SBR Rubber Additive
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4005910000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4008294000 | 37.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4008210000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002190015 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4005990000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ SBR Rubber Additive (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professionalιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "SBR Rubber Additive"?
In the international trade of rubber and plastic materials, SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is the most widely used synthetic rubber. However, the term "SBR Rubber Additive" is often a misnomer in customs declarations. It usually refers to either: 1. Raw Material: The SBR rubber itself (latex or blocks), used as a base material for further processing. 2. Pre-compounded/Unvulcanized Product: Semi-finished forms (sheets, strips, granules) of SBR that are not yet chemically hardened (vulcanized). 3. Vulcanized Semi-finished Product: SBR that has already undergone partial curing into sheets or strips for industrial use.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Unvulcanized (Raw/Semi-finished): Classify based on form (latex, blocks, sheets).
- Vulcanized (Finished/Semi-finished): Classify based on shape (sheets, strips, etc.).
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring "Additive" instead of the actual material state can lead to 25-45% tariff differences and customs detention.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, here are the precise HS Codes for SBR-related products, categorized by state of vulcanization and form.
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Applicable Scenario | State of Vulcanization | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4002.19.00.15 |
SBR Core Raw Material: Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, primary form, latex/emulsion | Raw material import, stockpiling for manufacturing | Unvulcanized | 35.0% |
4005.91.00.00 |
SBR Unvulcanized Sheets/Strips: Plate, strip, or sheet form, unvulcanized | Pre-cut raw material shapes for molding | Unvulcanized | 35.0% |
4005.99.00.00 |
Other Unvulcanized SBR: Other forms of unvulcanized synthetic rubber (catch-all) | Granules, powder, or other non-latex unvulcanized forms | Unvulcanized | 35.0% |
4008.21.00.00 |
Vulcanized SBR Sheets/Strips: Plate, strip, sheet form, vulcanized | Industrial semi-finished goods, already cured | Vulcanized | 35.0% |
4008.29.40.00 |
Other Vulcanized SBR: Other industrial forms, vulcanized | Complex shapes, specific industrial molds, vulcanized | Vulcanized | 37.9% |
π Key Note:
- "Additive" is not an HS Code. If you are importing actual additives (like carbon black, sulfur, accelerators), they fall under different chapters (e.g.,3824).
- The codes above are for SBR Rubber itself, whether raw or semi-finished. If your product is just an additive mixed with SBR, clarify if it's a compound (still SBR chapter) or a chemical additive (Chapter 38).
- Tax rates vary significantly: Unvulcanized forms are generally 35%, while certain vulcanized forms can be 37.9%.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. Unvulcanized SBR Rubber (4002.19.00.15, 4005.91.00.00, 4005.99.00.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% (USITC Footnote for rubber products) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific provision for certain rubber goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (denied for Chinese-origin rubber products) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4005.91.00.00 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Base 0%: SBR rubber has a low base duty.
- 301 Tariff (+25%): A major trade war tariff applied to many Chinese manufactured and semi-manufactured goods.
- 122 Tariff (+10%): A specific additional duty on certain rubber products to protect domestic industries.
- Total 35%: This is a high tariff burden. Must be factored into your landed cost.
π― 2. Vulcanized SBR Rubber (4008.21.00.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4008.21.00.00 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π― 3. Other Vulcanized SBR Rubber (4008.29.40.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4008.29.40.00 β Base: 2.9% β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- This code (4008.29.40.00) has a non-zero base tariff (2.9%), making the total rate 2.9% higher than other SBR codes.
- Use this code only if the product does not fit the specific "sheet/strip" descriptions of4008.21.00.00.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Material Composition (100% SBR or % blend), Vulcanization State (Unvulcanized/Vulcanized), Form (Latex, Block, Sheet, Strip, Granule). |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ Strongly Recommended | Due to the complexity of "Additive" vs. "Raw Material," apply for a pre-ruling with CBP to avoid delays. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) β Unvulcanized β Latex" or "Vulcanized SBR Sheets". Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Additive" if it's actually the rubber itself. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove origin from China (triggers tariffs) or other countries (potential exemptions). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous material classification (SBR is generally non-hazardous, but confirm). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and packaging type. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "State Matters: Unvulcanized vs. Vulcanized"
"Form Matters: Latex vs. Sheet vs. Block"
"Avoid 'Additive' Unless It's Chemical"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Importing SBR Latex | 4002.19.00.15 - "SBR Latex, Unvulcanized" |
"Rubber Additive" | Misclassification β Audit/Seizure |
| Importing SBR Sheets (Unvulcanized) | 4005.91.00.00 - "SBR Sheets, Unvulcanized" |
"Rubber Sheets" | Ambiguous β Delay |
| Importing SBR Sheets (Vulcanized) | 4008.21.00.00 - "SBR Sheets, Vulcanized" |
"Rubber Sheets" | Rate Error β Over/Underpayment |
| Importing Actual Chemical Additives | 3824.99.92 (Example) |
4005... |
Wrong Chapter β Penalty |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Additive" is Actually a Compound | If it's a mix of SBR + Carbon Black + Oil, it's still Chapter 40. Declare as "SBR Compound" and use the appropriate HS code based on its form. |
| Mixed Shipments | If shipping both Raw SBR (4005) and Vulcanized SBR (4008), declare them on separate lines with different HS Codes to ensure accurate tax calculation. |
| Origin Non-China | If SBR is from Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia, you may qualify for zero additional tariffs (301/122). Ensure CO is valid and submitted. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | Not applicable for rubber products from China due to specific exclusions. Must file formal entry. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Taxes (China Origin) | Total Rate | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4005.91.00.00 / 4002.19.00.15 |
0% | 301: 25% + 122: 10% | 35.0% | None specific |
| πΊπΈ USA (Vulcanized) | 4008.29.40.00 |
2.9% | 301: 25% + 122: 10% | 37.9% | None specific |
| π¨π³ China | 4005.91.00.00 |
5-10% | None | ~5-10% | None |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4005.91.00.00 |
0% | None (if preferential) | 0% | REACH Compliance |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4005.91.00.00 |
3.2% | None | 3.2% | JIS Standards |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market for SBR rubber imports from China due to 35-37.9% total duties.
- EU and Japan are much more competitive, but require compliance with environmental standards (REACH, JIS).
- Supply Chain Strategy: Consider sourcing SBR from non-China countries (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia) to avoid the 35%+ US tariff if exporting to the US.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "SBR Additive" when importing Raw SBR Latex
π Consequence: HS Code mismatch β Customs query β 30-day delay β Storage fees.
β Error 2: Ignoring Vulcanization Status
π Consequence: Declaring vulcanized SBR as unvulcanized (or vice versa) β Wrong tax rate β Underpayment penalty.
β Error 3: Assuming "Additive" = Chapter 38
π Consequence: If the product is 90% SBR rubber, it belongs in Chapter 40. Misclassification leads to fraud allegations.
β Correct Approach:
"Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Unvulcanized, Latex Form, CAS No. 9003-55-8, For Tire Manufacturing"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Unvulcanized = 35%, Vulcanized = 35% or 37.9%."
πΉ "Base is 0%, but 301+122 make it 35%+."
πΉ "Don't say 'Additive' if it's the Main Material."
π Pro Tip:
If your SBR is originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you can avoid the 35% US tariff.
β
Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Request a Certificate of Origin from the supplier.
π Optimize Supply Chain: Source from non-China countries if importing to the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Cost Efficiency, and Zero Penalties!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tariff Counts in Your Profit Margin!
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.