Product classification

HS code for Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex: 4002.51

Rubber, synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.

Classification of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex under HS 4002.51

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) in latex form is classified under HS code 4002.51. Like the solid form, it falls under Chapter 40 (Rubber) and Heading 4002 (Synthetic rubber). However, the Harmonized System distinguishes between the physical states of synthetic rubber. Subheading 4002.51 is specifically for NBR latex. Latex is defined as a colloidal dispersion of rubber particles in an aqueous medium. This classification is straightforward based on the physical state of the NBR at the time of import. The latex must be in its primary form, meaning it has not been further worked or compounded into finished articles. This classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, as the subheading text explicitly mentions 'latex.' It is essential for manufacturers of dipped goods, such as nitrile gloves, who import the raw liquid material for their production lines.

Covers
  • NBR latex (liquid dispersion)
  • Nitrile rubber latex
  • Acrylonitrile-butadiene aqueous dispersions
  • Pre-vulcanized NBR latex
  • Carboxylated NBR latex (XNBR)
Also under 4002.51
  • Synthos NBR Latex
  • Kumho NBR Latex
  • Zeon NBR Latex
  • Disposable nitrile gloves (e.g., Ansell)
  • Oil-resistant coatings

Codes often confused with 4002.51

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using HS code 4002.59, which is reserved for NBR in solid primary forms like blocks or crumbs. Importers may also mistakenly use 4001.10, which is for natural rubber latex; NBR is synthetic and must stay within heading 4002. If the latex has been processed into a finished product, such as a medical glove, it must be classified under 4015.19 rather than the raw material code.

4002.59Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip4001.10Rubber; natural rubber latex, whether or not pre-vulcanised, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip40.02Synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip; mixtures of heading no. 4001 and 4002, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip4015.19Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, mittens and mitts other than surgical gloves

Top exporters and importers of HS 400251 (the code used for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400251 (the code used for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 45% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 400251, not only acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Korea $572M
  2. 2 Malaysia $130M
  3. 3 Thailand $92M

World total: $978M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Malaysia $450M
  2. 2 China $155M
  3. 3 Thailand $151M

World total: $991M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex

Brazil classifies acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex under NCM 4002.51.00: HS 4002.51 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex

What is the HS code for Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex?

The HS code for Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex is 400251 (Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip).

How do I classify Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex for customs?

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex is classified under HS code 400251 — Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for NBR latex?

The specific HS code for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber in its latex form is 4002.51.

Can NBR latex be pre-vulcanized?

Yes, pre-vulcanized synthetic rubber latex remains classified under 4002.51 as long as it remains in the form of a colloidal dispersion in an aqueous medium.

Which countries are the top exporters of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex (HS 400251)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400251 (the code used for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($572M, 58% of world exports), Malaysia ($130M) and Thailand ($92M). World exports came to about $978M, 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 acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex (HS 400251)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 400251 (the code used for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($450M, 45% of world imports), China ($155M) and Thailand ($151M). World imports came to about $991M, 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.

Is the HS code for Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex the same in all countries?

The base HS code 400251 for Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex in Brazil?

In Brazil, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber latex (HS 400251) is classified under NCM 4002.51.00.