HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 40.07 – Vulcanised rubber thread and cord
What HS 40.07 covers
Heading 4007 specifically covers vulcanised rubber thread and cord, a crucial classification for a range of industries that rely on elastic and durable components. The defining characteristic here is that the rubber has undergone vulcanisation, a process that improves its elasticity, strength, and resistance to temperature and chemicals, making it suitable for demanding applications. This heading encompasses both natural and synthetic vulcanised rubber in these specific linear forms. These threads and cords are typically used as intermediate materials, not as finished consumer products themselves. Key applications include the textile industry for manufacturing elastic bands, hosiery, and sportswear; medical applications for tubing and supports; and various industrial uses such as bungee cords, shock cords, and specialized strapping. The scope is narrow, focusing solely on thread and cord, which differentiates it from other rubber articles or raw rubber. Accurate classification under 4007 is essential for proper customs valuation, duty assessment, and compliance with product-specific regulations, particularly concerning material composition or safety standards for medical or textile uses. This heading reinforces Chapter 40's detailed breakdown of rubber forms and articles, highlighting the versatility and specialized applications of vulcanised rubber in its simplest processed forms.
- Covers
- Vulcanised natural rubber thread
- Vulcanised synthetic rubber thread
- Latex rubber thread
- Elastic rubber cord
- Bungee cord components (raw cord)
- Shock cord (raw cord)
- Rubber thread for hosiery
- Rubber thread for elastic bands
- Rubber cord for medical tubing components
- Rubber thread for weaving
- Rubber cord for garment waistbands
- Rubber thread for automotive seat covers
- Rubber thread for surgical stockings
- Rubber cord for fishing lures
- Rubber thread for textile reinforcement
- Rubber cord for camping equipment
- Industrial grade rubber thread
- Fine gauge rubber thread
- Heavy duty rubber cord
- Coated rubber thread (where rubber is essential character)
- Braided rubber cord (where core is rubber)
- Rubber thread for shoe laces
- Rubber thread for swimwear
- Rubber thread for elasticated cuffs
- Examples
A Vietnamese textile factory imports large spools of vulcanised natural rubber thread from Thailand for weaving into elastic waistbands for activewear and undergarments, shipped by ocean freight. A US medical device manufacturer procures thin vulcanised synthetic rubber cord from Germany for integration into sterile surgical equipment and elastic supports, often utilizing air freight for critical, high-value components. A Chinese garment producer exports rolls of vulcanised rubber thread to Bangladesh for the manufacture of various apparel items, leveraging regional trade agreements and efficient logistics networks. An Indian company imports specialized vulcanised rubber cord from Malaysia for the production of automotive seat components, ensuring a steady supply through established ocean routes.
Subheadings under 40.07 1
Codes often confused with 40.07
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs when traders confuse 4007 with textile products that incorporate rubber, such as 5604 (rubber thread covered with textile material) or 5906 (rubberised textile fabrics). The key distinction for 4007 is that it covers rubber thread and cord where the rubber is the primary material and essential character, not merely a coating or covering on a textile base. Another common mistake is classifying finished elastic bands or similar articles (which might fall under 4016 or even Chapter 60 if knitted) under 4007, overlooking that 4007 is specifically for the raw thread and cord, not the final article. Understanding the 'raw' or 'component' nature of the product versus a 'finished article' is crucial to avoid incorrect duty rates and compliance issues.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 4007, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 4007 in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% 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 Thailand $281M 44% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $138M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $137M 22% of world exports
World total: $637M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $244M 42% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$34M 5.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$30M 5.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $575M 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.
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.
Questions about HS 40.07
What is HS code 4007?
HS code 4007 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vulcanised rubber thread and cord. Heading 4007 specifically covers vulcanised rubber thread and cord, a crucial classification for a range of industries that rely on elastic and durable components. The defining characteristic here is that the rubber has undergone vulcanisation, a process that improves its elasticity, strength, and resistance to temperature and chemicals, making it suitable for demanding applications. This heading encompasses both natural and synthetic vulcanised rubber in these specific linear forms. These threads and cords are typically used as intermediate materials, not as finished consumer products themselves. Key applications include the textile industry for manufacturing elastic bands, hosiery, and sportswear; medical applications for tubing and supports; and various industrial uses such as bungee cords, shock cords, and specialized strapping. The scope is narrow, focusing solely on thread and cord, which differentiates it from other rubber articles or raw rubber. Accurate classification under 4007 is essential for proper customs valuation, duty assessment, and compliance with product-specific regulations, particularly concerning material composition or safety standards for medical or textile uses. This heading reinforces Chapter 40's detailed breakdown of rubber forms and articles, highlighting the versatility and specialized applications of vulcanised rubber in its simplest processed forms.
What products fall under HS code 4007?
Vulcanised natural rubber thread, vulcanised synthetic rubber thread, latex rubber thread, elastic rubber cord, bungee cord components (raw cord), shock cord (raw cord), rubber thread for hosiery, rubber thread for elastic bands, rubber cord for medical tubing components, rubber thread for weaving, rubber cord for garment waistbands, rubber thread for automotive seat covers, rubber thread for surgical stockings, rubber cord for fishing lures, rubber thread for textile reinforcement, rubber cord for camping equipment, industrial grade rubber thread, fine gauge rubber thread, heavy duty rubber cord, coated rubber thread (where rubber is essential character), braided rubber cord (where core is rubber), rubber thread for shoe laces, rubber thread for swimwear, rubber thread for elasticated cuffs
What are common misclassifications for HS code 4007?
Misclassification often occurs when traders confuse 4007 with textile products that incorporate rubber, such as 5604 (rubber thread covered with textile material) or 5906 (rubberised textile fabrics). The key distinction for 4007 is that it covers rubber thread and cord where the rubber is the primary material and essential character, not merely a coating or covering on a textile base. Another common mistake is classifying finished elastic bands or similar articles (which might fall under 4016 or even Chapter 60 if knitted) under 4007, overlooking that 4007 is specifically for the raw thread and cord, not the final article. Understanding the 'raw' or 'component' nature of the product versus a 'finished article' is crucial to avoid incorrect duty rates and compliance issues.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 4007?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4007 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($281M, 44% of world exports), Malaysia ($138M) and China ($137M). World exports came to about $637M, 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 4007?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4007 in UN Comtrade data were China ($244M, 42% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $34M) and Vietnam (about $30M). World imports came to about $575M, 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 4007 structured?
HS code 4007 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.