39172100
PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF›Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics
Tubes, pipes and hoses, rigid - Of polymers of ethylene
Subcodes (2)
Product characteristics and tariff classification
CN code 391721 covers rigid tubes and pipes of polyethylene (PE). PE pipes are used in water supply networks (PE100, PE80), sewerage, gas distribution, irrigation and cable protection. PE is the preferred material for water supply networks due to its corrosion resistance, flexibility and durability. PE pipes are produced in diameters ranging from a few millimetres to over 2000 mm. Classification under CN 391721 covers rigid pipes without fittings. Pipes with fittings may be classified differently. Flexible tubes (hoses) of PE are classified under CN 3917.31-3917.39 depending on their parameters.
Technical standards and certification
PE pipes imported into the EU must comply with the relevant European standards: EN 12201 for drinking water, EN 1555 for gas, EN 13476 for non-pressure sewerage. PE pipes for drinking water must comply with Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and national drinking water contact material approvals (KTW, ACS, WRAS). Gas pipes are subject to the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 and require CE marking. Import of PE pipes is subject to REACH regarding monomers and additives. PE pipes for food contact (e.g., in the beverage industry) must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.
International trade and customs practice
Customs declarations for PE pipes under CN 391721 should specify the PE type (PE80, PE100, PE-HD, PE-LD), diameter, wall thickness, pressure class and intended use. Major exporters of PE pipes to the EU include Turkey, China, India and EFTA countries. PE pipes may be subject to anti-dumping duties depending on the country of origin. Verification of rates in TARIC is essential. Preferential duty rates may be available under FTA agreements. Transport of PE pipes is not subject to ADR regulations. Large-diameter pipes require specialist transport due to their dimensions.
Properties of Tubes and pipes of polyethylene and trade applications
Products classified under CN code 3917 21 as construction products fall under the Construction Products Regulation CPR (EU) 305/2011. Import requires CE marking, Declaration of Performance (DoP) and compliance with relevant harmonised EN standards. Customs clearance requires certification documents, installation instructions and technical data sheets. Products must meet fire reaction class and mechanical resistance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Are PE100 SDR11 pipes for water supply classified under CN 391721?
Yes. PE100 SDR11 polyethylene pipes for water supply applications constitute rigid tubes of polyethylene and are classified under CN 391721. Classification does not depend on the production standard or pressure class but on the material (PE) and the form of the goods (rigid tube).
What certificates are required for PE drinking water pipes imported into the EU?
PE pipes for drinking water must comply with Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and may require national material approvals: KTW/W270 in Germany, ACS in France, WRAS in the UK. CE marking in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation and conformity with EN 12201 are required.
Are PE pipes with fittings classified under the same code?
PE pipes with fittings may be classified differently. If the fitting is an integral part of the pipe (e.g., a pipe with a socket end), classification under CN 391721 is justified. Separate pipe fittings are classified under CN 391740. Sets of pipe plus fitting may require individual analysis.
Do products CN 3917 21 require CE marking for EU import?
Yes, products CN 3917 21 as construction products require CE marking under CPR (EU) 305/2011. A Declaration of Performance (DoP) and compliance with the relevant harmonised EN standard are mandatory.
Useful tools & resources
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