40169300
4›Other articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber
Gaskets, washers and other seals
Characteristics of products under CN code 401693
CN code 401693 covers gaskets, washers and other seals made of vulcanised rubber other than ebonite and not of cellular construction. These are sealing elements of critical technical importance, used in industry, automotive engineering, construction and industrial installations. Rubber gaskets in this category can take many forms: rings, flat sheets, profiles, three-dimensional moulded parts and multi-layer elements. Vulcanised rubber provides excellent sealing properties thanks to its elasticity, compression resistance and resistance to water, oils and many chemical substances. Products under code 401693 are manufactured from various types of synthetic rubber such as NBR, EPDM, FKM (Viton), neoprene and silicone, selected according to the operating conditions and the media with which they come into contact.
Technical applications of rubber gaskets and seals
Gaskets and seals under CN code 401693 are indispensable components across many industrial sectors. In the automotive industry, cylinder head gaskets, gearbox sealing rings and oil seals ensure the integrity of engine systems. In hydraulic and pneumatic installations, O-rings and flat gaskets prevent leakage of fluids and gases under high pressure. In the chemical industry, seals resistant to aggressive media such as FKM or Viton rubber are employed. In construction and the window industry, EPDM gaskets are used to seal joints and pipe penetrations. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, gaskets approved for food contact and pharmaceutical products are required, meeting FDA requirements or European regulations on food-contact materials.
Import and tariff classification of rubber gaskets CN 401693
Correct customs classification of rubber gaskets requires consideration of several key criteria. The product must be made of vulcanised rubber, must not be ebonite or cellular rubber, and must perform a sealing function. It is important to distinguish from similar products covered by other codes: for example, combined rubber-metal gaskets may be subject to different classification depending on the material giving the product its essential character. When importing rubber gaskets from third countries, correctly determining the customs value and applicable duty rate is essential. Technical properties, including resistance to temperature, pressure and chemical media, are significant determinants of the value of the product. The importer should hold the product technical specification, material test certificate and, for applications in regulated industries, the relevant quality certificates.
Rubber gaskets and seals - applications and import requirements
Rubber products classified under CN code 4016 93 are subject to REACH registration requirements for chemical substances. Import requires Safety Data Sheets, technical specifications and quality certificates. Customs authorities verify tariff classification based on material composition, vulcanisation process and intended use. Products for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) 1935/2004. Rubber articles with PAH levels exceeding REACH limits face restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Are rubber O-rings classified under CN code 401693?
Yes, O-rings made of vulcanised rubber other than ebonite and not of cellular construction are classified under CN code 401693 as seals. O-rings are one of the most common types of sealing element and are widely used in hydraulics, pneumatics and the automotive industry. It is essential that the product be made of vulcanised rubber and perform a sealing function. O-rings made of silicone or other vulcanised technical elastomers also fall within the scope of this code.
How are rubber-metal composite gaskets classified - do they fall under CN 401693?
Composite gaskets combining rubber and metal may be classified under different tariff headings depending on which material gives the product its essential character. If the sealing element is made predominantly of vulcanised rubber and the metal serves only as reinforcement or stiffening, the product is generally classified under CN 401693. However, where metal dominates the construction and function, the appropriate tariff heading may be that for metal articles. In case of doubt, it is advisable to apply for Binding Tariff Information from the competent customs authority.
What requirements apply to importing rubber gaskets for food-contact applications?
Rubber gaskets intended for food contact must comply with EU Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic materials in contact with food or relevant national standards applicable to rubber. The importer should hold a manufacturer declaration of conformity confirming compliance with food-contact material legislation. When importing from third countries, chemical composition testing by an accredited laboratory may be required. Gaskets lacking appropriate certification may not be used in the food industry within the EU.
What REACH requirements apply to rubber products CN 4016 93?
Products CN 4016 93 require REACH registration above 1 tonne/year. Rubber articles must comply with PAH restrictions (REACH Annex XVII entry 50). SDS and technical specifications confirming composition are required.
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