HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4002.91 – Rubber; synthetic, n.e.c. in heading 4002, latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip

HS code 4002.91 is the 6-digit subheading for rubber, synthetic, n.e.c. in heading 4002, latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. It is used for styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex, polyisoprene latex, chloroprene rubber (CR) latex and acrylic rubber latex.

What HS 4002.91 covers

This HS code specifically covers synthetic rubber in latex form, which hasn't been elsewhere specified within heading 4002, traded in its primary state or as sheets or strips. Synthetic rubber latex is a critical raw material for industries requiring high-performance, consistent, and often specialized rubber properties not always achievable with natural latex. Key importers are typically manufacturers of dipped goods, adhesives, coatings, and textiles, found in countries like China, India, and Vietnam, where these industries are booming. Exporters are often chemical companies in industrialized nations such as the USA, Germany, and Japan, which possess advanced petrochemical infrastructure. Understanding the specific polymer type (e.g., SBR latex, NBR latex) and its intended application is crucial, as different synthetic latices offer varying resistances to oils, chemicals, and abrasion, impacting their value and trade flow. This trade underpins the production of a vast array of consumer and industrial goods, from gloves to carpet backings.

Covers
  • Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex
  • Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex
  • Polyisoprene latex
  • Chloroprene rubber (CR) latex
  • Acrylic rubber latex
  • Carboxylated SBR latex
  • Vinyl pyridine latex
Examples
  • BASF SBR latex
  • Trinseo NBR latex
  • Synthomer latex products
  • Dow Chemical synthetic latex

Codes often confused with 4002.91

Common mistake. This code is distinct from 400110 (natural rubber latex) and can be confused with other synthetic rubbers in solid form (e.g., 400299) if the "latex" characteristic is overlooked.

4001.10Rubber; natural rubber latex, whether or not pre-vulcanised, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip4002.99Rubber; synthetic, n.e.c. in heading 4002, (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip

Top exporters and importers of HS code 400291, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 400291 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 27% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $43M
  2. 2 Germany $17M
  3. 3 Italy $17M

World total: $120M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $17M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$13M
  3. 3 Italy $12M

Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 27% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $146M 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 4002.91

Brazil does not split HS 4002.91: its NCM code is 4002.91.00.

  1. 4002.91.00 Other synthetic rubber latexLátex

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 4002.91

What is HS code 400291?

HS code 400291 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rubber; synthetic, n.e.c. in heading 4002, latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This HS code specifically covers synthetic rubber in latex form, which hasn't been elsewhere specified within heading 4002, traded in its primary state or as sheets or strips. Synthetic rubber latex is a critical raw material for industries requiring high-performance, consistent, and often specialized rubber properties not always achievable with natural latex. Key importers are typically manufacturers of dipped goods, adhesives, coatings, and textiles, found in countries like China, India, and Vietnam, where these industries are booming. Exporters are often chemical companies in industrialized nations such as the USA, Germany, and Japan, which possess advanced petrochemical infrastructure. Understanding the specific polymer type (e.g., SBR latex, NBR latex) and its intended application is crucial, as different synthetic latices offer varying resistances to oils, chemicals, and abrasion, impacting their value and trade flow. This trade underpins the production of a vast array of consumer and industrial goods, from gloves to carpet backings.

What products fall under HS code 400291?

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex, Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex, Polyisoprene latex, Chloroprene rubber (CR) latex, Acrylic rubber latex, Carboxylated SBR latex, Vinyl pyridine latex

What are common misclassifications for HS code 400291?

This code is distinct from 400110 (natural rubber latex) and can be confused with other synthetic rubbers in solid form (e.g., 400299) if the "latex" characteristic is overlooked.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 400291?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 400291 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($43M, 36% of world exports), Germany ($17M) and Italy ($17M). World exports came to about $120M, 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 400291?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 400291 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 12% of world imports), Vietnam (about $13M) and Italy ($12M). World imports came to about $146M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 27% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

How is HS code 400291 structured?

HS code 400291 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 400291?

In Brazil, HS code 400291 is NCM 4002.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.