Natural Rubber Foam
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4008111000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4008115000 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4006901000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4006905000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4005910000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Natural Rubber Foam Articles (Cellular Rubber)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Natural Rubber Foam"?
Natural Rubber Foam, technically referred to in customs terminology as "Cellular Rubber of Natural Rubber," is not a single commodity but a base material state. Its HS Code classification depends entirely on the final application and specific use case of the article.
In international trade, "Cellular Rubber" (Foam) is treated differently from solid rubber. It includes products with open or closed cells, such as mats, vibration dampeners, cushions, and mattress cores.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is raw foam sheets/blocks or generic parts β Often falls under 4016.
- If the product is a finished consumer good (like a mattress or cushion) β Falls under Chapter 94.
- "Hard Rubber" (Ebonite) is excluded. This guide only covers vulcanized cellular rubber.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided data, Natural Rubber Foam is classified into two main categories: General Rubber Articles and Bedding/Furnishing.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material State |
|---|---|---|---|
4016.10.00.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Of cellular rubber | Generic foam parts, gaskets, mats, industrial liners, raw foam sheets (if not specified as bedding) | β Cellular (Foam) |
4016.99.30.00 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Other: Other: Of natural rubber: Vibration control goods of a kind used in the vehicles of headings 8701 through 8705 | Auto vibration dampeners, engine mounts, rubber foam bushings for trucks/cars | β Cellular (Foam) |
9404.21.00.13 |
Mattress supports; articles of bedding...: Mattresses: Of cellular rubber or plastics... Of a width exceeding 91 cm, length exceeding 184 cm, and depth exceeding 8 cm | Large foam mattresses (King/Queen size standard dimensions) | β Cellular (Foam) |
9404.90.96.36 |
Mattress supports; articles of bedding...: Other: Other: Other With outer shell of other textile materials: Other | Foam cushions, pillows, pouffes, or non-mattress foam bedding items with textile covers | β Cellular (Foam) |
π Critical Note:
- General Foam Parts: If the natural rubber foam is used for industrial purposes (not bedding, not auto parts), it falls under 4016.10.00.00.
- Auto Parts: If specifically for vehicle vibration control, it has a dedicated sub-category under 4016.99.30.00.
- Bedding: If it's a mattress or cushion, it must be declared under Chapter 94, not Chapter 40. Misclassification here leads to severe penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4016.10.00.00 ββ Cellular Rubber Articles (General)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Explanation:
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the Section 301 tariff of 25% is applied to all cellular rubber articles from China.
- This is a high-risk category for customs audits because "cellular rubber" can sometimes be confused with plastics. Ensure proper material declaration.
π― 2. 4016.99.30.00 ββ Natural Rubber Vibration Control Goods (Auto Parts)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Explanation:
- Specific to vehicle vibration control.
- Must provide proof of use (e.g., installation manuals, BOMs linking to vehicles in HS 8701-8705).
- If not clearly for auto use, customs may reclassify to 4016.99 (general rubber), which still has 25% but lacks the specificity.
π― 3. 9404.21.00.13 ββ Cellular Rubber Mattresses (Large Size)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Available (if < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9404.21.00.13 |
π Explanation:
- ZERO TARIFF! This is a highly favorable classification.
- Strict Conditions: Width > 91 cm, Length > 184 cm, Depth > 8 cm.
- If dimensions are smaller, it may fall under a different subheading with different rates.
- Warning: Only applies to mattresses, not cushions or pillows.
π― 4. 9404.90.96.36 ββ Other Bedding Articles (Cushions/Pillows with Textile Shell)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Available (if < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9404.90.96.36 |
π Explanation:
- Covers cushions, pillows, pouffes made of cellular rubber.
- Condition: Must have an outer shell of textile material (e.g., fabric cover).
- If the foam is exposed (no textile cover), it might be classified differently.
- Like the mattress, this is 0% tariff, making it very competitive.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Natural Rubber Foam" or "Cellular Rubber". |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Proof that it is Natural Rubber (not Synthetic/SBR/Neoprene). Synthetic foam may have different 301 rates. |
| β Dimensions List | βοΈ | Critical for Mattresses/Cushions. If you declare 9404.21, you must prove dimensions > 91x184x8 cm. |
| β Usage Declaration | βοΈ | For 4016.99.30.00, you must declare "For Vehicle Vibration Control". Provide OEM drawings if possible. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code precisely (e.g., "Natural Rubber Foam Mattress, King Size"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show individual items clearly. Do not mix auto parts with bedding. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ "Use Defines HS Code: Auto Parts are Rubber, Bedding is Furnishing!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Vibration Dampener | 4016.99.30.00 |
If declared as general rubber (4016.99), still 25%, but audit risk increases. |
| Generic Foam Sheet/Gasket | 4016.10.00.00 |
If declared as mattress, rejected. |
| Foam Mattress (Large) | 9404.21.00.13 |
0% Tariff. Do not declare as 4016 (25% Tariff)! Huge savings. |
| Foam Pillow (Textile Cover) | 9404.90.96.36 |
0% Tariff. Do not declare as 4016 (25% Tariff)! |
| Foam Pillow (No Cover/Exposed) | Likely 4016.99.99 or similar |
May incur 25% tariff. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment (Auto Parts + Mattresses) | DO NOT MIX. Declare separately. Mixing causes customs hold and reclassification. |
| Synthetic vs. Natural Rubber | If the foam is Synthetic (e.g., SBR, NBR), it may NOT qualify for 4016.99.30.00 (which specifies "Of natural rubber"). It would fall under 4016.99.99 or other subheadings, potentially with higher 301 tariffs. |
| Mattress Dimensions Slightly Smaller | If width < 91 cm, 9404.21.00.13 is invalid. Check other 9404.21 subheadings. Some may have 0% or low rates; others may have higher. |
| "Other" Bedding Items | If itβs a foam toy or non-bedding item, it does not qualify for Chapter 94 0% rates. It falls back to Chapter 40 (25%). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Foam Article) | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.10.00.00 / 9404.21.00.13 |
0%~25% | N/A | 0% for Bedding (9404), 25% for Rubber (4016). Critical distinction. |
| π¨π³ China | 4016.10.00.00 |
0% | N/A | No import tariff for rubber foam. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4016.10.00 |
0% | REACH | Generally low tariff for natural rubber foam. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4016.10.00 |
5% | N/A | Standard MFN rate. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4016.10.00 |
0% | N/A | Free trade agreement benefits may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most complex market due to the Section 301 tariff.
- Bedding items (Chapter 94) are significantly cheaper (0%) than general rubber articles (Chapter 40, 25%).
- Always aim for Chapter 94 classification if the product is for bedding, but ensure strict compliance with dimension and material descriptions.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Foam Mattress as 4016.10.00.00 (Rubber Article)
π Result: Pay 25% tariff instead of 0%. Loss of profit!
β Error 2: Declaring a Natural Rubber Auto Part as 4016.99.99 (General)
π Result: While rate might be similar, customs may reject it for lacking "Vibration Control" documentation, causing delays.
β Error 3: Confusing Synthetic Foam with Natural Rubber Foam
π Result: 4016.99.30.00 requires Natural Rubber. If itβs synthetic, you lose this specific code and may face higher rates or different regulatory requirements.
β Error 4: Ignoring Dimensions for Mattresses
π Result: If a "King Size" mattress is 10 cm thick (depth < 8 cm), it fails 9404.21.00.13. It may fall under a less favorable subheading.
β Correct Approach:
"Natural Rubber Cellular Rubber Mattress, King Size, 10cm Depth, 150cm Width, 200cm Length, with Cotton Cover"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Ensure Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Bedding is Chapter 94 (0%), Rubber is Chapter 40 (25%). Auto Parts need Proof. Synthetic is NOT Natural!"
πΉ "Dimensions Matter for Mattresses. HS Code is Life, Wrong Code is Fine (Money)!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is Natural Rubber Foam but you are unsure whether it falls under 4016 or 9404, prioritize 9404 if itβs for human use (bedding/cushioning) because of the 0% tariff advantage. However, ensure the description explicitly mentions "Bedding," "Mattress," or "Cushion" and provides textile cover details if applicable.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with exact dimensions and material composition.
π Apply for Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) if the shipment value is high.
π¦ Label products clearly as "Natural Rubber Foam" and "For Bedding" to support your 9404 classification.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff saved is pure profit!
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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.