Catgut (Different Colors)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3006100100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧡠Sterile Surgical Catgut & Suture Materials (Medical Grade)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Catgut"?
In the context of international trade, "Catgut" is a misnomer. It refers to sterile surgical sutures made from purified collagen (usually derived from sheep or cattle intestine, not cats), used for internal tissue ligation.
Under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products), these items are strictly regulated as Pharmaceutical Goods. They are not classified as general textiles or leather products.
Key Product Types Specified: 1. Sterile Surgical Catgut: Traditional absorbable sutures. 2. Similar Sterile Suture Materials: Includes sterile absorbable surgical or dental yarns. 3. Sterile Tissue Adhesives: For surgical wound closure (liquid glue for wounds). 4. Sterile Laminaria & Tents: Used for cervical dilation or drainage. 5. Sterile Hemostatics: Materials to stop bleeding (e.g., gelatin sponges). 6. Sterile Adhesion Barriers: Whether absorbable or not, to prevent post-surgical adhesions.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is sterile, surgical, and intended for internal body use (absorbable or barrier), it belongs to 3006.10.
- Non-sterile craft catgut (for musical instruments) or non-medical sutures belong elsewhere (Chapter 95 or 50/54).
- This guide applies ONLY to the sterile medical products listed in the DATA.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Detail (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Scope | Sterility Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
3006.10.01.00 |
Pharmaceutical goods: Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials, sterile tissue adhesives, sterile laminaria, hemostatics, adhesion barriers. | All sterile surgical suture kits, absorbable yarns, surgical glues, hemostatic sponges, and barrier films specified in Note 4 to Chapter 30. | β
Must be Sterile β Medical Use |
π Key Insight:
- There is only one relevant HS Code for this specific group of sterile surgical goods in the provided data:3006.10.01.00.
- All items mentioned (catgut, adhesives, laminaria, hemostatics, barriers) are bundled under this single heading due to their shared nature as pre-sterilized pharmaceutical surgical aids.
- Do not split these into different codes if they are part of a single surgical kit or similar sterile medical supply category.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policies)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical trade context, but verify origin)
β Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 3006.10.01.00 ββ Sterile Surgical Catgut & Related Medical Materials
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Likely No (Medical devices often exempt from de minimis due to FDA/CDER regulations, even if tax is 0) |
| Legal Basis Path | USHTS:3006.10.01.00 β Chapter 30 Note 4 |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate 0%: The US generally applies a low or zero duty to essential medical supplies and sterile surgical materials to ensure healthcare affordability.
- No Additional Surcharges: Unlike consumer electronics or steel, sterile surgical catgut and related pharmaceutical goods are NOT subject to the 25% Section 301 tariffs or IEEPA surcharges typically applied to Chinese imports in 2026.
- Total Cost Impact: The tariff cost is $0, but clearance costs remain due to regulatory compliance.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
Since these are sterile medical products, customs will collaborate closely with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ YES | Must be filed with FDA before arrival. Without this, goods will be detained. |
| β Statement of Sterility | βοΈ YES | Certificate stating the product is sterile and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility. |
| β FDA Establishment Registration | βοΈ YES | Proof that the foreign manufacturer is registered with FDA. |
| β US Agent Letter | βοΈ YES | Appointment of a US Agent for FDA communication. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ YES | Must clearly state "Sterile Surgical Catgut" or "Sterile Tissue Adhesive," not just "Sutures." |
| β List of Ingredients/Materials | βοΈ YES | FDA may request composition details (e.g., type of collagen, sterilization method). |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ Recommended | To confirm eligibility for any potential preferential rates (though base is 0%). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Sterile, Medical, FDA-First! Donβt Call it 'Thread'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile Catgut | 3006.10.01.00 - "Sterile Surgical Catgut, USP Grade" |
"Catgut String" or "Natural Fiber" β Triggers customs inspection for non-medical goods. |
| Tissue Adhesive | 3006.10.01.00 - "Sterile Surgical Tissue Adhesive" |
"Glue" or "Adhesive Tape" β Wrong classification, potential fraud. |
| Hemostatic Sponge | 3006.10.01.00 - "Sterile Surgical Hemostatic" |
"Sponge" or "Absorbent Material" β Too vague, leads to delays. |
| Mixed Kit | 3006.10.01.00 - "Sterile Surgical Kit containing Catgut, Adhesive, and Laminaria" |
Splitting items β Incorrect, as all fall under the same note 4 heading. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM for Hospital | Provide hospital purchase order + FDA 510(k) clearance number if applicable. |
| Sample Imports | Even samples require FDA Prior Notice. Do not use "Personal Effects" exemption. |
| Expired Stock | ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED. Sterile medical goods with past expiration dates will be rejected/deported. |
| Packaging Material | Ensure outer packaging is clean and labeled with lot numbers for traceability. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% | FDA Registration + Prior Notice | No 301 tariffs apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% | NMPA Registration | Zero duty for medical imports. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3006.10.90 |
4.5% | CE Marking + MDR/IVDR | Higher tariff than US, strict regulatory. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3006.10.90 |
4.5% | MHRA Registration | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3006.10.000 |
0% | PMDA Approval | Zero duty, but high regulatory barrier. |
π Conclusion:
- USA and China offer 0% duty for these sterile surgical goods.
- EU and UK charge ~4.5% but have stringent CE/Medical Device regulations.
- Regulatory Compliance (FDA/CE) is far more costly and critical than tariff rates.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons from Blood & Tears)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Textile Threads" (HS 5406/5509)
π Consequence: 10-20% tariff + FDA hold for unregistered medical device.
π Fix: Always use Chapter 30 for sterile surgical items.
β Error 2: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice
π Consequence: Goods held at port for weeks, storage fees accrue, possible seizure.
π Fix: File FDA Prior Notice at least 8 hours before arrival (or 4 hours for aircraft).
β Error 3: Mislabeling "Sterile Tissue Adhesive" as "Industrial Glue"
π Consequence: Denied entry as unapproved chemical product.
π Fix: Clearly state "Surgical" and "Sterile" in description.
β Error 4: Exceeding Expiration Date
π Consequence: Immediate rejection. Sterility cannot be guaranteed past date.
π Fix: Check shelf life before shipment. Lead time must account for FDA review.
β Correct Practice:
"Sterile Surgical Catgut, USP, Lot No. XYZ, Exp: 2028, FDA Reg No. XXXX, Sterilized by Ethylene Oxide"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Time & Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Sterile Medical = Chapter 30"
πΉ "Catgut is NOT Cloth, Adhesive is NOT Glue"
πΉ "FDA First, Then Customs"
πΉ "0% Duty, But 100% Compliance"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for an FDA Establishment Registration early. The regulatory cost often outweighs any potential tariff savings, but the 0% duty in the US makes it highly competitive. Always verify the sterility method (EO, Gamma, Steam) as it may affect FDA documentation requirements.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your FDA Compliance Officer + Prepare Sterility Certificates
π Ensure your HS Code is3006.10.01.00and file FDA Prior Notice
πΌ Stay Sterile, Stay Compliant, Stay Profitable!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Medical Goods Are CriticalβHandle Them with Expert Care!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.