Gut-based articles — excluding silkworm gut — occupy a narrow but commercially distinct niche, with the US tariff schedule separating catgut articles by end use: surgical suture manufacturing (4206001300), racquet strings (4206001910), and other catgut articles (4206001930). Catgut destined for sterile surgical suture production is subject to FDA oversight as a medical device input, adding a regulatory layer beyond standard customs clearance. Goldbeater's skin, bladder, and tendon articles are grouped in the residual line 4206009000 and are rarely traded in significant volume.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Catgut classified under 4206001300 as an input for sterile surgical suture manufacturing is subject to FDA oversight as a medical device component. Importers should be prepared for FDA review at entry and should ensure that the foreign manufacturer meets applicable quality system requirements. Consulting a licensed customs broker or regulatory counsel familiar with medical device imports is advisable given the complexity of admissibility requirements.
Natural gut racquet strings made from catgut are classified under 4206001910 within Chapter 42. Synthetic racquet strings made from nylon, polyester, or other man-made fibers are classified in Chapter 56 or Chapter 39, depending on their material composition. The distinction is material-based, so the fiber content of the string must be confirmed before classification.
Subheading 1 of 1 in heading 4206
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 420600 — Articles of Gut, Goldbeater's Skin, Bladders & Tendons, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4206001910 | Raquet Strings, of Catgut | $144K | 11.01% | 100.00% | $16K |
| 4206001300 | Articles of Catgut, For Mfg of Sterile Surgical Sut | — | -- | -- | -- |
| 4206001930 | Articles of Catgut, NESOI | — | -- | -- | -- |
| 4206009000 | Oth Art of Gut, of Goldbeaters Skin, Bladders, Tendon | — | -- | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4206009000 | Oth Art of Gut, of Goldbeaters Skin, Bladders, Tendon | $226K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
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Low of 11 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to September 2026, the U.S. imported $2.5M of Articles of Gut, Goldbeater's Skin, Bladders & Tendons.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through September 2026 · imports 11 of 12 months reported, exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · September 2026
origin
customs district
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rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.