HS 400921 Reinforced or otherwise combined only with metal
Quick Answer: Hoses, tubes, and pipes of vulcanized rubber, reinforced or combined only with metal, enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.00%, and the US at 2.5% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification specifically applies to rubber conduits where metal is the sole reinforcing or combining material. Importers should be aware that the US offers duty-free entry for goods from certain Free Trade Agreement partners, while the general MFN rate can reach 25% for other origins. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate duty assessment and cost management in international trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4009210000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4009210000 | 3.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4009210000 | 2.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 4009.21?
Imports of Reinforced or otherwise combined only with metal may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 16 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 400921 cover?
This subheading covers tubes, pipes, and hoses of vulcanized rubber, reinforced or otherwise combined only with metal. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this classification applies when the primary material is rubber, and the reinforcement or combination is exclusively with metallic components, such as steel wire or metal braiding. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database provide further clarification, ensuring that the metal is integral to the structure or function of the rubber product, not merely an external attachment.
What falls outside HS 400921?
The following products are excluded from HS 400921: tubes, pipes, and hoses of vulcanized rubber reinforced or combined with textile materials (HS 400911 and 400912), or with plastics (HS 400931 and 400932). Products reinforced or combined with both metal and other materials, such as textile or plastics, are also excluded and would typically fall under HS 400941 or 400942. For example, a rubber hose with both steel wire reinforcement and a plastic outer layer would not be classified here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 400921?
A common error is misinterpreting "combined only with metal." If a rubber hose has any reinforcement or combination with non-metallic materials, such as synthetic fibers or plastic coatings, it will not meet the "only with metal" criterion of this subheading. This is governed by General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 of the Harmonized System, which dictate that classification is determined by the essential character of the good. Importers may also mistakenly classify products where metal is a minor component rather than integral reinforcement.
How should importers classify products under HS 400921?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 400921 involves a detailed examination of the product's construction. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain that the rubber tubing, piping, or hose is reinforced or combined exclusively with metallic elements. Reviewing product specifications, technical drawings, and manufacturer declarations is crucial. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, for specific notes and rulings related to Heading 4009 is also a mandatory step.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 400921?
A 5-meter length of steel-reinforced rubber hydraulic hose, weighing 2.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($50.00 USD × 5% = $2.50). This calculation is based on the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 2023, where HS code 4009210000 carries this MFN rate.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 400921?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 400921, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is required. For goods imported into the European Union from countries with preferential trade agreements, such as those under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the duty rate could be reduced to 0% or a lower percentage, requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate or a declaration on the invoice.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 400921, covering hoses of vulcanized rubber reinforced or combined only with metal?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 400921 can vary. For example, the United States applies a 3.5% ad valorem duty. The European Union, under the TARIC system, may have rates such as 2.00% ad valorem. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff often lists rates around 2.5% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact rate applicable at the time of import, as these rates can change.
How is the import duty for HS code 400921 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 400921 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of metal-reinforced rubber hoses valued at $10,000 is imported into the US, and the MFN duty rate is 3.5%, the import duty would be $10,000 \u00d7 0.035 = $350. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or other units, so verifying the calculation method is essential.
Which preferential trade agreements offer reduced or duty-free entry for HS code 400921?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 400921. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may qualify for duty-free entry. Other agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or South Korea (KR), may also offer reduced or zero duty rates for qualifying goods. Importers must ensure they have the necessary proof of origin documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria to ensure rubber hoses are correctly classified under HS 400921?
HS code 400921 specifically covers hoses of vulcanized rubber that are reinforced or otherwise combined only with metal. This means the reinforcement material must exclusively be metal (e.g., steel wire, metal braiding). If the hose is reinforced with textile materials, plastics, or a combination of metal and other materials, it would be classified under a different subheading within HS 4009. Verification of the hose's construction and reinforcement materials is critical for accurate classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 400921, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS code 400921 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a proof of origin certificate is usually mandatory. This could be a certificate of origin form specific to the trade agreement (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin) or a declaration of origin on the invoice, depending on the agreement's requirements and the value of the goods. Customs brokers should be consulted for the precise documentation needed for the specific importing country and trade agreement.