4009.42.00 - With fittings

This HTS category, 4009.42.00, specifically covers tubes, pipes, and hoses manufactured from vulcanized rubber, excluding hard rubber. A key defining characteristic of this classification is the presence of fittings attached to the rubber product. These fittings can encompass a wide range of components such as couplings, connectors, flanges, elbows, or any other accessories that facilitate the connection or integration of the hose into a system. The rubber component itself may also be reinforced or combined with other materials, such as textiles, metal wire, or plastics, to enhance its strength, flexibility, or resistance to specific environments or pressures.

This category is distinct from its sibling, 4009.41.00.00, which covers similar rubber tubes, pipes, and hoses but explicitly excludes any attached fittings. Therefore, the presence or absence of these connecting elements is the primary differentiator at this level of classification. Goods falling under 4009.42.00.00 are specifically identified by the integrated nature of their fittings, signifying their ready-to-connect functionality.

The subcategories within 4009.42.00 further refine the classification based on the intended application of the fitted rubber hoses. 4009.42.00.20 is reserved for brake hoses designed for specific types of vehicles, highlighting a specialized use case. The residual category, 4009.42.00.50, encompasses all other fitted rubber tubes, pipes, and hoses that do not meet the specific criteria for brake hoses, providing a general classification for the remaining diverse applications.