About HS Code 400121
This HS code specifically covers natural rubber in the form of smoked sheets, which are produced by coagulating latex, pressing it into sheets, and then drying and smoking them. This process gives the rubber its characteristic brown color and improves its preservation. Smoked sheets are a crucial raw material for industries manufacturing tires, conveyor belts, and other heavy-duty rubber products. International trade is driven by demand from automotive and industrial sectors, with major importers being countries with large manufacturing bases. Exporters are predominantly tropical nations where rubber trees are cultivated and processed. Key aspects include the grade of the smoked sheet (e.g., RSS1, RSS3), its elasticity, and purity. The EUDR tag highlights the increasing importance of sustainable sourcing and deforestation-free supply chains for this commodity.
Products Under This Code
Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS1), Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS3), Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS4), Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS5), natural rubber smoked sheets in bales, natural rubber smoked sheets in crates
Real World Examples
RSS3 natural rubber (e.g., from Sri Trang), RSS1 natural rubber (e.g., from Halcyon Agri), Smoked sheet rubber from Michelin's suppliers, Goodyear's raw material smoked sheets, Bridgestone's natural rubber sheets
Common Misclassification
This code is distinct from 400110 (natural rubber latex) due to its solid, sheet form, and from 400122 (technically specified natural rubber) which undergoes more rigorous processing and grading. The "smoked" characteristic is key.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Products Classified Under 4001.21
Industry
This code belongs to the Automotive & Vehicles industry.
Trade Overview
Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are the leading exporters, while China, India, and the USA are significant importers of natural rubber smoked sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 400121?
HS code 400121 covers: Rubber; natural (excluding latex), in smoked sheets. This HS code specifically covers natural rubber in the form of smoked sheets, which are produced by coagulating latex, pressing it into sheets, and then drying and smoking them. This process gives the rubber its characteristic brown color and improves its preservation. Smoked sheets are a crucial raw material for industries manufacturing tires, conveyor belts, and other heavy-duty rubber products. International trade is driven by demand from automotive and industrial sectors, with major importers being countries with large manufacturing bases. Exporters are predominantly tropical nations where rubber trees are cultivated and processed. Key aspects include the grade of the smoked sheet (e.g., RSS1, RSS3), its elasticity, and purity. The EUDR tag highlights the increasing importance of sustainable sourcing and deforestation-free supply chains for this commodity.
What products fall under HS code 400121?
Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS1), Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS3), Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS4), Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS5), natural rubber smoked sheets in bales, natural rubber smoked sheets in crates
What are common misclassifications for HS code 400121?
This code is distinct from 400110 (natural rubber latex) due to its solid, sheet form, and from 400122 (technically specified natural rubber) which undergoes more rigorous processing and grading. The "smoked" characteristic is key.
How is HS code 400121 structured?
HS code 400121 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.