Catgut Strings
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3006100100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3006938000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π©Ί Catgut Strings (Sterile Surgical Suture Materials)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Harmonized System Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Catgut Strings"?
In the context of international trade and pharmaceutical goods, "Catgut Strings" do not refer to musical instrument strings. Instead, they refer to Sterile Surgical Suture Materials derived from purified collagen (traditionally from animal intestine, though synthetic alternatives are now common).
Under Note 4 to Chapter 30 of the Harmonized System, these goods are classified as Pharmaceutical Goods.
Key Distinction: * Sterile Surgical Catgut/Sutures: Must be sterile, intended for surgical wound closure, and packaged as medical devices/pharmaceuticals. * Non-Medical Catgut (e.g., for musical instruments or fishing lines): Falls under different chapters (e.g., Chapter 95 or 39). This guide applies ONLY to medical/sterile surgical catgut.
β οΈ Critical Clarification: - If the product is sterile surgical catgut or similar sterile suture materials for wound closure β It falls under Chapter 30, Heading 3006. - If it is non-sterile or for non-medical use β It is NOT covered by the HS Codes in .
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided , the relevant HS Code for sterile surgical catgut/sutures is:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Sterility & Medical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3006.10.01.00 | Pharmaceutical goods specified in note 4 to this chapter: Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials (including sterile absorbable surgical or dental yarns) and sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure | Sterile surgical sutures, absorbable dental yarns, sterile tissue adhesives for wound closure | β Must be Sterile |
π Key Note: - The HS Code 3006.10.01.00 explicitly covers "Sterile surgical catgut" and "similar sterile suture materials." - It also includes sterile tissue adhesives for surgical wound closure. - Do NOT misclassify non-sterile catgut or non-medical catgut strings here. They belong to other chapters.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical 301 tariff context; if origin differs, rates may vary)
β Effective Date: Current 2026 Tariff Structure
π― 1. 3006.10.01.00 ββ Sterile Surgical Catgut & Sutures
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 / USITC) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 Tax |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Check Specifics |
| Legal Basis Path | HS:3006.10.01.00 β Note 4 to Chapter 30 β USITC Tariff Schedule |
π Explanation: - Base Tariff is 0%: Medical supplies, especially sterile surgical items, are often taxed at 0% to encourage access to essential healthcare goods. - No Additional Surcharges: Unlike many electronics or textiles, sterile surgical catgut is NOT subject to the 25% Section 301 tariffs or 10% IEEPA surcharges listed in the for other chemical products. - Result: Zero Duty. This is a highly favorable classification for importers.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Sterilization Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide, or other sterilization methods. Crucial for 3006.10.01.00. |
| β FDA 510(k) Clearance or Exemption Letter | βοΈ | If importing into the US, medical devices require FDA approval. Provide 510(k) number. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Sterile," "Surgical Grade," "Absorbable/Non-Absorbable," "Material (Catgut/Synthetic)." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Sterile Surgical Suture Material, HS 3006.10.01.00." Do not use vague terms like "Medical Strings." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm origin for tariff determination. |
| β Packaging Label Photos | βοΈ | Must show "STERILE," "Rx Only," or similar medical warnings. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βSterile is Key, Medical Use is King, Name It Right, Tax is Zero!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile Surgical Sutures | 3006.10.01.00 - Sterile Surgical Catgut |
Misdeclare as "Textile Yarn" β 10-20% duty + FDA hold |
| Non-Sterile Catgut (e.g., for fishing) | NOT 3006.10.01.00 | Using 3006 for non-sterile goods β Fraud/Seizure |
| Tissue Adhesives for Surgery | 3006.10.01.00 |
Misdeclare as "Chemical Adhesives" β Higher duty |
| Raw, Unsterile Intestine | NOT 3006.10.01.00 | Misdeclare β Chapter 05 or 35 β Different rates |
π Note: The term "Catgut" in customs declarations must be qualified as "Sterile Surgical" to qualify for 3006.10.01.00. If you simply write "Catgut Strings," Customs may suspect musical/fishing use and redirect the goods.
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| High-Value Surgical Sets | Include all components (needle holders, suture rolls) in one declaration if they are a complete kit for surgery. |
| Regulatory Scrutiny | Be prepared for FDA inspection upon arrival. Ensure sterility packaging is intact and labels match FDA requirements. |
| Import from Non-China Origin | If from Vietnam, India, etc., base rate may still be 0%, but verify if any bilateral trade agreements apply. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Key Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3006.10.01.00 |
0.0% | FDA 510(k) + Sterilization Proof | Zero Duty for sterile surgical catgut. |
| π¨π³ China | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% - 5% | NMPA Registration | Import duties may vary; check latest Chinese tariff schedule. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3006.10.90 |
0% | CE Marking + MDR Compliance | EU uses 8-digit codes; general medical sutures are often 0%. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3006.10.00.00 |
0% | UKCA Marking | Post-Brexit, rules similar to EU. |
π Conclusion: - Sterile Surgical Catgut is a low-tariff, high-regulation product. - The 0% duty is a significant advantage, but regulatory compliance (FDA/CE) is the real barrier to entry.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Sterile Surgical Catgut" as "Textile Yarn" or "Medical Cord" π Consequence: Misclassification β 10-20% additional duty + FDA Import Alert β Delay/Seizure.
β Mistake 2: Omitting "Sterile" in the Declaration π Consequence: Customs may assume non-sterile β Wrong HS Code β Rejection by FDA.
β Mistake 3: Importing Non-Sterile Catgut under 3006.10.01.00 π Consequence: False Declaration β Heavy fines, seizure, and potential legal action.
β Correct Practice:
"Sterile Surgical Suture Material, Absorbable, HS Code 3006.10.01.00, FDA 510(k) Number: KXXXXXXXX, Sterilized by Gamma Radiation."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Zero Duty, Fast Clearance
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βSterile is Essential, Medical Use is Key, 3006 is the Code, Zero Duty is the Prize!β
πΉ βRegulatory Compliance Trumps Tariffs β FDA Approval is Mandatory!β
π Pro Tip: - Always provide Sterilization Certificates and FDA Clearance Numbers with your customs broker. - If the product is non-sterile or for non-medical use, it DOES NOT qualify for 3006.10.01.00 or the 0% tariff in this context.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Engage a FDA-compliant Customs Broker
π Ensure Sterility Proof and FDA 510(k) are ready
π Ship with Precision β Avoid Delays, Secure 0% Duty!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Medical Supply Chain, Optimized for Cost and Compliance!
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.