HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4002.60 – Rubber; synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip

HS code 4002.60 is the 6-digit subheading for rubber, synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. It is used for IR bales, synthetic polyisoprene, IR sheets, IR compounds and IR pellets.

What HS 4002.60 covers

This HS code covers synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) in primary forms, such as bales, sheets, or strips. IR is a synthetic polymer designed to mimic the properties of natural rubber, offering excellent elasticity, resilience, and low heat buildup. It is a key material in the global trade for tire components, footwear, and various industrial rubber goods, often used as a substitute for or blended with natural rubber. Chemical manufacturers supply IR to tire giants and other rubber product fabricators. Its demand is closely linked to the automotive industry and the need for consistent, high-performance rubber materials, especially when natural rubber supply or price is volatile. Its purity and consistent quality are key advantages in trade.

Covers
  • IR bales
  • Synthetic polyisoprene
  • IR sheets
  • IR compounds
  • IR pellets
  • Tire tread material
  • Footwear soles material
Examples
  • Kuraray Isoprene Rubber
  • Goodyear Isoprene Rubber
  • Zeon IR
  • Surgical gloves (latex-free)
  • Tire sidewalls
  • Golf ball cores

Codes often confused with 4002.60

Common mistake. Frequently confused with natural rubber (4001) due to similar properties and applications, but IR is synthetic. Also, other synthetic rubbers like BR (400220) if the specific monomer isn't identified.

40.01Natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar gums; in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip4002.20Rubber; synthetic, butadiene rubber (BR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip

Top exporters and importers of HS code 400260, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 400260 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Russia* ~$355M
  2. 2 Japan $133M
  3. 3 China $96M

World total: $874M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $227M
  2. 2 Thailand $97M
  3. 3 Malaysia $68M

World total: $837M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 4002.60

Brazil does not split HS 4002.60: its NCM code is 4002.60.00.

  1. 4002.60.00 Isoprene rubber (IR)Borracha de isopreno (IR)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 40.02 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 4002.60

What is HS code 400260?

HS code 400260 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rubber; synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This HS code covers synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) in primary forms, such as bales, sheets, or strips. IR is a synthetic polymer designed to mimic the properties of natural rubber, offering excellent elasticity, resilience, and low heat buildup. It is a key material in the global trade for tire components, footwear, and various industrial rubber goods, often used as a substitute for or blended with natural rubber. Chemical manufacturers supply IR to tire giants and other rubber product fabricators. Its demand is closely linked to the automotive industry and the need for consistent, high-performance rubber materials, especially when natural rubber supply or price is volatile. Its purity and consistent quality are key advantages in trade.

What products fall under HS code 400260?

IR bales, Synthetic polyisoprene, IR sheets, IR compounds, IR pellets, Tire tread material, Footwear soles material

What are common misclassifications for HS code 400260?

Frequently confused with natural rubber (4001) due to similar properties and applications, but IR is synthetic. Also, other synthetic rubbers like BR (400220) if the specific monomer isn't identified.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 400260?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 400260 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $355M, 41% of world exports), Japan ($133M) and China ($96M). World exports came to about $874M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 400260?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 400260 in UN Comtrade data were China ($227M, 27% of world imports), Thailand ($97M) and Malaysia ($68M). World imports came to about $837M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 400260 structured?

HS code 400260 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 400260?

In Brazil, HS code 400260 is NCM 4002.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.