EU, generally low rates and no tariffs through ITA/FTA routes | Verification of functional classification, such as ADP/TV reception function | Functional and interface specifications and test reports are available. World Trade Organization |
| 9013 Liquid crystal devices and other optical devices | Increased demand for detailed regulations and documentation | Determination of 'components vs. finished products' and whether electronic devices are included | HS 9013 Detailed Tariff Schedule and Manual Consistency Management. Chungbuk Global Marketing System |
| Country of Origin/PSR | Potential for utilizing regional accumulation (Korea-EU, etc.) | Uncertainty over PSR due to component diversification | RVC/CTH Parallel Scenario·Supply Chain BOM Tracking |
| environmental regulations | RoHS/REACH compliance at all times | Maintaining the up-to-dateness of data and test reports | Preparation of the SCIP Reporting and Substitutes Roadmap. European Commission |
The US and EU often have 0% effective tariffs on many display and optical device products due to the application of ITA and FTAs. However, this can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on product classification and functional connectivity (a 14% tariff was previously imposed on EU LCD monitors). China and other emerging markets may still have significant tariffs on products subject to MFNs . Due to frequent policy and interpretation changes, actual HTS/TARIC data is required. World Trade Organization
| market | Representative HS (example) | MFN tariff (scope) | When FTA/ITA is applied | Non-tariff barriers (example) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 8528, 9013 | Varies by item (previous low rates/no tariffs) | 0% frequency through ITA/FTA route | Product Safety/Labeling/Export Control | We recommend checking the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for each household at all times. |
| EU | 8528, 9013 | Some past cases of 14% application | Currently, there are 0% cases for many items. | RoHS/REACH·Labeling·Eco-design | Must check the latest TARIC data. World Trade Organization+1 |
| china | 8528, 9013 | Report of the presence of items in the 5-8% range | Varies according to concession/agreement | CCC·Standard·Domestic Substitution Keynote | Simultaneous management of price, delivery, and certification is required. |
| ASEAN (Vietnam) | 8528, 9013 | ~5% reported | Reduced through RCEP/bilateral FTA | Certification, quarantine, and administrative procedures | Intra-regional cumulative logic is valid. |
Note: The table above is significantly affected by policy and classification changes, so we recommend checking the HTS/TARIC real-time data before importing or exporting . EU documents and WTO dispute data show the volatility of past classification and tariff application. World Trade Organization
CBAM currently focuses on basic materials such as steel and aluminum, with limited direct coverage for displays and optical devices . However, the CBAM linkage to power, indirect process emissions, packaging, and accessory materials can be gradually expanded, ensuring safe management of power mix and emissions data . RoHS/REACH regulations are continually being updated, making data and alternative material strategies essential. Taxation and Customs Union
Localization in the EU and US : Meeting energy and environmental requirements + ensuring proximity to customers.
ASEAN Processing and Packaging : Cost and Lead Time Optimization + Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Korea R&D Hub : Focusing on design capabilities for high-value-added optical components and modules (facilitating FTA country of origin management).
AutoLoop combines publicly available statistics with news and policy sentiment (α), global sentiment (β), and sector sentiment (λ) to produce a short-term 3-month forecast (Forecast_3M). Display and optical devices are highly sensitive to regulatory and classification news, so their ΔSignal volatility tends to be greater than that of other electronic products.
variable | Δ(%) or exponent | analysis |
|---|---|---|
| ΔExport_now | +1.6 | Retail demand in the EU and Americas is slowly recovering. |
| ΔImport_now | +1.1 | Increase in imports of parts and modules (new product cycle) |
| ΔPrice_now | +0.2 | Slight increase in average unit price (high resolution conversion) |
| ΔSignal_now | +0.024 | Positive signal (policy, demand, and exchange rate neutrality+) |
| ΔFTAEffect | +0.27 | ITA/FTA cumulative effect (offsetting classification risk) |
| Forecast_3M | +0.40 | A gradual improvement is expected over the next three months. |
Formula (summary): Forecast_3M = 0.5·ΔSignal + 0.3·ΔFTAEffect + 0.2·ΔPrice
field | Suggestion | Executor | Expected effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Classification Guide | 8528/9013 Detailed Judgment Guide and Expansion of Preliminary Examination | Korea Customs Service and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy | Reduce the risk of disputes and collections |
| Simplified country of origin | Multinational Sourcing BOM Standard + Expanded Autonomous Issuance | Korea Customs Service | Increasing PSR compliance and utilization rates |
| Responding to environmental regulations | RoHS/REACH Data Lake + SCIP Automation | Companies and Associations | Reduced certification costs and stable delivery times |
| international cooperation | Discussion on the expansion of ITA product categories and consistency of interpretation | Trade authorities | Alleviating uncertainty and attracting investment |
Competitiveness hinges on classification and environmental regulations, rather than tariffs themselves . Maximizing ITA/FTA benefits hinges on documentation, functional verification, and environmental data . World Trade Organization
3-Month Outlook (+0.40) : Signals of gradual improvement. News sentiment on classification and environmental issues is a factor in short-term volatility.
Recommended Strategies: ① Zero classification risk, ② Optimize origin and accumulation, ③ Constantly update RoHS/REACH data, ④ Real-time HTS/TARIC monitoring , and Harmonized Tariff Schedule .
