EDANA Warns on Misclassification of PET Spunbond Imports in EU

EDANA has issued a reminder to industry stakeholders about compliance with EU customs classification rules when importing nonwoven materials from countries outside the European Union. The association reports indications of widespread misclassification in the sector, which could result in legal and financial consequences for importers.

EDANA has urged its members and industry participants to ensure compliance with the European Union’s customs classification requirements for nonwoven imports originating from third countries. The organization said recent findings suggest a significant level of misclassification within the industry, raising concerns about potential legal and financial risks.

According to EDANA, specific customs codes were introduced in 2024 following collaboration with the European Union and the World Customs Organization. The codes — CN code 5603 14 20 and 5603 9420 — were created to improve monitoring of imports involving certain PET spunbond and staple fibre products.

Market intelligence cited by EDANA indicates that imports of these products from third countries ranged between 15,000 and 30,000 MT in 2024 and 2025. However, the volume of imports officially recorded under the newly introduced CN codes has been significantly lower.

“There is a clear mismatch between import volumes observed in the market and what is reported under the correct customs codes. Often, importers continue to use outdated customs codes as a matter of habit not paying due attention to changes of the Combined Nomenclature”, says Jacques Prigneaux from EDANA. “However, this is problematic, especially where certain products are subject to investigations by the EU authorities.”

To address the issue, EDANA has started an outreach initiative aimed at increasing awareness among its members. The association has also contacted the European Commission and customs authorities in EU member states to request stronger monitoring and verification of imports.

The organization noted that incorrect classification complicates the monitoring of import flows and may affect the ability to represent member interests. It also highlighted that customs authorities may impose additional duties, administrative fines, or criminal penalties when misclassification occurs.

“To avoid such unpleasant surprises, we recommend that all members and their supply chain regularly review and update their customs classification databases and also instruct their customs agents accordingly” adds Mr Prigneaux.

EDANA emphasized that awareness and compliance are particularly important in situations where imports fall under enhanced customs controls, including cases of import registration during anti-dumping investigations, or where products are covered by specific trade or regulatory regimes such as duty-free or reduced duty imports under preferential trade agreements.

Information on preferential trade regimes is available on the website of the European Commission, while product-specific guidance for imports into the EU can be accessed through the Access2Markets platform.

The association also noted that certain PET spunbond imports from China are currently subject to an EU anti-dumping investigation, with import registration introduced in December 2025.

The product covered by the investigation is defined as:
‘non woven needle-punched sheets of polyester filaments, whether or not reinforced by glass fibres, weighing more than 70 g/m², of a thickness exceeding 0.5 mm but not exceeding 1.8 mm, impregnated with one or more binders, containing less than 30% of glass fibres by weight, not coated or covered’.

All imports of these products must be classified under TARIC code 5603 1390 70, CN code 5603 14 20 or TARIC code 5603 1480 70.