54049000
MAN-MADE FILAMENTS; STRIP AND THE LIKE OF MAN-MADE TEXTILE MATERIALS›Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm; strip and the like (for example, artificial straw), of synthetic textile materials, of an apparent width not exceeding 5 mm
Other
Product characteristics and classification
CN code 540490 covers strip and the like, such as artificial straw, of synthetic materials, with an apparent width not exceeding five millimetres. These products are used in bag, mat, and hat production, decorative items, and in packaging and industrial applications. Artificial straw made from polypropylene or polyethylene is widely used in the craft industry as a substitute for natural plaiting materials. Classification under code 540490 requires the product to be made from synthetic polymer materials and to have a width not exceeding five millimetres. Products with greater width may be classified in Chapter 39 as plastic strips.
REACH, GPSR and consumer safety regulations
Synthetic strips and artificial straw imported into the EU are subject to REACH regarding chemical substance restrictions, with particular attention to dyes, stabilisers, and plasticisers used in production. Products intended for consumers must meet GPSR requirements for general safety, traceability, and designation of a responsible entity in the EU. Products intended for children or food contact are subject to stricter chemical substance limits. The Textile Regulation EU 1007/2011 may apply when the product is treated as a textile article. Dyed products must meet requirements for colour fastness and resistance to chemical substance migration.
Import, customs procedures and trade
When importing products under CN code 540490, the customs declaration should include information on polymer type, strip width, commercial purpose, and country of origin. Customs authorities may verify product width to confirm correct classification between Chapter 54 and Chapter 39. Importers should check applicable duty rates and any anti-dumping or countervailing measures in TARIC. Preferential duty rates are available under free trade agreements, provided an appropriate proof of origin is presented. Products imported for further processing may qualify for the inward processing procedure. Export of synthetic artificial straw from the EU generally does not require special permits.
Classification of synthetic monofilaments and strips CN 5404 90
Synthetic strip and artificial straw CN 5404 90 covers products from synthetic polymers in filament or strip form. Classification depends on the base polymer (polyester, nylon, elastomer) and cross-section. Import into the EU is subject to conventional customs duty and import VAT. Raw material composition labelling is required.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes artificial straw under 540490 from strips in Chapter 39?
The key difference is width. Strips and artificial straw of synthetic materials with a width up to five millimetres are classified in Chapter 54 under code 540490. Strips with greater width are classified as plastic articles in Chapter 39. The base material is the same; the dimension determines classification.
Is polyethylene artificial straw subject to textile regulations?
It depends on the end use. If the artificial straw is intended for textile products such as hats or bags, it may be subject to Regulation EU 1007/2011. For industrial or packaging applications, textile regulations may not apply. The importer should assess the product's intended purpose.
What information should be in the customs declaration for code 540490?
The declaration should include polymer type, exact strip width in millimetres, colour, finishing method, net weight, country of origin, and commercial purpose. Customs authorities may additionally request a sample for width measurement and material identification to confirm classification.
What is the EU duty on synthetic strip and artificial straw CN 5404 90?
Synthetic strip and artificial straw under CN 5404 90 is subject to conventional EU customs duty and import VAT. Check the rate in TARIC. Fibre composition labelling per EU 1007/2011 is mandatory.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Related glossary terms