Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including plastics in primary forms, synthetic resins, semi-manufactures of plastics, and finished plastic products. This chapter is subdivided based on the chemical composition, physical form, and use of plastics, but attention should be paid to distinguishing it from rubber products of Chapter 40. Heading 3917 specifically covers tubes, pipes, and hoses of plastics and fittings therefor, including rigid tubes, flexible tubes, etc., and is an important category of industrial components among plastic products. Heading 3917 covers tubes, pipes, hoses of plastics and fittings therefor (such as joints, elbows, flanges, etc.), but excludes tubes reinforced with textile materials (Chapter 59) or rubber tubes (Chapter 40). Under this heading, further subdivision is based on the rigidity of the tube, material (whether reinforced), and use. 391733 specifically refers to other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced, i.e., flexible tubes reinforced with plastics, distinguished from tubes reinforced with metal or textile materials. Code 391733 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits 39 represent Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof); digits 3-4, 17, represent heading 3917 (tubes, pipes, and hoses of plastics and fittings therefor); digits 5-6, 33, represent subheading 391733, where the 5th digit 3 indicates 'other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced', and the 6th digit 3 is the subheading subdivision. Specifically, 3917 is divided into rigid tubes (391721-391723), flexible tubes (391731-391739), etc. 391733 specifically refers to flexible tubes reinforced with plastics, such as reinforced PVC hoses, reinforced nylon tubes, etc., distinguished from unreinforced flexible tubes (391731) or tubes reinforced with other materials (391732, 391739). This product is a flexible tube of reinforced plastics. Its classification basis is: the material is plastics, it is a flexible tube (bendable), and it has been reinforced (such as embedded plastic fibers, fabric, or spiral reinforcement layers). If it were a rigid tube, it would be classified under 391721-391723; if unreinforced, under 391731; if reinforced with metal or textile materials, under 391732 or 391739 respectively. Therefore, 391733 accurately corresponds to other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including plastics in primary forms, synthetic resins, semi-manufactures of plastics, and finished plastic products. This chapter is subdivided based on the chemical composition, physical form, and use of plastics, but attention should be paid to distinguishing it from rubber products of Chapter 40. Heading 3917 specifically covers tubes, pipes, and hoses of plastics and fittings therefor, including rigid tubes, flexible tubes, etc., and is an important category of industrial components among plastic products.
Heading
Heading 3917 covers tubes, pipes, hoses of plastics and fittings therefor (such as joints, elbows, flanges, etc.), but excludes tubes reinforced with textile materials (Chapter 59) or rubber tubes (Chapter 40). Under this heading, further subdivision is based on the rigidity of the tube, material (whether reinforced), and use. 391733 specifically refers to other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced, i.e., flexible tubes reinforced with plastics, distinguished from tubes reinforced with metal or textile materials.
Digit Breakdown
Code 391733 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits 39 represent Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof); digits 3-4, 17, represent heading 3917 (tubes, pipes, and hoses of plastics and fittings therefor); digits 5-6, 33, represent subheading 391733, where the 5th digit 3 indicates 'other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced', and the 6th digit 3 is the subheading subdivision. Specifically, 3917 is divided into rigid tubes (391721-391723), flexible tubes (391731-391739), etc. 391733 specifically refers to flexible tubes reinforced with plastics, such as reinforced PVC hoses, reinforced nylon tubes, etc., distinguished from unreinforced flexible tubes (391731) or tubes reinforced with other materials (391732, 391739).
Classification Basis
This product is a flexible tube of reinforced plastics. Its classification basis is: the material is plastics, it is a flexible tube (bendable), and it has been reinforced (such as embedded plastic fibers, fabric, or spiral reinforcement layers). If it were a rigid tube, it would be classified under 391721-391723; if unreinforced, under 391731; if reinforced with metal or textile materials, under 391732 or 391739 respectively. Therefore, 391733 accurately corresponds to other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'reinforced PVC hose', 'nylon reinforced flexible tube', etc., which must be consistent with the actual product. Material: Specify the type of plastic, such as PVC, PE, PA, etc., as well as the type of reinforcing material (such as plastic fibers, fabric). Reinforcement Method: Describe the reinforcement structure, such as 'spiral reinforcement', 'braided reinforcement', 'sandwich reinforcement', etc. Whether Flexible: Declare whether the tube is bendable; flexible tubes must be clearly stated in the declaration. Use: Explain the specific use of the tube, such as 'for conveying gas, liquid', 'industrial piping', etc. Specifications and Dimensions: Provide inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness, length, and other dimensional information. Brand and Model: If there is a brand and model, they must be declared; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Product Name: Reinforced PVC flexible hose; Material: PVC, with built-in spiral plastic reinforcement layer; Reinforcement Method: spiral reinforcement; Whether Flexible: yes; Use: for conveying water and chemical liquids; Specifications: inner diameter 10mm, outer diameter 15mm, wall thickness 2.5mm, length 50m/roll; Brand: XX brand; Model: PVC-10. Misclassifying reinforced plastic flexible tubes as unreinforced 391731. Confusing reinforcing materials, misreporting metal-reinforced tubes as plastic-reinforced. Ignoring the flexible characteristic, declaring rigid tubes as flexible tubes.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'reinforced PVC hose', 'nylon reinforced flexible tube', etc., which must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Only writing 'plastic tube' without indicating reinforced and flexible characteristics.
Material
Specify the type of plastic, such as PVC, PE, PA, etc., as well as the type of reinforcing material (such as plastic fibers, fabric).
⚠️ Only writing 'plastic' without specifying the specific composition or reinforcement method.
Reinforcement Method
Describe the reinforcement structure, such as 'spiral reinforcement', 'braided reinforcement', 'sandwich reinforcement', etc.
⚠️ Omitting the reinforcement method, leading to classification errors.
Whether Flexible
Declare whether the tube is bendable; flexible tubes must be clearly stated in the declaration.
⚠️ Misreporting a rigid tube as a flexible tube.
Use
Explain the specific use of the tube, such as 'for conveying gas, liquid', 'industrial piping', etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as 'for industrial use'.
Specifications and Dimensions
Provide inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness, length, and other dimensional information.
⚠️ Inconsistent units of measurement or missing key dimensions.
Brand and Model
If there is a brand and model, they must be declared; if no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Brand and model inconsistent with the actual product or omitted.
Example： Product Name: Reinforced PVC flexible hose; Material: PVC, with built-in spiral plastic reinforcement layer; Reinforcement Method: spiral reinforcement; Whether Flexible: yes; Use: for conveying water and chemical liquids; Specifications: inner diameter 10mm, outer diameter 15mm, wall thickness 2.5mm, length 50m/roll; Brand: XX brand; Model: PVC-10.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying reinforced plastic flexible tubes as unreinforced 391731.
Confusing reinforcing materials, misreporting metal-reinforced tubes as plastic-reinforced.
Ignoring the flexible characteristic, declaring rigid tubes as flexible tubes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1. The material is plastics (Chapter 39); 2. It is a tube (heading 3917); 3. It is a flexible tube (bendable); 4. It has been reinforced, and the reinforcing material is plastics. If the reinforcing material is metal or textile material, it should be classified under 391732 or 391739. If it is a rigid tube, it should be classified under 391721-391723. Therefore, 391733 applies to other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced. 391731 Flexible tubes of plastics, not reinforced: 391731 is unreinforced plastic flexible tubes, while 391733 is reinforced, with reinforcement methods such as spiral reinforcement, braided reinforcement, etc. 391732 Other tubes, not fitted with fittings, reinforced with metal: 391732 is metal-reinforced plastic flexible tubes, while 391733 is plastic-reinforced, with different reinforcing materials. 391739 Other flexible tubes of plastics: 391739 is flexible tubes reinforced with other materials or not elsewhere specified, such as textile material reinforcement, while 391733 specifically refers to plastic reinforcement. 391721 Rigid tubes of polymers of ethylene: 391721 is rigid tubes, not bendable, while 391733 is flexible tubes, bendable. 4009 Tubes of vulcanized rubber: 4009 is rubber tubes, while 391733 is plastic tubes, with different materials. Is it confirmed to be made of plastics? Is it a flexible tube (bendable)? Has it been reinforced? Is the reinforcing material plastics? Does it not belong to rigid tubes or rubber tubes?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1. The material is plastics (Chapter 39); 2. It is a tube (heading 3917); 3. It is a flexible tube (bendable); 4. It has been reinforced, and the reinforcing material is plastics. If the reinforcing material is metal or textile material, it should be classified under 391732 or 391739. If it is a rigid tube, it should be classified under 391721-391723. Therefore, 391733 applies to other flexible tubes of plastics, reinforced.
Confused Codes：
391731 - Flexible tubes of plastics, not reinforced
391731 is unreinforced plastic flexible tubes, while 391733 is reinforced, with reinforcement methods such as spiral reinforcement, braided reinforcement, etc.
391732 - Other tubes, not fitted with fittings, reinforced with metal
391732 is metal-reinforced plastic flexible tubes, while 391733 is plastic-reinforced, with different reinforcing materials.
391739 - Other flexible tubes of plastics
391739 is flexible tubes reinforced with other materials or not elsewhere specified, such as textile material reinforcement, while 391733 specifically refers to plastic reinforcement.
391721 - Rigid tubes of polymers of ethylene
391721 is rigid tubes, not bendable, while 391733 is flexible tubes, bendable.
4009 - Tubes of vulcanized rubber
4009 is rubber tubes, while 391733 is plastic tubes, with different materials.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be made of plastics?
✓ Is it a flexible tube (bendable)?
✓ Has it been reinforced?
✓ Is the reinforcing material plastics?
✓ Does it not belong to rigid tubes or rubber tubes?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a plastic tube is a reinforced flexible tube? Reinforced flexible tubes usually have a reinforcement layer, such as spiral reinforcement, braided reinforcement, or sandwich reinforcement, and the tube body is bendable. The reinforcement method can be confirmed by observing the cross-section or asking the supplier. If the tube body is hard and not bendable, it is a rigid tube and should be classified under 391721-391723. How to distinguish reinforced plastic flexible tubes from unreinforced ones? Unreinforced plastic flexible tubes are made of a single plastic only, with no reinforcement layer, and are classified under 391731. Reinforced ones contain reinforcing materials (such as plastic fibers, fabric) and are classified under 391733. This can be confirmed by cross-section observation or product specification sheets. If the reinforcing material is metal, which code should it be classified under? If the reinforcing material is metal, it is a metal-reinforced plastic flexible tube and should be classified under 391732. If the reinforcing material is textile material, it is classified under 391739. Only when the reinforcing material is plastics should it be classified under 391733. What are common errors in the declaration elements for 391733? Common errors include: not indicating the reinforcement method, reporting rigid tubes as flexible tubes, non-specific material descriptions, and overly general use. It is recommended to provide detailed specifications and reinforcement structure descriptions to ensure accurate classification. How to check the tariff rate for 391733? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements, and policy adjustments, and the latest official data should be used. What is the main difference between 391733 and 391739? 391733 specifically refers to flexible tubes reinforced with plastics, while 391739 includes flexible tubes reinforced with other materials (such as textile materials) or not elsewhere specified. The key difference lies in the type of reinforcing material. What documents are required for importing reinforced plastic flexible tubes? Usually, a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration form, product manual, etc. are required. If safety certification (such as FDA, CE) is involved, corresponding certificates must also be provided. Specific requirements are subject to customs regulations. For cross-border e-commerce sales of reinforced plastic hoses, how to determine the HS code? Determine based on product material, structure, and use. If it is made of plastics, flexible, and plastic-reinforced, it is classified under 391733. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs classification advance ruling service to avoid classification errors.
Q: How to determine whether a plastic tube is a reinforced flexible tube?
A: Reinforced flexible tubes usually have a reinforcement layer, such as spiral reinforcement, braided reinforcement, or sandwich reinforcement, and the tube body is bendable. The reinforcement method can be confirmed by observing the cross-section or asking the supplier. If the tube body is hard and not bendable, it is a rigid tube and should be classified under 391721-391723.
Q: How to distinguish reinforced plastic flexible tubes from unreinforced ones?
A: Unreinforced plastic flexible tubes are made of a single plastic only, with no reinforcement layer, and are classified under 391731. Reinforced ones contain reinforcing materials (such as plastic fibers, fabric) and are classified under 391733. This can be confirmed by cross-section observation or product specification sheets.
Q: If the reinforcing material is metal, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the reinforcing material is metal, it is a metal-reinforced plastic flexible tube and should be classified under 391732. If the reinforcing material is textile material, it is classified under 391739. Only when the reinforcing material is plastics should it be classified under 391733.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for 391733?
A: Common errors include: not indicating the reinforcement method, reporting rigid tubes as flexible tubes, non-specific material descriptions, and overly general use. It is recommended to provide detailed specifications and reinforcement structure descriptions to ensure accurate classification.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 391733?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements, and policy adjustments, and the latest official data should be used.
Q: What is the main difference between 391733 and 391739?
A: 391733 specifically refers to flexible tubes reinforced with plastics, while 391739 includes flexible tubes reinforced with other materials (such as textile materials) or not elsewhere specified. The key difference lies in the type of reinforcing material.
Q: What documents are required for importing reinforced plastic flexible tubes?
A: Usually, a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, customs declaration form, product manual, etc. are required. If safety certification (such as FDA, CE) is involved, corresponding certificates must also be provided. Specific requirements are subject to customs regulations.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of reinforced plastic hoses, how to determine the HS code?
A: Determine based on product material, structure, and use. If it is made of plastics, flexible, and plastic-reinforced, it is classified under 391733. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs classification advance ruling service to avoid classification errors.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.