HS Code 56.04 – Rubber thread and cord, textile covered; textile yarn and strip and the like of heading no. 5404, 5405; impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics

HS code 5604 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rubber thread and cord, textile covered; textile yarn and strip and the like of heading no. 5404, 5405; impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics. Heading 5604 covers 'Rubber thread and cord, textile covered; textile yarn and strip and the like of heading no. 5404, 5405; impregnated, coated, covered or sheathed with rubber or plastics.' This classification is dedicated to composite materials where textile components are combined with rubber or plastics to achieve enhanced properties like elasticity, strength, or protective barriers. The scope is precisely defined: it includes rubber thread or cord that has been covered with textile material, and textile yarns, strips, or similar products (specifically referencing those of headings 5404 and 5405, which are synthetic filament monofilament and strip respectively) that have been impregnated, coated, covered, or sheathed with rubber or plastics. This dual nature—either a rubber/plastic core with a textile covering, or a textile core with a rubber/plastic coating—is the defining characteristic. Key applications range from elastic components in apparel and medical devices to durable materials for outdoor gear and industrial uses. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as it differentiates these specialized composite yarns/cords from pure textile yarns (Chapters 50-55), pure rubber products (Chapter 40), or pure plastic products (Chapter 39), each having distinct tariff rates and regulatory requirements. Its inclusion in Chapter 56 underscores its role as a 'special yarn' or form, representing a step beyond basic textile manufacturing and into engineered textile composites, essential for modern material science and product design across numerous industries.

Rubber thread covered with nylon for swimwear, elastic cord for bungee ropes, shock cord for outdoor equipment, covered latex thread for medical garments, textile yarn impregnated with rubber for conveyor belts, plastic-coated polyester yarn for outdoor furniture, rubber-sheathed textile cord for industrial slings, PVC-coated textile strips for blinds, elastic bands for waistbands, covered elastomeric yarn for hosiery, textile cord covered with silicone for electrical insulation, polypropylene strips coated with plastic for strapping, elastic webbing components, coated aramid fiber yarn for protective clothing, rubberized textile thread for automotive seals, UV-resistant plastic-coated textile cord, water-resistant textile yarn with plastic coating, fire-retardant rubberized textile cord, specialized elastic cord for sporting goods, covered spandex thread for activewear, braided textile cord with plastic sheath, textile strips for technical applications, fishing line (textile core, plastic coated), coated textile yarn for geotextiles, textile yarn reinforced with rubber.

A common misclassification for heading 5604 involves failing to correctly identify the 'essential character' of the product. Traders might confuse these composite yarns/cords with pure rubber products (Chapter 40) or pure plastic products (Chapter 39) if the coating or sheathing is very substantial. However, 5604 specifically requires a textile component (yarn, thread, cord, or strip of 5404/5405) to be present, and often the textile provides the primary strength or structure. Another error is classifying these as basic textile yarns (Chapters 50-55) if the coating is thin or less obvious. The key is the impregnation, coating, covering, or sheathing with rubber or plastics, which fundamentally alters the yarn's properties. Additionally, finished articles like elastic bands or bungee cords might be incorrectly classified here if they are already in their final form and not merely the raw material for further manufacturing; finished articles would typically fall under headings like 6212 (for elastic garments) or 6307 (for other made-up articles).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 5604 in UN Comtrade data were China ($388M, 45% of world exports), Italy ($85M) and France ($71M). World exports came to about $857M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 5604 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $59M, 8.8% of world imports), the United States ($45M) and Romania ($45M). World imports came to about $667M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 5604 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 56 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (56) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.