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63
Tariff Chapter 63
Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of goods
What does heading 6305 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 6305 covers sacks and bags for packing. These are made up textile articles intended for various household, industrial and commercial uses. They are manufactured from various textile materials such as cotton, polyester, linen and their blends. Import of these articles into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4% to 12% depending on the product type and material. Products must be labelled in accordance with EU textile labelling requirements and comply with REACH standards. Rules of origin are important for tariff preferences. Heading 6305 is part of Chapter 63 (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 6305 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 6305 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.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 6305
Import of these articles into the EU is subject to duty rates of 4% to 12% depending on the product type and material. Products must be labelled in accordance with EU textile labelling requirements and comply with REACH standards. Rules of origin are important for tariff preferences. Duty rates for heading 6305 range from 4% to 12%. Fibre composition and country of origin labelling is required. Products must meet REACH standards for chemical substances in textiles. Check availability of tariff preferences under EU trade agreements. When importing goods under heading 6305 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 6305 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 6305 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.
Classification of goods under heading 6305 — key considerations
Heading 6305 covers sacks and bags for packing. These are made up textile articles intended for various household, industrial and commercial uses. Distinction from 6304 (other furnishing articles (bedspreads, c) and 6306 (tarpaulins, awnings, tents and sails) requires analysis of material, form and intended use. Decisive factor: precise determination of base material, processing stage and end-use of the product.
Frequently asked questions
What duty rates apply to imports of textile sacks and bags for packing (heading 6305)?
Jute sacks (6305 10) do not attract a 0% rate — actual MFN rates are 2% (6305 1010) and 4% (6305 1090). Polypropylene and polyethylene sacks are subject to 7.2%, not '4%–8%'. Correct content: MFN rates range from 2% to 12%. Jute sacks 2–4%, polypropylene/polyethylene sacks 7.2%, cotton sacks up to 12%, other materials 6.2%. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required for importing packing sacks into the EU?
Importing sacks and bags for packing (heading 6305) requires labelling in accordance with EU requirements. Sacks intended for food contact (e.g. for packing flour, sugar, grain) must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on food contact materials. Standard documentation includes the customs declaration, commercial invoice with material, dimension and purpose specifications, transport documents and certificate of origin. REACH compliance is mandatory. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What should be considered when importing textile packing sacks?
When importing packing sacks, correct material identification is essential — jute, polypropylene, cotton and other sacks have distinct duty rates. Used sacks may be subject to separate sanitary regulations. Food-grade sacks must be free from harmful substances. Distinguish between sacks imported as goods and sacks as transport packaging — differences in customs classification are significant. Imports from LDC countries benefit from 0% rates under the Everything But Arms scheme. This applies to goods classified under heading 6305 of the Combined Nomenclature.
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