Rubber thread and cord, textile covered; textile yarn, and strip and the like of heading 5404 or 5405, impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics

Heading 5604 covers rubber thread and cord, textile covered, as well as textile yarn and strip of heading 5404 or 5405, impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics. These are special materials combining the properties of textile fibres with the elasticity of rubber. Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4% to 5.8%. These products are used in the clothing industry (elastics), footwear, upholstery and technical applications. Composition labelling and REACH compliance are required. Heading 5604 is part of Chapter 56 (textiles, fabrics and clothing) 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 5604 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 5604 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.

Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4% to 5.8%. Composition labelling and REACH compliance are required. Duty rates range from 4% to 5.8% depending on the product type. Textile-covered rubber thread is classified under Chapter 56, while plain rubber thread falls under Chapter 40. These products combine textile and rubber properties - classification depends on the dominant material. Labelling of material composition (rubber + type of textile fibre) is required. When importing goods under heading 5604 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 5604 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 5604 are subject to labelling and fibre composition controls. Required documentation includes: fibre composition labels (EU Regulation 1007/2011), OEKO-TEX certificates, REACH reports. 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.

Heading 5604 covers rubber thread and cord, textile covered, and textile yarn impregnated with rubber. Key: rubber core covered with textile yarn. Textured yarn without rubber — 5402. Uncovered rubber strips — Chapter 40. Common mistake: elastic spandex threads (no natural rubber) classified here — spandex is 5402. Decisive: rubber core or rubber impregnation.