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40
Tariff Chapter 40
Synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip; mixtures of any product of heading 4001 with any product of this heading, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
400219
Other
Duty:0%
What does heading 4002 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 4002 covers synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This heading is part of Chapter 40 covering rubber and articles thereof, one of the key industrial materials used in automotive, construction, medical and many other sectors. Customs duty rates generally range from 0% to 6.5% depending on processing level. Import requires REACH compliance declaration. Rubber products for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Medical rubber devices are subject to MDR Regulation (EU) 2017/745. Heading 4002 is part of Chapter 40 (plastics and rubber) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 4002 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 4002 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 4002
Heading 4002 covers synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. Customs duty rates generally range from 0% to 6.5% depending on processing level. Import requires REACH compliance declaration. Import of rubber and rubber articles requires REACH compliance declaration. Rubber products for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Correct classification under heading 4002 requires identification of rubber type and processing level. Check whether the product contains restricted substances (e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - PAHs). When importing goods under heading 4002 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 4002 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 4002 are subject to product safety compliance controls. Required documentation includes: EN standard conformity certificates, REACH documentation, food contact declarations. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 4002 — key considerations
Heading 4002 covers synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils in primary forms or in. Raw/primary rubber: headings 4001-4005. Finished rubber articles (hoses: 4009, belts: 4010, tyres: 4011-4013, hygienic: 4014/4015, other: 4016/4017) classified by article form. Key distinction: 4002 = rubber in RAW/PRIMARY form, 4006-4017 = finished articles. Rubber compounds: 4005.
Frequently asked questions
What duty rates apply to synthetic rubber (heading 4002)?
Imports of synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils in primary forms under heading 4002 are subject to duty rates from 0% to 2.9% in the EU customs tariff. This heading covers SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), BR (polybutadiene), EPDM, NBR (nitrile) and other synthetic rubbers. SBR is the most widely used synthetic rubber — for tyres, soles and drive belts. Mixtures with natural rubber are also classified under this heading. The specific rate depends on the polymer type and CN subheading. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and regulations govern the import of synthetic rubber into the EU?
Imports require a REACH declaration and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Products for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) 1935/2004. Synthetic rubbers for medical applications are subject to the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745. CLP labelling is mandatory for substances classified as hazardous. Some rubbers (e.g. containing certain plasticisers) are subject to REACH restrictions on substances of very high concern (SVHC). This applies to goods classified under heading 4002 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing synthetic rubber?
Synthetic rubber is supplied in bales, granules or liquid (latex) form. Bales require protection from contamination and moisture. Synthetic latex transported in tankers requires temperature control. Major producers include China, USA, Japan, Korea and Europe. Quality is assessed by residual monomer content, Mooney viscosity and molecular weight distribution. Prices are linked to the petrochemical market. Speciality rubbers (silicone, fluorocarbon) command significantly higher prices. This applies to goods classified under heading 4002 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
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