Natural rubber molded articles
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4011908050 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015900010 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4015900050 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011908010 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016993000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐งฑ Natural Rubber Molded Articles: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
๐ One, Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly Are "Natural Rubber Molded Articles"?
In international trade, Natural Rubber Molded Articles refer to products made from natural rubber (latex or gum rubber) that have been shaped, cured, or vulcanized into specific forms. They are distinct from raw latex or simple sheets.
Key Distinction Points: - Material: Must primarily consist of Natural Rubber (not synthetic blends like SBR or NBR, unless specified otherwise). - Form: Must be molded (shaped during manufacturing, e.g., seals, gaskets, mats, caps), not just cut or stitched. - Processing: Typically vulcanized (cured with sulfur) to achieve elasticity and durability. - Usage: General industrial, automotive, household, or specialized applications without conflict with specific "excluded" chapters.
โ ๏ธ Critical Classification Logic:
- If the article is a tire, it falls under Chapter 4011.
- If the article is other molded items (gaskets, seals, mats, etc.), it falls under Chapter 4016 or 4015, depending on specific material composition and use.
- Do not confuse with "Articles of Rubber and Plastics" (Chapter 39) or "Footwear" (Chapter 64).
๐ฆ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the applicable HS Codes for Natural Rubber Molded Articles imported into the United States.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Category |
|--------|--------------------------|----------|
| 4011.90.80.50 | Natural rubber molded articles, material is natural rubber, meets rubber product requirements, classified under "other" items. | General natural rubber molded parts (e.g., industrial seals, gaskets) | Other |
| 4015.90.00.10 | Natural rubber molded articles, material falls under vulcanized rubber category, shape is molded article, no specific use conflict. | Vulcanized rubber items (e.g., gloves, medical devices, industrial parts) | Other |
| 4015.90.00.50 | Natural rubber molded articles, material is natural rubber, shape is molded article, classified under "other" items. | Similar to 4015.90.00.10 but distinct sub-category for natural rubber specificities | Other |
| 4011.90.80.10 | Natural rubber molded articles, material is natural rubber, meets tire/other rubber product requirements, classified under "other" items. | Non-tire rubber products (e.g., conveyor belts, hose, other flexible rubber items) | Other |
| 4016.99.30.00 | Natural rubber molded articles, material is natural rubber, shape is molded article, belongs to vulcanized rubber products, classified under "other" items. | Broad category for other vulcanized rubber articles not elsewhere specified | Other |
๐ Important Note:
- All listed HS Codes apply to Natural Rubber.
- The term "Other" (ๅ ถไป็ฑป็ฎ) indicates these are residual categories for items not specifically named elsewhere in Chapters 4011โ4015.
- Vulcanization status is a key differentiator between 4015, 4016, and 4011.
๐ฐ Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges and Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: 2025+ (Current US-China Trade Policy Context)
๐ฏ 1. 4011.90.80.50 & 4011.90.80.10 โ Natural Rubber Molded Articles (General/Other)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No (Section 301 and 122 tariffs generally apply to all entries) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4011.90.80.50 โ Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 โ Section 122: IEEPA 9903.01.25 |
๐ Explanation:
- Base Tariff (3.4%): Standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate for rubber articles.
- Section 301 (25%): Additional tariff on Chinese goods under US Trade Act Section 301.
- Section 122 (10%): Additional 10% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, targeting countries with trade surpluses.
- Total: 38.4% is a high barrier for natural rubber products.
๐ฏ 2. 4015.90.00.10 & 4015.90.00.50 โ Vulcanized Rubber Molded Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 39.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4015.90.00.10 โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- Slightly higher base tariff (4.0%) compared to 4011 series.
- Same surcharges apply.
- Total 39.0% is the highest rate in this dataset.
๐ฏ 3. 4016.99.30.00 โ Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles (Natural Rubber)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4016.99.30.00 โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- Zero Base Tariff makes this the most favorable option among the listed codes.
- However, Section 301 and 122 surcharges still apply, bringing the total to 35.0%.
- Key Advantage: 3.4โ4.0% lower total tax compared to other codes.
๐ ๏ธ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must specify 100% natural rubber vs. synthetic blends. Include vulcanization details. |
| โ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | โ๏ธ | For chemical composition and handling instructions. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state: "Natural Rubber Molded Articles, HS Code [XX]". |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detailed weight and dimensions. |
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ | Essential for proving Chinese origin (triggers surcharges). |
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Show shape, texture, and any labels indicating material. |
| โ Vulcanization Report | โ๏ธ | Optional but helpful to prove curing process for 4015/4016 classification. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ "Material First, Shape Second, Surcharge Always!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Natural Rubber Molded | 4011.90.80.50 or 4015.90.00.10 |
Misdeclare as synthetic โ 0% base but risk of fraud penalty |
| Vulcanized Rubber Articles | 4016.99.30.00 |
Declare as "rubber parts" without HS code โ Delayed clearance |
| Mixed Material (Natural + Synthetic) | Check percentage >50% natural | Overstate natural content โ Audit risk |
| Tires (Not Molded Articles) | 4011.10 etc. |
Misdeclare as "molded articles" โ Wrong classification |
โ 3. Special Cases and Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Parts | Provide customer design specs to prove "molded" nature. |
| Small Samples (< $800) | โ No De Minimis: Section 301 and 122 tariffs apply even to de minimis shipments from China. |
| Transshipment via Third Country | If rubber is from Malaysia/Indonesia but molded in China, Chinese origin applies. Surcharge still applies. |
| Hybrid Products (Rubber + Metal) | If rubber is essential character, still Class 40. If metal dominates, Class 73/74. |
๐ Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4016.99.30.00 |
35.0% | None specific | Highest cost due to 301+122 |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4016.99.30.00 |
0% | None | No additional surcharges |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4016.99.30 |
0% | REACH + RoHS | No Section 301/122 |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 4016.99.30 |
0% | UKCA + REACH | Post-Brexit trade deals may apply |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 4016.99.30 |
0% | A-RS | No US-style surcharges |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for natural rubber molded articles from China due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%).
- Total tariff ranges from 35.0% to 39.0%, significantly impacting profitability.
- EU, UK, and Australia offer much lower or zero tariffs for these goods.
๐ Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring synthetic rubber as natural rubber
๐ Consequence: Misclassification, potential fraud penalty, and incorrect tariff application.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 surcharge
๐ Consequence: Underpayment by 10%, leading to back taxes + interest + penalties.
โ Mistake 3: Assuming de minimis exemption applies
๐ Consequence: All packages from China are subject to 301+122 tariffs, even small ones.
โ Mistake 4: Confusing "molded" with "cut" articles
๐ Consequence: Cut articles may fall under different HS codes (e.g., 4016.99.98), leading to errors.
โ Correct Practice:
"Natural Rubber Molded Gaskets, Vulcanized, HS Code 4016.99.30.00, Origin: China, Subject to 301 & 122 Tariffs"
๐ฏ Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Saving, Efficiency!
๐ฏ Remember the Mnemonics:
๐น "Natural Rubber + Molded = 35%โ39% in US"
๐น "Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) = 35%+ Total"
๐น "De Minimis Does Not Apply!"
๐น "Choose 4016.99.30.00 for Lowest Base (0%)!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your natural rubber articles can be classified under 4016.99.30.00, you save 3.4โ4.0% compared to other codes.
However, no tariff exemption exists for Chinese-origin natural rubber molded articles in the US.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a Customs Broker + Verify Material Composition + Apply for Advance Ruling
๐ Ensure Compliance, Avoid Penalties, Maximize Profit!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Percent of Tariff Impacts Your Bottom Line!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.