Guidance

Rectangular bag with silicone body (Tariff notice 1)

Check the tariff classification for a rectangular bag consisting of a moulded silicone elastomer body.

New regulation

A new regulation was published in the Official Journal on 16th December 2020 and entered into force 20 days after this date.

L433/33

Reg. 2020/9381

This is not considered a change in Northern Ireland practice.

Description of the goods

A rectangular bag consisting of a moulded silicone elastomer body. It measures approximately 16.5 cm in length, 10 cm in height and 2.5 cm in width. It has an attached loop-handle of the same material and a closing system (zip-fastener).

The article is produced in a single step, with integrated parts (loop-handle and zip-fastener) and has no internal fittings.

The article is designed to carry and protect various small objects.

Classification (Combined Nomenclature (CN) code)

3926 90 97

Reason

Classification is determined by general rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature and the wording of CN codes 3926, 3926 90 and 3926 90 97.

Classification under heading 4202 is excluded because that heading covers only the articles specifically named therein and similar containers (see also the Harmonised System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) to heading 4202, first paragraph).

Given its objective characteristics (in particular, the plain interior and the small size), the article is not considered to be a suitcase, vanity case, executive-case, briefcase, school satchel or similar container of the first part of heading 4202.

The article is not considered to be a similar container of the first part of heading 4202 as it is not specially shaped or internally fitted to contain tools with or without their accessories (see also the HSEN to heading 4202, third paragraph, and ninth paragraph, point (f)).

The article is therefore not covered by the wording of the first part of heading 4202.

The articles covered by the second part of heading 4202 must be only of the materials specified therein or must be wholly or mainly covered with such materials or with paper (see also the HSEN to heading 4202, fourth paragraph).

Considering that the article consists of moulded silicone elastomer, it cannot be considered as a handbag with an outer surface of sheeting of plastics. Therefore, the article is not covered by the wording of the second part of heading 4202.

The article is not of the kind normally carried in the pocket or in the handbag, such as spectacle cases, note-cases (billfolds), wallets, purses, key-cases, cigarette-cases, cigar-cases, pipe-cases, and tobacco-pouches (see also the Harmonised System subheading explanatory note to subheadings 4202.31, 4202.32 and 4202.39).

Therefore, the article cannot be classified under subheadings 4202.31, 4202.32 and 4202.39.

Consequently, the article is to be classified under CN code 3926 90 97 as other articles of plastics.

Contact details

Tariff Classification
Customs and Border Design
10th Floor
Alexander House
21 Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
Essex SS99 1AA

Email: tariff.classification@hmrc.gov.uk

This Tariff notice is published for information purposes only.

Updates to this page

Published 28 March 2022

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