Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, vulcanized rubber, as well as semi-finished and finished products. This chapter ranges from rubber in primary forms to various rubber articles such as tires, hoses, belts, gloves, etc. However, this chapter does not include certain articles of rubber combined with textile materials (such as certain coated fabrics of Chapter 59) or mechanical parts of rubber combined with metal (Chapter 84, etc.). Understanding this chapter requires attention to the vulcanization state of the rubber, whether it contains reinforcing materials and attachments, as these factors determine the specific subheading. Heading 4009 covers tubes, pipes and the like of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber), whether or not with fittings (such as joints, elbows, flanges). However, it does not include articles of hard rubber (classified under 4017) or rubber tubes solely as machine parts (which must be classified according to the type of machine). Under this heading, further subdivision is based on whether reinforced, the type of reinforcing material (metal, textile, etc.) and whether with fittings. The core is that the goods are tubular articles of vulcanized rubber used for conveying gases or liquids, etc. Code 400942 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "40" represent Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 4009 (tubes, pipes and the like of vulcanized rubber); digits 5-6 "42" represent subheading 4009.42, specifically referring to "vulcanized rubber hose reinforced with textile materials and with fittings". The 5th digit "4" indicates "reinforced with textile materials", and the 6th digit "2" indicates "with fittings". Therefore, this code specifically refers to vulcanized rubber tubes that simultaneously meet the two conditions of textile reinforcement and with fittings. The goods are vulcanized rubber hoses, and clearly have textile reinforcement and fittings. Under heading 4009, subheading 4009.41 is for textile-reinforced tubes without fittings, and 4009.42 is for textile-reinforced tubes with fittings. Since the goods have fittings (such as joints), they are classified under 4009.42 rather than 4009.41. Meanwhile, if the reinforcing material is metal, they should be classified under 4009.31 or 4009.32; if reinforced with other materials, they should be classified under 4009.50. Therefore, textile reinforcement + fittings is the key to classification under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, vulcanized rubber, as well as semi-finished and finished products. This chapter ranges from rubber in primary forms to various rubber articles such as tires, hoses, belts, gloves, etc. However, this chapter does not include certain articles of rubber combined with textile materials (such as certain coated fabrics of Chapter 59) or mechanical parts of rubber combined with metal (Chapter 84, etc.). Understanding this chapter requires attention to the vulcanization state of the rubber, whether it contains reinforcing materials and attachments, as these factors determine the specific subheading.
Heading
Heading 4009 covers tubes, pipes and the like of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber), whether or not with fittings (such as joints, elbows, flanges). However, it does not include articles of hard rubber (classified under 4017) or rubber tubes solely as machine parts (which must be classified according to the type of machine). Under this heading, further subdivision is based on whether reinforced, the type of reinforcing material (metal, textile, etc.) and whether with fittings. The core is that the goods are tubular articles of vulcanized rubber used for conveying gases or liquids, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 400942 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "40" represent Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof); digits 3-4 "09" represent heading 4009 (tubes, pipes and the like of vulcanized rubber); digits 5-6 "42" represent subheading 4009.42, specifically referring to "vulcanized rubber hose reinforced with textile materials and with fittings". The 5th digit "4" indicates "reinforced with textile materials", and the 6th digit "2" indicates "with fittings". Therefore, this code specifically refers to vulcanized rubber tubes that simultaneously meet the two conditions of textile reinforcement and with fittings.
Classification Basis
The goods are vulcanized rubber hoses, and clearly have textile reinforcement and fittings. Under heading 4009, subheading 4009.41 is for textile-reinforced tubes without fittings, and 4009.42 is for textile-reinforced tubes with fittings. Since the goods have fittings (such as joints), they are classified under 4009.42 rather than 4009.41. Meanwhile, if the reinforcing material is metal, they should be classified under 4009.31 or 4009.32; if reinforced with other materials, they should be classified under 4009.50. Therefore, textile reinforcement + fittings is the key to classification under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the material and use, such as "textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose" Material: State the type of rubber (such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber) and vulcanization state, and indicate that the reinforcing material is textile Whether with fittings: Clearly state whether with fittings such as joints, flanges, and the material of the fittings (such as metal, plastic) Reinforcing material: Specifically state the type of reinforcing material, such as polyester fiber, nylon and other textiles, not merely writing "fiber" Use: State the usage scenario of the hose, such as conveying water, oil, gas, etc., and whether used for specific machines Specifications and dimensions: Declare inner diameter, outer diameter, length, wall thickness and other dimensional information, as well as working pressure and other parameters Brand and model: If there is a brand and model, declare truthfully; if no brand, indicate "no brand" Product Name: Textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose (with metal fittings); Material: Vulcanized EPDM rubber, reinforced with polyester fiber fabric; Whether with fittings: Yes, with brass fittings at both ends; Use: Used for conveying hydraulic oil in hydraulic systems of construction machinery; Specifications: Inner diameter 12.7mm, outer diameter 22mm, length 1 meter, working pressure 20MPa; Brand: ABC; Model: XYZ-123. Misreporting textile reinforcement as metal reinforcement, leading to incorrect classification under 4009.31 or 4009.32 Ignoring fittings leading to classification under 4009.41 (without fittings), when actually should be classified under 4009.42 Incomplete material description, without stating vulcanization state, may be questioned as non-vulcanized rubber
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the material and use, such as "textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose"
⚠️ Only writing "rubber hose" or "rubber tube", without reflecting reinforcement and fittings
Material
State the type of rubber (such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber) and vulcanization state, and indicate that the reinforcing material is textile
⚠️ Only writing "rubber", without stating vulcanization and textile reinforcement
Whether with fittings
Clearly state whether with fittings such as joints, flanges, and the material of the fittings (such as metal, plastic)
⚠️ Omitting fitting information or incorrectly declaring as without fittings
Reinforcing material
Specifically state the type of reinforcing material, such as polyester fiber, nylon and other textiles, not merely writing "fiber"
⚠️ Misreporting textile reinforcement as metal reinforcement
Use
State the usage scenario of the hose, such as conveying water, oil, gas, etc., and whether used for specific machines
⚠️ Use description too broad, such as "industrial use"
Specifications and dimensions
Declare inner diameter, outer diameter, length, wall thickness and other dimensional information, as well as working pressure and other parameters
⚠️ Inconsistent dimension units or missing key dimensions
Brand and model
If there is a brand and model, declare truthfully; if no brand, indicate "no brand"
⚠️ Brand and model inconsistent with the actual product or omitted
Example: Product Name: Textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose (with metal fittings); Material: Vulcanized EPDM rubber, reinforced with polyester fiber fabric; Whether with fittings: Yes, with brass fittings at both ends; Use: Used for conveying hydraulic oil in hydraulic systems of construction machinery; Specifications: Inner diameter 12.7mm, outer diameter 22mm, length 1 meter, working pressure 20MPa; Brand: ABC; Model: XYZ-123.
Common Mistakes:
Misreporting textile reinforcement as metal reinforcement, leading to incorrect classification under 4009.31 or 4009.32
Ignoring fittings leading to classification under 4009.41 (without fittings), when actually should be classified under 4009.42
Incomplete material description, without stating vulcanization state, may be questioned as non-vulcanized rubber
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: First confirm the goods are of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber) and in tube shape; secondly determine the type of reinforcing material, if textile-reinforced then classify under 4009.4; then distinguish based on whether with fittings: with fittings under 4009.42, without fittings under 4009.41. If the reinforcing material is metal, classify under 4009.3; if other materials or unreinforced, classify under 4009.5. Also note that if the hose is exclusively used for a certain machine (such as automobile brake hose), it may be classified as a machine part, but generally still classified under 4009. 400941 Textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose (without fittings): Compared with 400942, the difference lies in whether with fittings. 400941 is textile-reinforced tube without fittings, 400942 is with fittings. If the goods have fittings such as joints, they should be classified under 400942. 400931 Metal-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose (without fittings): Different reinforcing material: 400931 is metal-reinforced, 400942 is textile-reinforced. If the reinforcing material is metal such as steel wire, classify under 400931 or 400932. 400932 Metal-reinforced vulcanized rubber hose (with fittings): Different reinforcing material: 400932 is metal-reinforced with fittings, 400942 is textile-reinforced with fittings. Must accurately distinguish based on reinforcing material. 400950 Other vulcanized rubber tubes (unreinforced or not textile/metal reinforced): 400950 covers vulcanized rubber tubes that are unreinforced or only combined with other materials, while 400942 specifically refers to textile-reinforced with fittings. If the reinforcing material is plastic, etc., it may be classified under 400950. 391739 Other tubes of plastics: Different material: 400942 is of vulcanized rubber, 391739 is of plastics. If the goods are plastic tubes, even with textile reinforcement and fittings, they should be classified under Chapter 39. Confirm the goods are of vulcanized rubber, not hard rubber Confirm the reinforcing material is textile, not metal or other Confirm the goods have fittings (such as joints, flanges) Confirm the goods are in tube shape, used for conveying fluids Exclude classification as parts exclusively used for a certain machine (such as automobile parts)
Basis
Core basis for classification: First confirm the goods are of vulcanized rubber (other than hard rubber) and in tube shape; secondly determine the type of reinforcing material, if textile-reinforced then classify under 4009.4; then distinguish based on whether with fittings: with fittings under 4009.42, without fittings under 4009.41. If the reinforcing material is metal, classify under 4009.3; if other materials or unreinforced, classify under 4009.5. Also note that if the hose is exclusively used for a certain machine (such as automobile brake hose), it may be classified as a machine part, but generally still classified under 4009.
Compared with 400942, the difference lies in whether with fittings. 400941 is textile-reinforced tube without fittings, 400942 is with fittings. If the goods have fittings such as joints, they should be classified under 400942.
Different reinforcing material: 400931 is metal-reinforced, 400942 is textile-reinforced. If the reinforcing material is metal such as steel wire, classify under 400931 or 400932.
Different reinforcing material: 400932 is metal-reinforced with fittings, 400942 is textile-reinforced with fittings. Must accurately distinguish based on reinforcing material.
400950 - Other vulcanized rubber tubes (unreinforced or not textile/metal reinforced)
400950 covers vulcanized rubber tubes that are unreinforced or only combined with other materials, while 400942 specifically refers to textile-reinforced with fittings. If the reinforcing material is plastic, etc., it may be classified under 400950.
391739 - Other tubes of plastics
Different material: 400942 is of vulcanized rubber, 391739 is of plastics. If the goods are plastic tubes, even with textile reinforcement and fittings, they should be classified under Chapter 39.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm the goods are of vulcanized rubber, not hard rubber
✓ Confirm the reinforcing material is textile, not metal or other
✓ Confirm the goods have fittings (such as joints, flanges)
✓ Confirm the goods are in tube shape, used for conveying fluids
✓ Exclude classification as parts exclusively used for a certain machine (such as automobile parts)
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether a rubber hose belongs to "vulcanized rubber"? Vulcanized rubber refers to rubber that has been subjected to vulcanization treatment, having elasticity and not melting. It can be judged by appearance, elasticity and whether it contains vulcanizing agents. If it is thermoplastic rubber (unvulcanized), it may be classified under Chapter 39. Material certification is required at declaration. If the rubber hose is textile-reinforced, but the fittings are detachable, does it affect classification? No. As long as it has fittings at the time of inspection, it is considered "with fittings" and classified under 400942. The detachability of the fittings does not change the classification, unless the fittings are declared separately. How to classify when the reinforcing material is a mixture of multiple materials? If it contains both textile and metal reinforcement, it is usually classified according to the main reinforcing material. If the primary and secondary cannot be distinguished, refer to General Rule of Interpretation 3(b) for classification according to essential character. It is recommended to provide detailed composition ratios. What is the main difference between 400942 and 400941? The main difference lies in whether with fittings. 400941 is textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber tube without fittings, 400942 is with fittings. Fittings include joints, flanges, etc. The fitting situation must be clearly stated at declaration. Is a rubber hose used for automobile brake systems classified under 400942? Not necessarily. If the hose is exclusively used for automobile brake systems and meets the characteristics of automobile parts, it may be classified under Chapter 87. However, hoses generally used for conveying fluids are still classified under 4009. It depends on whether it is exclusively used for a certain machine. How to check the import tariff rate for 400942? You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs import and export tariff query system, enter HS code 400942, and check the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes, subject to the latest publication. At declaration, do fittings need to be declared separately? If the fittings are inspected together with the hose and constitute an integral part thereof, they are classified together under 400942 without separate declaration. If the fittings are imported separately, they should be classified separately. What are the regulatory conditions for 400942? Regulatory conditions vary by country. In China, it may involve inbound goods clearance forms, inspection and quarantine, etc. For details, consult the customs regulatory conditions code table. It is recommended to consult the local customs or a professional customs broker.
Q: How to determine whether a rubber hose belongs to "vulcanized rubber"?
A: Vulcanized rubber refers to rubber that has been subjected to vulcanization treatment, having elasticity and not melting. It can be judged by appearance, elasticity and whether it contains vulcanizing agents. If it is thermoplastic rubber (unvulcanized), it may be classified under Chapter 39. Material certification is required at declaration.
Q: If the rubber hose is textile-reinforced, but the fittings are detachable, does it affect classification?
A: No. As long as it has fittings at the time of inspection, it is considered "with fittings" and classified under 400942. The detachability of the fittings does not change the classification, unless the fittings are declared separately.
Q: How to classify when the reinforcing material is a mixture of multiple materials?
A: If it contains both textile and metal reinforcement, it is usually classified according to the main reinforcing material. If the primary and secondary cannot be distinguished, refer to General Rule of Interpretation 3(b) for classification according to essential character. It is recommended to provide detailed composition ratios.
Q: What is the main difference between 400942 and 400941?
A: The main difference lies in whether with fittings. 400941 is textile-reinforced vulcanized rubber tube without fittings, 400942 is with fittings. Fittings include joints, flanges, etc. The fitting situation must be clearly stated at declaration.
Q: Is a rubber hose used for automobile brake systems classified under 400942?
A: Not necessarily. If the hose is exclusively used for automobile brake systems and meets the characteristics of automobile parts, it may be classified under Chapter 87. However, hoses generally used for conveying fluids are still classified under 4009. It depends on whether it is exclusively used for a certain machine.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 400942?
A: You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs import and export tariff query system, enter HS code 400942, and check the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes, subject to the latest publication.
Q: At declaration, do fittings need to be declared separately?
A: If the fittings are inspected together with the hose and constitute an integral part thereof, they are classified together under 400942 without separate declaration. If the fittings are imported separately, they should be classified separately.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 400942?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country. In China, it may involve inbound goods clearance forms, inspection and quarantine, etc. For details, consult the customs regulatory conditions code table. It is recommended to consult the local customs or a professional customs broker.
⚠️ 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.