Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and vulcanized rubber, as well as various rubber products. This chapter ranges from rubber in primary forms to finished products such as tires, hoses, belts, and footwear, but excludes composite articles of textile materials and rubber (Chapter 59) or rubber parts of machinery and appliances (Chapter 84). Understanding this chapter requires attention to key distinguishing factors such as the vulcanization state of the rubber, whether it contains reinforcing materials, and whether it is fitted with accessories. Heading 4009 covers tubes, pipes, and hoses of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber), whether or not fitted with accessories (such as fittings, flanges, elbows, etc.). This heading includes pure rubber tubes, textile-reinforced rubber tubes, wire-reinforced rubber tubes, and rubber tubes combined with other materials. However, note that if the tube has been assembled with a machine or equipment into a complete article, or is a part specifically for vehicles, it may be classified under other chapters. Code 400922 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "40" represent Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 4009 (tubes, pipes, and hoses of vulcanized rubber); digits 5-6 "22" represent subheading 400922, specifically "tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanised rubber, reinforced, with fittings". Here "reinforced" means the tube wall contains textile materials, wire, or other reinforcing materials; "with fittings" means fittings, flanges, or other connecting parts are installed at the ends or in the middle of the tube. This subheading is distinguished from 400921 (without fittings) and 400923 (without fittings). This product is classified under 400922 rather than 400921 or 400931 for the following key reasons: first, the material is vulcanized rubber and has been reinforced (such as with textiles or wire); second, it is fitted with accessories (such as fittings or flanges). If without accessories, it would be classified under 400921; if of hard rubber, it would be classified under 4017; if it is a composite of textile material and rubber where the textile material serves only a reinforcing function, it remains under this heading, but if the textile material constitutes the essential character, it may be classified under Chapter 59.

Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material and structure, such as "Reinforced vulcanized rubber hose, with fittings". Material: State the type of rubber (such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, etc.) and reinforcing materials (such as polyester cord, steel wire, etc.), and indicate the vulcanization state. Reinforcing Material: List the material and structure of the reinforcing layer, such as "polyester cord braided reinforcement" or "steel wire spiral reinforcement". Accessory Status: State whether accessories are fitted and the type of accessories, such as "with metal fittings", "with flanges". Use: Briefly describe the application scenario of the hose, such as "for hydraulic systems", "for automotive cooling systems". Specifications and Dimensions: Declare dimensional parameters such as inner diameter, outer diameter, length, wall thickness, as well as performance indicators such as working pressure. Brand and Model: Declare the brand (if no brand, state "no brand") and model for identification and classification purposes. Product Name: Reinforced vulcanized rubber hose, with fittings; Material: Vulcanized nitrile rubber, polyester cord braided reinforcement; Accessories: Brass fittings at both ends; Use: For hydraulic transmission systems; Specifications: Inner diameter 12.7mm, outer diameter 22mm, length 2m, working pressure 20MPa; Brand: XYZ; Model: H-123. Mistakenly classifying a hose without fittings under 400922, when it should actually be classified under 400921. Ignoring reinforcing materials and classifying a pure rubber tube under 400922, when it should actually be classified under 400911 or 400912. Mistakenly classifying a hard rubber tube under 4009, when it should actually be classified under 4017.

Core classification criteria: First, confirm the material is vulcanized rubber (not hard rubber); second, determine whether it has been reinforced (containing textile materials or wire, etc.); finally, confirm whether it is fitted with accessories (such as fittings, flanges). All three conditions must be met simultaneously for classification under 400922. If accessories are absent, classify under 400921; if not reinforced, classify under 400911 or 400912; if of hard rubber, classify under 4017. In addition, note that if the hose is assembled with a machine into a complete article, or serves as a vehicle part, it may be classified under Chapter 84 or Chapter 87. 400921 Reinforced vulcanized rubber hose, without fittings: The only difference from 400922 is whether fittings are present. If the hose has no fittings, flanges, or other accessories, it should be classified under 400921. 400911 Non-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose, without fittings: This code is for non-reinforced pure rubber tubes without fittings. If the hose has no reinforcing layer, even if fitted with accessories, it should be classified under 400912. 400912 Non-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose, with fittings: The difference from 400922 is whether it is reinforced. If the hose has no textile or metal reinforcing layer, even if fitted with accessories, it is classified under 400912. 4017 Hard rubber and articles thereof: Tubes made of hard rubber (such as vulcanized rubber with hardness exceeding the specified limit) are classified under 4017, while 4009 applies only to soft vulcanized rubber. 5909 Textile hose and similar tubing: If the textile material of the tube constitutes the essential character, or the rubber serves only as a coating, it is classified under 5909. However, if rubber is the essential character and the textile material merely reinforces, it remains under 4009. Is the material vulcanized rubber (not hard rubber)? Does it contain textile or metal reinforcing materials? Is it fitted with fittings, flanges, or other accessories? Is it used for a machine or vehicle as a dedicated part? Is it combined with textile materials where textile materials constitute the essential character?

How to determine whether a hose is "reinforced"? Reinforcement refers to embedding textile materials (such as polyester cord, cotton thread) or wire (such as steel wire) into the rubber tube wall to improve pressure resistance. If the hose is made only of pure rubber without any reinforcing layer, it is not considered reinforced. When declaring, the type and structure of the reinforcing material must be provided. For a hose with fittings, should the fittings be declared separately or together with the hose? If the fittings are already assembled with the hose as one unit and the fittings are an essential component of the hose, they should be classified together under 400922. If the fittings are imported separately, they should be classified according to the material of the fittings (e.g., metal fittings under Chapter 73). Are rubber hoses for automobiles classified under 4009? Not necessarily. If the hose is a dedicated automotive part (such as a brake hose or fuel hose) and meets the notes to Chapter 87, it may be classified under 8708. However, if it is highly versatile, it remains under 4009. Judgment should be based on the specific use and vehicle model. Are there special requirements for classifying hoses reinforced with steel wire? Steel wire reinforcement still falls within the scope of 4009, but note that if the steel wire reinforcing layer combined with rubber provides electromagnetic shielding or other functions, it may involve other chapters. Usually it is still classified under 400922, and the steel wire specifications and reinforcement method must be stated when declaring. How to check the import tariff rate for 400922? Tariff rates change with national policies and free trade agreements. It is recommended to use the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools, entering the HS code and country of origin to obtain real-time rates. Also pay attention to whether preferential rates apply. A hose has a flange, but the flange is detachable. How should it be classified? If the flange is imported together with the hose as an accessory and is already installed, it is generally classified under 400922 as with fittings. If the flange is separately packaged and not installed, they should be classified separately: the hose under 400921, and the flange according to its material. What is the difference in declaration elements between 400922 and 400921? 400922 requires declaration of accessory status (such as fitting type), while 400921 does not require accessory declaration. In addition, both require declaration of material, reinforcing material, use, etc., but 400922, being with fittings, may also require declaration of the material and specifications of the accessories. If the hose is used for food or medical purposes, is the classification different? Classification is still based on material and structure, but if it meets food contact or medical device standards, it may involve other regulatory conditions (such as FDA, CE), and relevant certificates must be provided at the time of declaration. The HS code itself remains unchanged, but regulatory requirements may increase.