39231000
PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF›Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics
Boxes, cases, crates and similar articles
Subcodes (2)
Description of plastic boxes and crates
CN code 3923 10 covers boxes, crates, cases and similar articles of plastics for the conveyance or packing of goods. These are rigid-construction products enabling stacking and multiple reuse. The most commonly used materials are HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene), offering high mechanical strength, chemical resistance and low weight. Plastic crates are widely used in food logistics (crates for fruits, vegetables, meat, bread), industrial (transport containers for parts), commercial (beverage crates) and agricultural applications. Foldable crates are gaining popularity for space savings during empty container transport. Euro pallets and system containers (e.g. Eurobehälter) constitute logistics standards in the EU.
Import regulations
Import of plastic boxes and crates into the EU is subject to REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006). Containers intended for food contact must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, with particular attention to reusable containers where cumulative migration across use cycles must be considered. The Packaging Directive 94/62/EC and EPR requirements apply to packaging containers. The SUP Directive does not apply to reusable containers, though certain single-use food containers are subject to SUP labelling and charges. The GPSR covers containers sold to consumers. Containers for dangerous goods transport must meet ADR/IMDG requirements.
Trade and classification
Plastic boxes and crates under CN code 3923 10 represent a large segment of the returnable and transport packaging market. In the European market, pooling systems (rental and circulation of returnable containers) play a significant role - operators such as IFCO and Euro Pool Group manage millions of returnable crates. Imports originate mainly from China, Turkey and South Asian countries. In tariff classification, transport crates (3923 10) must be distinguished from household articles (3924) and tanks over 300 litres (3925 10). Customs documentation should specify material, capacity, intended use and whether the container is single-use or reusable.
Properties of Plastic boxes and crates and trade applications
Plastic products classified under CN code 3923 10 may be subject to food contact material regulations (Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and (EU) 10/2011) and the SUP Directive (EU) 2019/904 on single-use plastics restriction. Import requires food-contact compliance declarations, technical data sheets and REACH registration for chemical substances. Customs authorities verify product compliance with EU safety standards and environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Do food crates require food contact certificates?
Plastic crates intended for direct food contact (e.g. crates for fruits, vegetables, meat) must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. A declaration of conformity and migration test results are required. For reusable containers, testing should account for repeated use conditions including washing and disinfection. Crates used solely as transport packaging (without direct food contact) are not subject to these requirements.
Are reusable containers subject to the SUP Directive?
Reusable containers are exempt from SUP Directive (EU 2019/904) bans, which target single-use items. Reusable containers must however meet reusability criteria - being designed for multiple refilling or use for the same purpose. Single-use plastic food containers may be subject to SUP labelling requirements and EPR charges. Pooling systems with returnable containers are promoted by EU regulations.
What materials are used in transport crates?
The most commonly used materials are HDPE (high-density polyethylene) - chemically and mechanically resistant, dominant in food crates; PP (polypropylene) - lighter, with higher thermal resistance, used in dishwasher-washable crates; and recycled HDPE (rHDPE) - increasingly popular in the context of recycled content requirements for packaging. Foldable containers may use PP with metal inserts for structural rigidity.
Are products CN 3923 10 affected by the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive?
Some products CN 3923 10 may be affected by SUP Directive (EU) 2019/904 restricting single-use plastics. Bans cover cutlery, plates and straws. Importers must verify whether their products fall under the restrictions.
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