Butyl Rubber Raw Material
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4002310000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002390000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016935020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4014901000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016931020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ͺ Butyl Rubber Raw Material (Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Butyl Rubber"?
Butyl Rubber (IIR), chemically known as Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber, is a unique synthetic rubber known for its excellent gas impermeability, heat resistance, and chemical stability. In international trade, it is primarily classified based on its form (raw material vs. finished article) and specific composition.
Key Distinction: * Raw Material (Granules/Powder): Uncured or partially cured rubber used as an ingredient for tire manufacturing, seals, or pharmaceutical stoppers. β Falls under Chapter 4002. * Finished Articles (Seals/Gaskets): Cured rubber products shaped for specific sealing functions. β Falls under Chapter 4016 or 4014.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is raw rubber (unvulcanized) βε½η±»ε½ε ₯ 4002.31.00.00 or 4002.39.00.00
- If the product is a finished seal (vulcanized, shaped) βε½η±»ε½ε ₯ 4016.93.50.20 or 4016.93.10.20
- If the product is a medical/pharmaceutical container stopper βε½η±»ε½ε ₯ 4014.90.10.00 (Special Case)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (China Origin β US) | Key Logic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4002.31.00.00 |
Isobutylene-isoprene (butyl) rubber, compounded | Raw material, compounded with additives, as per material classification | 35.0% | Base 0% + USITC 25% + IEEPA 10% |
4002.39.00.00 |
Other isobutylene-isoprene (butyl) rubber | Raw material, uncompounded or other categories | 35.0% | Base 0% + USITC 25% + IEEPA 10% |
4016.93.50.20 |
Other sealed articles, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber | Finished seals, gaskets, O-rings made from butyl rubber | 37.5% | Base 2.5% + USITC 25% + IEEPA 10% |
4014.90.10.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber, for medical/pharmaceutical use | Pharmaceutical stoppers, medical seals (specific inference logic) | 10.0% | Base 0% + USITC 0% + IEEPA 10% |
4016.93.10.20 |
Other sealed articles of vulcanized rubber | Other cured rubber seals, defined by shape/function | 37.5% | Base 2.5% + USITC 25% + IEEPA 10% |
π Key Reminder:
- Raw Rubber (4002): Always includes the 25% USITC and 10% IEEPA surcharges.
- Finished Seals (4016): Incur a 2.5% Base Duty plus the 25% USITC and 10% IEEPA.
- Medical/Pharma Items (4014): May qualify for 0% USITC if classified strictly under specific medical rubber articles, resulting in a significantly lower total rate.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4002.31.00.00 & 4002.39.00.00 ββ Butyl Rubber (Raw Material)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% (China-specific, under International Emergency Economic Powers Act) |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4002.31.00.00 / 4002.39.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Although the base duty is 0%, the 35% total effective rate is due to the combination of Section 301 tariffs and IEEPA measures.
- This applies to all raw butyl rubber imported from China, regardless of whether it is compounded or not.
π― 2. 4016.93.50.20 & 4016.93.10.20 ββ Finished Rubber Seals
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 37.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4016.93.50.20 / 4016.93.10.20 |
π Note:
- Finished seals are taxed higher than raw rubber due to the 2.5% base duty.
- The 25% USITC and 10% IEEPA still apply in full.
π― 3. 4014.90.10.00 ββ Special Case: Medical/Pharmaceutical Rubber Articles
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | 0.0% (Exempt under specific medical rubber classifications) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 10.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4014.90.10.00 |
π Strategic Advantage:
- If your butyl rubber product is specifically a medical stopper or pharmaceutical seal, it may be classified under 4014.90.10.00.
- This results in a massive 25% savings compared to raw rubber (35%) or general seals (37.5%).
- Requirement: Must provide strong evidence of medical/pharmaceutical application (e.g., FDA compliance documents, product specifications).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Butyl Rubber" or "Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber", vulcanization status, compound type. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Proves chemical composition and helps customs classify correctly. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show form: Granules/Powder (Raw) vs. Shaped Seals (Finished). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Butyl Rubber Raw Material" or "Vulcanized Rubber Seal". |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for confirming Chinese origin and applying surcharges. |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Optional but helpful for medical seals to prove compliance. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Raw vs. Cure: The Form Defines the Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Error Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Butyl Rubber Granules/Powder | 4002.31.00.00 or 4002.39.00.00 |
β Misdeclaring as "Seal" β Higher base duty? No, but risk of rejection if not shaped. |
| Cured O-Rings/Gaskets | 4016.93.50.20 or 4016.93.10.20 |
β Misdeclaring as "Raw Rubber" β Customs may reclassify and charge base duty. |
| Medical Plungers/Stopers | 4014.90.10.00 |
β Misdeclaring as "General Seal" β Pay 37.5% instead of 10%! |
| Mixed Shipment | Split Declaration | β Mixing raw and finished in one HS code β Audit risk. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Butyl Rubber for Tires | Use 4002.31.00.00 or 4002.39.00.00. Provide end-use proof if required. |
| Butyl Rubber Seals for Automotive | Use 4016.93.50.20. Ensure they are clearly "vulcanized" and "shaped". |
| Butyl Rubber for Medical Devices | STRONGLY RECOMMEND using 4014.90.10.00 to reduce tax to 10%. Provide FDA/CE medical device certification. |
| Unvulcanized vs. Vulcanized | If slightly processed but not fully cured, customs may still treat as raw (4002). Be precise in description. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tax (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4002.31.00.00 |
35.0% | No specific certification for raw | High due to 351 Section + IEEPA |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4014.90.10.00 |
10.0% | FDA/CE Medical Certification | Best for medical stops |
| π¨π³ China | 4002.31.00.00 |
5% | None | Low import duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4002.39.00.00 |
5.7% | REACH Compliance | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4002.31.00.00 |
5% | None | Low tariff |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest tariffs on Chinese butyl rubber due to trade tensions.
- Medical classification (4014.90.10.00) offers the best tax optimization for suitable products.
- Raw material (4002) is cheaper to import than finished seals (4016) in the US, despite having the same surcharges, because of the 2.5% base duty on seals.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring finished seals as raw rubber (4002)
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies, charges 2.5% base duty + back taxes + penalties.
β Error 2: Declaring medical stoppers as general seals (4016)
π Consequence: Pay 37.5% instead of 10% β Loss of $2,750 per $10,000 shipment!
β Error 3: Vague description "Rubber Product"
π Consequence: Customs delays, requests additional info, or assigns highest duty rate.
β Error 4: Ignoring IEEPA 10% surcharge
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties, resulting in fines and audits.
β Correct Practice:
"Butyl Rubber, Isobutylene-Isoprene, Unvulcanized, for Tire Manufacturing"
or
"Vulcanized Rubber Seal, Butyl, for Pharmaceutical Container, FDA Compliant"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Thousands!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Raw is 35%, Seal is 37.5%, Medical is 10%! Form matters!"
πΉ "Don't mix raw and finished, or you'll pay the base!"
πΉ "Medical proof = 27.5% Savings!"
π Pro Tip:
If your butyl rubber is sourced from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may be eligible for IEEPA Exemptions, reducing the total tax to 0%~5%.
Recommend pre-ruling application for complex products to avoid clearance risks.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact professional customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code pre-ruling
π Ensure your Butyl Rubber clears smoothly, saves costs, and maximizes profit!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.