Knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope; made-up fishing nets and other made-up nets, of textile materials

Heading 5608 covers knotted netting of twine, cordage or rope, as well as made up fishing nets and other made up nets of textile materials. This includes fishing nets, sports nets, safety nets, camouflage nets and decorative nets made from various textile materials. Import of nets into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4.5% to 8%. Fishing nets must comply with mesh size standards specified in EU fisheries regulations. Products must be correctly classified by material and intended use. REACH compliance is required. Heading 5608 is part of Chapter 56 (textiles, fabrics and clothing) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 5608 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 5608 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Import of nets into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4.5% to 8%. REACH compliance is required. Duty rates for nets range from 4.5% to 8% depending on material and purpose. Fishing nets must comply with EU mesh size requirements (Regulation EC No 850/98). Nets of synthetic materials (nylon, polyester) are classified in separate subheadings. Made up fishing nets are subject to different requirements than netting by the piece. When importing goods under heading 5608 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 5608 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 5608 are subject to labelling and fibre composition controls. Required documentation includes: fibre composition labels (EU Regulation 1007/2011), OEKO-TEX certificates, REACH reports. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Heading 5608 covers knotted netting of twine/cordage and made-up fishing nets and other nets. Key: nets with knotted meshes. Sports nets (tennis, football) — here if textile. Plastic netting (not from cord) — Chapter 39. Common mistake: woven or braided netting here instead of 5804 (tulles). Decisive: knotted mesh (not woven) and twine/cord material.