What is the HS code for natural rubber?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 40
HS chapter 40: Rubber and articles thereof
Section VII — Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof
Rubber and articles thereof encompass a wide variety of products, such as natural rubber sheets for manufacturing tires or synthetic rubber used in hoses. Importers and exporters dealing with these materials must accurately classify their goods to comply with trade regulations.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the product form and composition. For instance, if you have natural rubber in sheets, you would look at 4001. If it's synthetic, you would check 4002. Pay attention to the specific notes for each heading, as they outline exclusions and inclusions that can affect classification.
Next, narrow down to HS-6 by examining the specific use or treatment of the rubber. For example, if your product is a vulcanized rubber hose, you would refer to 4009. Each HS-4 heading has subcategories that clarify the end-use, so ensure you read the descriptions carefully to avoid confusion with similar products.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
natural rubber · synthetic rubber · vulcanized rubber · rubber sheets · rubber hoses · reclaimed rubber · rubber tires · rubber gloves · rubber products · compounded rubber · hard rubber · rubber articles · rubber tubes · rubber belts · rubber scrap · rubber accessories · rubber granules
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- HS code for natural rubber sheets
- importing synthetic rubber products
- classifying vulcanized rubber hoses
- requirements for rubber articles in trade
- notes on rubber product classifications
- determining vulcanization in rubber
- reclaimed rubber classification guidelines
- trade codes for rubber gloves and accessories
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Natural rubber sheets for tire production
- Synthetic rubber tubes for plumbing
- Vulcanized rubber conveyor belts for manufacturing
- Reclaimed rubber for recycling into new products
- Inner tubes for bicycles
- Hygienic rubber gloves for medical use
- Retreaded tires for vehicles
- Rubber gaskets for automotive applications
Common classification questions
How to classify synthetic rubber products?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the requirements for importing rubber articles?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Which HS-4 code applies to rubber hoses?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Are there specific notes for rubber classifications?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How to determine if rubber is vulcanized or unvulcanized?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of rubber are included in HS-40?
- HS-40 includes natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, and various rubber articles such as tires, hoses, and gloves.
- How do I find the right HS-4 code for my rubber product?
- Identify the product form and composition, then check the specific HS-4 headings that match your product's characteristics.
- What should I consider when classifying vulcanized rubber?
- Check the specific use and form of the rubber, as well as any relevant notes that might clarify its classification.
- Are there any exclusions in the rubber classifications?
- Yes, each HS-4 heading may have specific notes that outline exclusions or special conditions; review these carefully.
- How can I ensure compliance when importing rubber articles?
- Make sure to classify your goods accurately, check for any import regulations or duties, and consult with a customs broker if needed.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 40 (17)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
4001
Natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar gums; in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
4002
Synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip; mixtures of heading no. 4001 and 4002, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
4003
Reclaimed rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
4004
Waste, parings and scrap of rubber (other than hard rubber) and powders and granules obtained therefrom
4005
Compounded rubber, unvulcanised, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
4006
Unvulcanised rubber in other forms (e.g. rods, tubes and profile shapes) and articles (e.g. discs and rings)
4007
Vulcanised rubber thread and cord
4008
Plates, sheets, strip, rods and profile shapes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber
4009
Tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanised rubber (other than hard rubber), with or without their fittings (e.g. joints, elbows, flanges)
4010
Conveyor or transmission belts or belting, of vulcanised rubber
4011
New pneumatic tyres, of rubber
4012
Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps, of rubber
4013
Inner tubes, of rubber
4014
Hygienic or pharmaceutical articles (including teats), of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without fittings of hard rubber
4015
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts), for all purposes, of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber
4016
Articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, n.e.c. in chapter 40
4017
Hard rubber (e.g. ebonite) in all forms, including waste and scrap; articles of hard rubber
Browse first heading (HS-4 4001)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (4001). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.