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39

Tariff Chapter 39

Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics

What does heading 3924 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 3924 covers tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic articles of plastics. This heading includes granules, powders, liquids, pastes, blocks and other primary forms of plates, cups, kitchen containers, toothbrushes and other plastic articles. Plastics in primary forms are raw materials for further processing in the plastics processing industry. Customs duty rates are generally 6.5%. Import of plastics in primary forms requires REACH compliance declaration. Plastics intended for food contact must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Heading 3924 is part of Chapter 39 (plastics and rubber) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 3924 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 3924 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 3924

Customs duty rates are generally 6.5%. Import of plastics in primary forms requires REACH compliance declaration. Plastics for food contact require compliance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Import requires REACH declaration and SDS for hazardous substances. Check whether the plastic contains restricted substances (e.g. phthalates, BPA) in consumer products. Correct classification under heading 3924 requires identification of polymer type and product form. When importing goods under heading 3924 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 3924 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 3924 are subject to product safety compliance controls. Required documentation includes: EN standard conformity certificates, REACH documentation, food contact declarations. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 3924 - key considerations

Heading 3924 covers tableware, kitchenware. Plastics articles classified by form and function: tubes/hoses (3917), floor/wall coverings (3918), self-adhesive film (3919), sheets/plates (3920/3921), sanitary (3922), containers (3923), household (3924), building elements (3925), other (3926). The form of the article, not the polymer type, is decisive.

Frequently asked questions

What customs duty rates apply to plastic household articles under heading 3924?
Duty rates for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles under heading 3924 generally range from 0% to 6.5% in the EU customs tariff. This heading covers plates, bowls, cups, kitchen containers, toothbrushes, and other plastic articles. Classification depends on product type and material. Reusable PP or melamine tableware and disposable PS tableware are typical imported products under this heading. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required for importing plastic kitchenware into the EU?
Importing plastic kitchenware and tableware requires REACH compliance declaration. Food contact articles must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 - an FCM declaration of compliance, overall and specific migration test results are required. Melamine and polyamide articles from third countries are subject to increased border controls under Regulation (EU) 284/2011. Products must comply with the SUP Directive on single-use plastics where applicable. This applies to goods classified under heading 3924 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing plastic household articles?
When importing heading 3924 products, check compliance with the SUP Directive (EU) 2019/904, which bans certain single-use plastic items (plates, cutlery, polystyrene cups). Melamine tableware imported from China and Hong Kong is subject to mandatory border controls for formaldehyde and melamine migration. Children's articles (bottles, cups) must meet stricter migration limits. Ensure proper product labelling with material symbols and food contact suitability information. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.