4009.12.00 - With fittings

This HTS category, 4009.12.00, specifically addresses tubes, pipes, and hoses made from vulcanized rubber, excluding hard rubber. The defining characteristic of this classification is the presence of fittings. These fittings can encompass a wide array of components designed to connect, adapt, or terminate the rubber tubing, such as joints, elbows, flanges, couplings, or adaptors.

This distinction is crucial when differentiating from its sibling category, 4009.11.00, which covers identical rubber tubes, pipes, and hoses but *without* any attached fittings. Therefore, the presence or absence of these connecting or terminating elements is the primary determinant for classifying goods under either 4009.12.00 or 4009.11.00.

Further subdivisions within this category, indicated by the subheadings 4009.12.00.20 and 4009.12.00.50, refine the classification based on the intended application. Subheading 4009.12.00.20 is reserved for brake hoses specifically designed for a range of vehicles, including certain tractors, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. The remaining products within this group, those not specifically designated as brake hoses for these vehicles, fall under the residual category of "Other" at subheading 4009.12.00.50.