Rubber Plasticizer Granules
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4002490000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002990000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4003000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002190019 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4004000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Rubber Plasticizer Granules (Rubber Additives)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Rubber Plasticizer Granules"?
In the international rubber industry, "Rubber Plasticizer Granules" are not a single chemical entity but a functional category of additives used to soften rubber compounds, improve processability, and reduce stiffness. However, for customs purposes, the chemical composition (material) and physical state (granular/pellet form) dictate the HS Code classification strictly.
The term "Plasticizer" in trade often overlaps with Synthetic Rubber, Recycled Rubber, or specific polymers like Chlorinated Rubber. Customs authorities do not classify based on the functional intent (i.e., "it's used as a plasticizer") but on the intrinsic nature of the product.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the granules are made from new synthetic polymers (like Chloroprene), they fall under Ch. 40.02.
- If the granules are made from scrap/reclaimed rubber, they fall under Ch. 40.03 or 40.04.
- If the granules are a specific polymer like Chlorinated Rubber, they fall under Ch. 40.02.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
Since the input "Rubber Plasticizer Granules" is ambiguous regarding the exact chemical base, we must map it to the specific HS Codes provided in the data set. The classification depends entirely on the Material Composition listed in your commercial invoice.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Material Basis | Physical Form | Key Identifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4002.49.00.00 |
Chlorinated Rubber Granules | Chloroprene Rubber (CR) | Granules | Contains Chlorine; often used as a plasticizer/additive in other rubbers. |
4002.99.00.00 |
Other Synthetic Rubber Granules | Synthetic Rubber | Granules | Any synthetic rubber not specifically listed elsewhere (e.g., SBR, NBR pellets). |
4003.00.00.00 |
Reclaimed Rubber Granules | Reclaimed/Regenerated Rubber | Granules | Made from reprocessed scrap rubber; high plasticity. |
4002.19.00.19 |
Synthetic Rubber Granules | Rubber (Synthetic) | Granules | General synthetic rubber pellets/pellets. |
4004.00.00.00 |
Rubber Waste & Scrap Granules | Regenerated Rubber from Scrap | Granules | Derived from waste/shavings; often used as filler/plasticizer. |
π How to Choose the Correct Code?
- Check the MSDS/SDS: Is it "Chlorinated Rubber"? β Use4002.49.00.00.
- Check the Source: Is it "New Synthetic Rubber" (e.g., SBR/BR)? β Use4002.99.00.00or4002.19.00.19.
- Check the Origin: Is it "Recycled/Scrap"? β Use4003.00.00.00(if reclaimed) or4004.00.00.00(if waste).
π° III. 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Imports from China)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Ongoing (Section 301 & IEEPA Measures)
All HS Codes provided in the data share the same total tax burden. This is a critical insight for budgeting.
π― 1. All Listed HS Codes (4002.49, 4002.99, 4003.00, 4002.19, 4004.00)
| Item | Content | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% | The base ad valorem duty for most rubber goods under Chapter 40 is often 0%. |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% | Added tariff under US Trade Act Section 301 (Targeting China). |
| IEEPA 122 Clause | +10.0% | Additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (122 Clause). |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% | Sum of all duties. |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% | Duty is calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight value. |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No | Cannot use $800 de minimis exemption if consolidated with other goods; high duty risks. |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
Reference for audit purposes. |
π Explanation:
- "Basic Tariff 0%": The WTO bound rate or MFN rate is zero.
- "Add-on Tariff 25%": This is the standard "China Tariff" rate for Chapter 40 goods under Section 301.
- "122 Clause 10%": This is an additional surcharge applied to specific Chinese goods under IEEPA authority.
- Result: Regardless of whether your "plasticizer" is new synthetic rubber or reclaimed rubber, if it falls under these codes and originates from China, the landed duty cost is 35%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | β Mandatory | Proves chemical composition (e.g., is it Chlorinated Rubber? Is it pure Synthetic?). |
| Commercial Invoice | β Mandatory | Must clearly state: "Rubber Granules, Material: [Specific Type], HS Code: [XXXX.XX.XX.XX]". |
| Certificate of Origin | β Mandatory | To verify Chinese origin (triggering the 35% tariff). |
| Product Photos | β Recommended | Show granule/pellet form to distinguish from sheets or blocks. |
| Formula/Composition List | β Recommended | If classified as "Reclaimed Rubber" (4003), proof of reprocessing is needed. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Form is Pellet, Function is Plasticizer, BUT Material Dictates the Code!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Granules made from Chloroprene | 4002.49.00.00 |
Specific subheading for Chlorinated/Chloroprene rubber. |
| Granules made from General Synthetic Rubber (e.g., SBR) | 4002.99.00.00 |
"Other" synthetic rubber falls here. |
| Granules made from Scrap/Waste | 4004.00.00.00 |
Explicitly for waste and scrap of rubber. |
| Granules made from Reclaimed Rubber | 4003.00.00.00 |
Regenerated rubber from vulcanized scrap. |
β οΈ Warning: Do NOT classify as "Chemicals" (Chapter 38) or "Additives" (Chapter 39) unless they are non-rubber organic chemicals. Rubber-based plasticizers almost always fall under Chapter 40. Misclassification can lead to audits and penalties.
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Containers | If you ship Rubber Granules with Non-Rubber goods, ensure the rubber part is clearly separated and declared under its specific HS Code. The 35% applies only to the rubber value. |
| Private Label/OEM | Ensure the supplier declares the correct material. "Rubber Plasticizer" is a functional name; Customs looks for the chemical name. |
| Pre-shipment Inspection | For 4004.00.00.00 (Waste/Scrap), some US ports may require additional phytosanitary or environmental checks. Confirm with the port of entry. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2024/2025)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4002.99.00.00 (Example) |
35% (0% + 25% + 10%) | None specific for rubber, but MSDS required. | High Duty. Budget 35% landed cost. |
| π¨π³ China | 4002.99.00.00 |
0% (Export) / Varies (Import) | CCC (if applicable) | Domestic trade is duty-free. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4002.99.00 |
0% (Most FTA partners) | REACH Registration | Critical: Must comply with EU REACH for chemical substances. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4002.99.00 |
0% (Under ChAFTA) | None specific | Free trade agreement benefits apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4002.99.00 |
0% (Under JETP) | JIS Standard (Optional) | Low barrier if origin is certified. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market due to the 35% effective duty rate.
- EU, Japan, and Australia offer much better tariff conditions (often 0%), but have stricter chemical compliance (REACH in EU).
- Always verify if your specific "plasticizer" contains restricted substances (e.g., PAHs in rubber).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Rubber Plasticizers under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
π Consequence: Rubber (Ch. 40) is distinct from Plastics (Ch. 39). Misclassification leads to penalty and re-assessment.
π Correct: Always Ch. 40 for rubber-based products.
β Error 2: Using vague descriptions like "Rubber Powder" for Granules.
π Consequence: Customs may suspect "Rubber Waste" (4004) which has different scrutiny, or "Granules" which implies a specific manufacturing process.
π Correct: Use "Rubber Granules/Pellets, Material: [Specific Type]".
β Error 3: Ignoring the 122 Clause (10%) in cost calculation.
π Consequence: Underestimating landed cost by 10%. The base Section 301 is 25%, plus 10% = 35%.
π Correct: Budget for 35% total duty for US imports from China.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Rubber Plasticizer Granules, Synthetic Chloroprene Rubber, Pellet Form, HS Code 4002.49.00.00, Origin China."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Material First, Function Second. Rubber Granules? Check Ch. 40!"
πΉ "US Market? 35% Duty is Real (0+25+10). EU/Japan? 0% but Watch REACH!"
π Pro Tip:
If your "Rubber Plasticizer" is actually a chemical ester (non-rubber), it might fall under Chapter 38. However, based on the provided data, all options are Ch. 40.
Action:
1. Confirm the Material Composition (Chlorinated? Synthetic? Reclaimed?).
2. Select the Exact HS Code from the table above.
3. Calculate 35% Duty for US shipments.
4. Ensure MSDS is ready for customs inspection.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Landed Cost Depends on the First Line of the Invoice!
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.