56049000
WADDING, FELT AND NONWOVENS; SPECIAL YARNS; TWINE, CORDAGE, ROPES AND CABLES AND ARTICLES THEREOF›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
Other
Subcodes (2)
Classification scope and covered products
CN code 560490 covers other rubber thread and cord, strip and similar forms of imitation catgut of textile materials. This heading is broader than 560410 and covers uncovered rubber thread, rubber strip up to 5 mm wide, and imitation catgut of synthetic fibres. These products are used in surgery as suture materials, in sports as racquet strings, in fishing, and in industry. Classification requires precise determination of the product form and material composition, as this heading is a residual category covering goods not classified under code 560410.
Legal and certification requirements
Rubber thread and cord imported into the EU are subject to REACH regarding chemical substances in articles. Imitation catgut intended for surgical use as non-absorbable sutures is subject to the MDR (EU) 2017/745 and requires CE marking and certification by a notified body. Sports strings may be subject to the GPSR requirements on general product safety. The Textile Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 applies to products containing textile fibres. Importers should clearly define the intended use, as this determines the scope of regulatory requirements.
Import practice and trade
Importing goods under CN code 560490 requires a precise product description in the customs declaration, specifying the physical form, material composition, and intended use. Due to the diversity of products under this code, customs documentation should be particularly carefully prepared to avoid classification problems. Major suppliers include Asian countries for rubber thread and European and American countries for surgical imitation catgut. Transport requires protection against extreme temperatures and UV radiation. Preferential duty rates may be available under FTA agreements and the GSP system.
Other rubber thread and cord CN 5604 90
CN code 5604 90 covers other rubber thread and cord not covered by CN 5604 10 – i.e. without textile covering or with non-textile covering. These threads may be bare (uncovered) or plastic-coated. They are used in packaging, automotive and rubber products manufacturing. When classifying, check whether the covering is textile (CN 5604 10) or other.
Frequently asked questions
Does surgical imitation catgut require CE certification?
Yes. Surgical sutures, including imitation catgut, are classified as Class IIa or IIb medical devices under the MDR (EU) 2017/745. They require CE marking, certification by a notified body, and compliance with harmonised standards for surgical suture materials, including EN ISO 10334.
How to distinguish code 560410 from 560490 when classifying rubber thread?
Code 560410 covers only rubber thread and cord covered with textile material. Code 560490 covers uncovered rubber thread, rubber strip, and imitation catgut. The key criterion is the presence or absence of textile covering on the rubber core.
Are tennis strings of imitation catgut classified under this code?
Yes. Sports racquet strings made from synthetic fibres imitating catgut are classified under code 560490. Strings made from natural animal gut are classified in Chapter 42. Importers should precisely specify the material in customs documentation, as it affects the duty rate and regulatory requirements.
How do CN 5604 90 threads differ from CN 5604 10?
CN 5604 10 covers rubber threads with textile covering, while CN 5604 90 covers threads without covering or with non-textile covering (e.g. plastic). The difference lies in the type of covering or its absence.
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