Isobutene Isoprene Rubber (IIR) for Tires
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4005200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4005100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002390000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4008111000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002310000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR) for Tires | Butyl Rubber Classification Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for IIR Rubber
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is IIR?
Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR), commonly known as Butyl Rubber, is a synthetic copolymer of isobutene with a small amount of isoprene. It is renowned for its excellent gas impermeability, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. In the context of tires, IIR is primarily used for inner liners of tubeless tires and inner tubes, ensuring air retention and fuel efficiency.
In international trade, IIR is classified as a synthetic rubber in its primary form or unvulcanized mixed state. It is not yet a finished tire part but a raw material or semi-finished product used in rubber compounding.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Unvulcanized/Primary Form: Raw rubber, lumps, granules, or plates β Classified under Chapter 40 (Rubber and Articles Thereof).
- Vulcanized/Finished Part: Ready-to-use inner liners or tubes β Classified under Chapter 40 or Chapter 87 (if ready for use).
Note: The provided data focuses on the unvulcanized/rubber material stage.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)
Based on the provided dataset, the following HS Codes are relevant for Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR) in its unvulcanized/mixed form:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability & Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
4005.20.00.00 |
Unvulcanized Rubber, Mixed with Other Substances | Specifically covers IIR. The summary states it "belongs to rubber material" and corresponds to "unvulcanized mixed rubber, including primary forms of this synthetic rubber." |
4005.10.00.00 |
Unvulcanized Rubber, Not Mixed with Other Substances | Covers Isobutene isoprene (butyl) rubber (IIR) as a synthetic rubber in its original or plate/block form without additives. |
4002.39.00.00 |
Other Synthetic Rubber (Other than SBR, BR, CR) | Matches IIR material precisely. The summary notes: "Product name and classification fully match; material (IIR) is consistent with the category." |
4008.11.10.00 |
Other Plates, Sheets, or Strip of Vulcanized Rubber | Note: While the summary says "IIR belongs to synthetic rubber... inferred as primary form (raw material)," this code usually refers to vulcanized rubber sheets. However, the provided data links it to IIR's chemical composition attribute for primary form. |
4002.31.00.00 |
Other Synthetic Rubber (Latex) | The summary states: "The material in the product name (IIR) is completely consistent with the target code's material." (Often used for latex forms of IIR). |
π Critical Insight:
- All listed codes result in the same total tax rate in the provided data.
- The key is ensuring the product description explicitly states "Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR)" or "Butyl Rubber" to avoid misclassification under general rubber codes.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates based on provided data
π― 1. All IIR Codes (4005.20.00.00, 4005.10.00.00, 4002.39.00.00, 4008.11.10.00, 4002.31.00.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (USITC Footnote for Chinese-origin synthetic rubber) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% (Targeting Chinese/ Hong Kong products under International Emergency Economic Powers Act) |
| Total Duty Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High duty rate prevents de minimis exemption for low-value shipments) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4005/4002 β Section 301: 25% β IEEPA Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- "Base Duty 0%": IIR is not subject to standard MFN tariffs.
- "Section 301 25%": Part of the US-China trade war tariffs on synthetic rubber products.
- "Section 122 10%": Additional tariff on Chinese goods under specific emergency powers.
- Total 35%: This is a significant cost factor. Importers must budget for this high effective duty rate.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR)" and "Butyl Rubber". Include chemical composition (e.g., Butadiene content if any, though IIR is low-butadiene). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical substances. Confirms no hazardous additives that might change classification. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Must be from China. Required to apply Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs. If originating from elsewhere, rates may differ. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Unvulcanized IIR Rubber for Tire Inner Liner Production". Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Material." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify weight, quantity, and packaging type (e.g., bales, drums). |
| β Import License (if applicable) | βοΈ | Check if specific rubber import licenses are required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βBe Specific, State Form, Avoid βRubberβ Alone!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Raw IIR Granules | "Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR), Unvulcanized, Synthetic, for Tire Inner Liner" | "Rubber Granules" |
| IIR Sheets | "Unvulcanized Butyl Rubber Sheets, IIR, Synthetic" | "Rubber Sheets" |
| Mixed with Carbon Black | "Unvulcanized Mixed IIR Rubber, Synthetic" | "Compound Rubber" |
π Warning:
- Do not use generic terms like "Synthetic Rubber" without specifying IIR/Butyl.
- Ensure the HS Code matches the physical form (unvulcanized vs. vulcanized). The provided data assumes unvulcanized/mixed forms.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Tire Liner Material | Provide customer purchase orders and technical specs to prove intended use (tire manufacturing). |
| Import from Non-China Origin | If IIR is sourced from Malaysia, Germany, or USA, Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) may not apply. Verify origin carefully. |
| Blended Rubber | If IIR is mixed with natural rubber or other synthetics, ensure the primary material is correctly identified to select the right 4002 or 4005 subheading. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Certifications | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4005.20.00.00 / 4002.39.00.00 |
35% (25% Sec 301 + 10% Sec 122) | None Specific | High duty due to trade policies. |
| π¨π³ China | 4005.20.00.00 |
0% - 5% | N/A | Low import duty for raw materials. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4005.20 / 4002.39 |
0% - 1% | REACH Compliance | No major additional tariffs. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4005.20 / 4002.39 |
0% - 3% | JIS Standards | Favorable tariffs for synthetic rubber. |
| π°π· South Korea | 4005.20 / 4002.39 |
0% (under KORUS/FTA) | KC Certification | FTA benefits may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for IIR imports due to 35% total duty.
- EU, Japan, and Korea offer near-zero or low tariffs.
- Consider supply chain diversification if importing to the US to mitigate high tariff costs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Natural Rubber"
π Consequence: Misclassification β Penalties + Back Taxes. IIR is synthetic.
β Error 2: Using "Vulcanized Rubber" for Unvulcanized IIR
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code (e.g., 4008 vs 4005) β Customs Delay + Inspection.
β Error 3: Omitting "Isobutene-Isoprene" in Description
π Consequence: CBP may classify under general synthetic rubber codes with higher scrutiny or different rates.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties β Seizure or Fines. The 10% IEEPA tariff is critical for Chinese goods.
β Correct Practice:
"Unvulcanized Isobutene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR), Synthetic, Butyl Rubber, for Tire Inner Liner Production, HS Code 4005.20.00.00, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Efficiency
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "IIR is Synthetic, Not Natural!"
πΉ "Unvulcanized Forms Fall under 4005/4002!"
πΉ "US Tariff is 35%: Plan Your Budget!"
πΉ "Specify 'Butyl Rubber' to Avoid Misclassification!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your IIR is shipped from a third country (e.g., Malaysia) and substantially transformed, it may not be subject to US Section 301/122 tariffs.
- Always apply for an Advance Ruling from US CBP if your product form is unique (e.g., pre-compounded IIR masterbatches).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Verify Origin
π Optimize Your Supply Chain to Navigate High Tariffs!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!
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.