Natural Catgut Suture
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3006100100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3006938000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Natural Catgut Suture (Sterile Surgical Catgut)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Natural Catgut"?
Natural Catgut Suture is a traditional sterile surgical suture material derived from the submucosa of sheep or the serosa of cattle intestines. Despite the name "catgut," it contains no cat (feline) material. It is widely used in internal surgery for ligating blood vessels and suturing soft tissue because it is absorbable and induces a strong tissue reaction that aids in healing.
In international trade, it falls strictly under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products), specifically Note 4, which covers specific pharmaceutical goods such as sterile surgical catgut, sterile laminaria, and sterile absorbable hemostatics.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the suture is sterile and intended for surgical/dental use β Classified under 3006.10.01.00
- If it is non-sterile or for veterinary use only (without surgical indication) β May fall elsewhere, but sterile surgical catgut is the primary import category.
- Placebos/Clinical Trial Kits are a separate category (3006.93.80.00) and do not apply to actual catgut sutures.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, only two HS Codes are relevant. One is for the actual product, and one is for a completely different category (Placebos) that must be avoided if misdeclaring.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Is it Catgut Suture? |
|---|---|---|---|
3006.10.01.00 |
Sterile surgical catgut, similar sterile suture materials, sterile tissue adhesives, sterile laminaria, sterile absorbable hemostatics | Actual sterile catgut sutures used in human/animal surgery | β YES |
3006.93.80.00 |
Placebos and blinded clinical trial kits (containing other chemicals other than medicaments) | Placebos, clinical trial kits for recognized trials | β NO (Completely different product) |
π Critical Warning:
- Natural Catgut Suture MUST be declared under 3006.10.01.00.
- Declaring it as "Placebos" (3006.93.80.00) is a serious misclassification that will lead to customs delays, fines, or seizure.
- Note 4 to Chapter 30 explicitly lists "Sterile surgical catgut" as a pharmaceutical good, placing it firmly in 3006.10.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharge & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: As per provided data
π― 1. 3006.10.01.00 ββ Sterile Surgical Catgut & Similar Suture Materials
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Surcharge (Section 301/USITC) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 Duty |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Generally, medical devices/sutures with 0% duty may qualify for low-value exemptions, but verify specific CBP rulings for medical goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | Chapter 30 Note 4 β 3006.10.01.00 β Basic Tariff: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0% |
π Explanation:
- This HS Code carries a 0% total tax rate, making it highly favorable for importers.
- Unlike many electronics or textiles, sterile surgical sutures are not subject to the typical 25% Section 301 or 10% IEEPA surcharges in the provided dataset.
- Cost Advantage: Importers can benefit from zero duty costs for this specific sterile surgical material.
π« 2. 3006.93.80.00 ββ Placebos & Clinical Trial Kits (DO NOT USE FOR CATGUT)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 5.0% |
| Additional Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High duty rate often disqualifies de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Chapter 30 Note 4 β 3006.93.80.00 β Total Tax: 30.0% |
π Warning:
- This code is for placebos (sugar pills, saline solutions) and clinical trial kits containing non-medicated chemicals.
- Never declare Natural Catgut Suture under this code. It is a medicated/sterile surgical product, not a placebo.
π οΈ IV. Practical Clearance Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Sterility Certificate | βοΈ | Proof that the catgut is sterile (essential for 3006.10.01.00) |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: "Natural Catgut," "Sterile," "Surgical Suture," "Absorbable" |
| β Manufacturerβs License | βοΈ | FDA or equivalent regulatory approval for surgical sutures |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Sterile Surgical Catgut" β avoid vague terms like "Surgical Thread" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show net/gross weight, number of units, and sterile packaging details |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm origin (China) and apply correct tariff (0% in this case) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βSterile Catgut, Zero Duty, Donβt Mix with Placebos!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile Catgut Suture | 3006.10.01.00 |
Declaring as "Surgical Thread" (too vague) β Risk of audit |
| Non-Sterile Catgut (Veterinary) | May require different code, but Sterile Surgical is 3006.10.01.00 |
Mixing sterile surgical with non-sterile veterinary goods |
| Placebo Kits | 3006.93.80.00 |
Declaring placebos as "Surgical Supplies" β 0% vs 30% error |
| Absorbable Synthetic Sutures | Check if they fall under "similar sterile suture materials" in 3006.10.01.00 |
Assuming all sutures are the same code β verify sterility and material |
π Note:
- The description under3006.10.01.00includes "similar sterile suture materials". This may cover synthetic absorbable sutures (like Vicryl or Monocryl) if they are sterile and for surgical use.
- However, Natural Catgut is explicitly listed, so it is the safest and most accurate code.
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Branded Sutures | Provide brand authorization and original manufacturerβs sterility certificate |
| Clinical Trial Supplies | If the catgut is part of a recognized clinical trial, and itβs a placebo kit, use 3006.93.80.00. If itβs the actual drug/device being tested, use 3006.10.01.00 (if sterile surgical) |
| Mixed Shipments | Do not mix Placebos (3006.93.80.00) and Catgut (3006.10.01.00) in one line item. Declare separately to avoid customs confusion |
| Expiry Date Management | Sterile products have strict shelf-life requirements. Provide batch numbers and expiry dates for FDA compliance |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% | FDA 510(k) or PMA | Zero duty advantage |
| π¨π³ China | 3006.10.01.00 |
Varies | NMPA (China) | Check latest Chinese tariff schedule |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% (most) | CE Mark + MDR | Medical device regulation applies |
| π¬π§ UK | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% (most) | UKCA Mark | Post-Brexit rules may vary |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3006.10.01.00 |
0% - 3% | PMDA Approval | Low duty, strict quality control |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers a 0% duty rate for sterile surgical catgut, making it a competitive market for importers from China (if no other surcharges apply).
- Misclassification as Placebos leads to a 30% tax penalty, so precision is key.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Sterile Catgut as "General Surgical Supplies"
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration or assign a higher default tariff β Delays & Fines
β Mistake 2: Mixing Placebos and Active Medical Sutures in One Line Item
π Consequence: Confusion in tax calculation β 30% tax applied to entire shipment instead of 0% for sutures
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Sterility Certification
π Consequence: FDA or Customs rejection β Shipment destroyed or returned
β Mistake 4: Using "Suture" without specifying "Sterile Surgical Catgut"
π Consequence: Ambiguity β Customs request for additional information β Holdup at Port
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Sterile Surgical Catgut Suture, Natural Material, Absorbable, Sterile Packaged, for Human Surgical Use, Manufacturer: [Name], Batch: [X], Expiry: [Y]"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Sterile Catgut = 0% Duty (3006.10.01.00)"
πΉ "Placebos = 30% Duty (3006.93.80.00)"
πΉ "Never Mix Them!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you are importing synthetic absorbable sutures (e.g., Vicryl, PDS), check if they fall under "similar sterile suture materials" in 3006.10.01.00.
- Always verify FDA regulations for import of sterile medical devices.
- For large volumes, consider Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm HS Code classification.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide Sterility Certificates + Declare Accurately
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Avoid 30% Penalties, and Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny Saved on Duty is a Penny Earned!
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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.