Fish-hooks, whether or not snelled

Subheading 950720 of the Combined Nomenclature covers fish-hooks used in recreational and sport fishing, including single hooks, treble hooks (triple hooks), snap hooks and bait hooks of all sizes. The decisive classification criterion is the design and purpose for catching fish by angling, as opposed to industrial fishing equipment. Fish-hooks are typically manufactured from carbon steel wire or stainless steel, with various protective coatings (galvanising, titanium, PTFE/Teflon finish, black nickel), straight or offset points, and may have barbed or barbless designs, forged or non-forged shanks, with or without an eye. Subheading 950720 falls within heading 9507 of the Combined Nomenclature, covering rods, hooks and other line fishing tackle. Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN (GRI), in particular rules 1 and 6. Hooks forming part of fishing tackle sets should be analysed in the context of GRI 3b (essential character) or GRI 3c. It is important to distinguish from industrial hooks used in trawling or longline fishing, which are classified outside Chapter 95. Importers placing fish-hooks on the EU consumer market must comply with Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR), applicable from 13 December 2024. Products must be properly labelled with manufacturer or EU-authorised representative information. In case of doubt as to the correct tariff code, importers should apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) decision from the competent customs authority.

Importation of fish-hooks covered by subheading 950720 into the European Union requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). Importers must hold an EORI number and submit an electronic customs declaration through the AIS/IMPORT system. Required documents include a commercial invoice with a detailed product description (hook type, material, coating, size range, quantity, brand), a transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), and a certificate of origin where the importer wishes to benefit from preferential tariff rates. Importers of fish-hooks originating in Asian countries, particularly China, should verify in TARIC whether anti-dumping or countervailing measures apply to the specific product and country of origin, as steel fishing hooks have historically been subject to trade defence measures. Under GPSR (EU) 2023/988, importers selling fish-hooks to consumers must ensure product safety, provide adequate labelling (manufacturer or authorised EU representative name and address, country of origin) and include instructions for safe use. Products must comply with applicable EN standards for fishing tackle. Compliance with REACH Regulation should be verified for coatings containing regulated substances. Imports from Russia and Belarus may be subject to EU sanctions. All customs duty rates must be verified in TARIC before importation.

MFN (Most Favoured Nation) customs duty rates for fish-hooks under subheading 950720 must be verified in the current TARIC database of the European Commission, as they are subject to change. Preferential rates may be available under EU free trade agreements, including CETA (Canada), EPA agreements (Japan, South Korea), the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP/GSP+) for developing countries - subject to rules of origin requirements and presentation of a valid proof of origin (EUR.1, invoice declaration, REX). Steel fish-hooks may be subject to safeguard or anti-dumping measures for certain countries of origin - importers must check TARIC for any applicable measures before filing the customs declaration. VAT is charged on importation at the applicable national rate. Importers placing fish-hooks on the consumer market under GPSR are responsible for product safety and must register in the Safety Business Gateway and respond to safety notifications. All applicable rates and trade measures must be verified in TARIC.

Subheading CN 9507 20 covers fish-hooks for angling. When importing into the EU, verify applicable duty rates in TARIC, check CE marking requirements (if applicable), and prepare the required customs documentation. Tariff classification should be based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GIR) of the Combined Nomenclature. If classification is uncertain, applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority is recommended. Also verify whether the product is subject to import restrictions, sanctions, or licensing requirements.