Product classification

HS code for BR rubber: 4002.20

Rubber, synthetic, butadiene rubber (BR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.

Classification of BR rubber under HS 4002.20

BR rubber, or Butadiene rubber (polybutadiene), is classified under HS code 4002.20. This classification is part of the synthetic rubber section of the Harmonized System. Heading 4002 covers synthetic rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strip. Subheading 4002.20 is specifically designated for butadiene rubber (BR). Polybutadiene is a polymer formed from the polymerization of the monomer 1,3-butadiene. It is highly valued for its high resistance to wear and low temperature flexibility, making it a staple in tire manufacturing and footwear. To be classified here, the product must meet the definition of "synthetic rubber" provided in Note 4 to Chapter 40, which requires the substance to be an unsaturated synthetic substance that can be irreversibly transformed by vulcanization with sulfur into a non-thermoplastic substance. The classification applies to the raw material in its unvulcanized state. If the butadiene rubber is blended with other polymers, the classification may change depending on which polymer predominates by weight, following the rules for synthetic rubber mixtures.

Covers
  • Polybutadiene (BR) in primary forms
  • Butadiene rubber bales
  • High-cis polybutadiene rubber
  • Unvulcanized BR rubber sheets
Also under 4002.20
  • Lanxess BR
  • Synthos BR
  • Kumho BR
  • Bridgestone Potenza tires (component)
  • Titleist Pro V1 golf balls (core)

Codes often confused with 4002.20

Common mistake. BR rubber is often misclassified under HS code 4002.19, which is for Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). While both contain butadiene, SBR is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene, whereas BR is a homopolymer of butadiene. Another common mistake is using HS code 4001, which is reserved for natural rubber. While BR is often used as a substitute for natural rubber, its synthetic origin requires classification in 4002. Additionally, if the BR is mixed with oil (oil-extended rubber), it still falls under 4002.20, but if it is mixed with carbon black or silica, it may move to 4005 (compounded rubber).

4002.19Rubber; synthetic, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip40.01Natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar gums; 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 strip40.05Compounded rubber, unvulcanised, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip

Top exporters and importers of HS 400220 (the code used for BR rubber), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400220 (the code used for BR rubber) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 400220, not only BR rubber.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Korea $601M
  2. 2 China $506M
  3. 3 United States $450M

World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $463M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$335M
  3. 3 Thailand $298M

World total: $3.7B 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 codes for BR rubber

Brazil splits HS 4002.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about BR rubber

What is the HS code for BR rubber?

The HS code for BR rubber is 400220 (Rubber; synthetic, butadiene rubber (BR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for BR (Butadiene Rubber) is 4002.20, which covers polybutadiene in primary forms or unvulcanized sheets.

How do I classify BR rubber for customs?

BR rubber is classified under HS code 400220 — Rubber; synthetic, butadiene rubber (BR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is polybutadiene the same as SBR for HS classification?

No, polybutadiene (BR) is 4002.20, while Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is 4002.11 or 4002.19, depending on the form.

Which countries are the top exporters of BR rubber (HS 400220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400220 (the code used for BR rubber) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($601M, 17% of world exports), China ($506M) and the United States ($450M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 BR rubber (HS 400220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 400220 (the code used for BR rubber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($463M, 13% of world imports), Vietnam (about $335M) and Thailand ($298M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 BR rubber the same in all countries?

The base HS code 400220 for BR rubber 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 BR rubber in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 400220 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for BR rubber depends on the product's details: 4002.20.10 (Butadiene rubber (BR), oil), 4002.20.91 (Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene), 4002.20.99 (Other butadiene rubber (BR)).