Twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics

Heading 5607 covers twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not plaited or braided and whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics. These products are made from natural fibres (sisal, manila, jute) or synthetic fibres (polypropylene, nylon, polyester). Import of twine and ropes into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0% to 8% depending on the material. Sisal twine and natural fibre ropes often benefit from lower rates. Products intended for marine applications must meet safety standards. Material labelling is required. Heading 5607 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 5607 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 5607 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 twine and ropes into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0% to 8% depending on the material. Sisal twine and natural fibre ropes often benefit from lower rates. Material labelling is required. Duty rates are differentiated: from 0% for natural fibres to 8% for synthetics. Material (jute, sisal, polypropylene, nylon) determines the tariff subheading. Ropes intended for marine and mining applications must meet EN standards. Agricultural polypropylene twine is one of the most commonly imported products under this heading. When importing goods under heading 5607 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 5607 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 5607 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 5607 covers twine, cordage, ropes and cables, whether or not braided or impregnated. Key distinction from 5609 (articles of rope): here raw material — ropes in lengths, not made-up articles. Textile yarn — Chapters 50-55. Steel wire rope — 7312. Common mistake: woven PP tapes as ropes — tapes are 5806. Rope netting — 5608. Decisive: cord/rope form and textile material.