39174000
PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF›Tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics
Fittings
Subcodes (1)
Product characteristics and tariff classification
CN code 391740 covers fittings (connectors, elbows, tees, reducers, flanges, transition joints) for tubes and pipes of plastics. Fittings serve to connect, branch, change direction and reduce the diameter of pipe systems. They are produced from the same polymers as the pipes, including PE, PP, PVC, PVDF and polyamides. PE and PP fittings may be produced by injection moulding or as electrofusion fittings with built-in heating coils. Classification under CN 391740 requires the fitting to be intended for plastic tubes or pipes. Metal fittings for plastic pipes are classified in Chapter 73 or 74.
Technical standards and certification
Fittings imported into the EU must comply with the same standards as the pipes they are designed for: EN 12201 (PE water), EN ISO 15874 (PP water), EN 1452 (PVC water), EN 1401 (PVC sewerage). Fittings for drinking water must comply with Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and national material approvals. Fittings for gas installations require CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation. Import of fittings is subject to REACH. Electrofusion fittings must additionally meet electrical safety requirements. Each fitting should bear markings identifying the manufacturer, dimension and material.
International trade and customs practice
Customs declarations for fittings under CN 391740 should specify the material (PE, PP, PVC), fitting type (elbow, tee, reducer, flange, electrofusion), nominal dimension and intended use. Major exporters of plastic pipe fittings to the EU include China, Turkey, India and EFTA countries. Fittings 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 fittings is not subject to ADR regulations.
Properties of Fittings for tubes and pipes and trade applications
Products classified under CN code 3917 40 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
Is a PE electrofusion fitting for pipe welding classified under CN 391740?
Yes. A polyethylene electrofusion fitting for PE pipe welding constitutes a fitting for plastic pipes and is classified under CN 391740. The built-in heating coil does not change the classification in Chapter 39.
Does a PVC sewerage fitting require certification at import?
PVC sewerage fittings should comply with EN 1401. In many member states, CE marking is required for construction products under Regulation (EU) No 305/2011. Certification is required for placing on the market, not directly at customs clearance.
Is a metal-to-plastic transition fitting with thread classified under CN 391740?
Metal-to-plastic transition fittings are classified according to the material that gives the essential character. If the main body is plastic with a metal thread, classification under CN 391740 is justified. All-metal fittings are classified in Chapter 73 or 74.
Do products CN 3917 40 require CE marking for EU import?
Yes, products CN 3917 40 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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