Product classification

HS code for Butadiene rubber: 4002.20

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

Classification of butadiene rubber under HS 4002.20

Butadiene rubber (BR) is classified under HS code 400220, which specifically designates synthetic butadiene rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strip. This classification is based on the material's synthetic origin, distinguishing it from natural rubber, and its chemical composition as a polymer derived predominantly from butadiene monomers. The "primary forms" typically refer to unvulcanized rubber in bales, crumbs, or liquids, as it is produced before further processing. The inclusion of "plates, sheets or strip" covers initial semi-finished forms of the synthetic rubber. Butadiene rubber is highly valued for its excellent abrasion resistance, low rolling resistance, and good elasticity, making it a critical component in various industrial applications, particularly in the automotive sector.

Covers
  • Butadiene rubber (BR) in bales
  • Butadiene rubber (BR) in crumbs
  • Butadiene rubber (BR) in sheets
  • Butadiene rubber (BR) in strips
  • Polybutadiene rubber (PBR)
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. A common misclassification involves HS code 400219, which covers "Synthetic rubber; styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), other than latex." While both BR and SBR are synthetic rubbers derived from butadiene, SBR is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene, whereas BR is primarily a homopolymer of butadiene. This compositional difference is critical for classification. Another potential confusion is with HS 4001, which covers "Natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip." Butadiene rubber is synthetic, not natural, making this distinction clear. Furthermore, HS 290124 covers "Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene," which are the monomers used to produce butadiene rubber, not the polymer itself. The polymer (rubber) is classified under Chapter 40.

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 strip2901.24Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400220 (the code used for butadiene 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 butadiene 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 butadiene 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 butadiene rubber

What is the HS code for Butadiene rubber?

The HS code for Butadiene rubber is 400220 (Rubber; synthetic, butadiene rubber (BR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for Butadiene rubber (BR), whether in primary forms, plates, sheets, or strips, is 400220. This code specifically identifies this type of synthetic rubber.

How do I classify Butadiene rubber for customs?

Butadiene 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.

What are the primary applications of Butadiene rubber?

Butadiene rubber is predominantly used in the manufacturing of tires, where its excellent abrasion resistance and low rolling resistance contribute to tire longevity and fuel efficiency. It is also utilized in conveyor belts, footwear soles, golf balls, and various other rubber goods requiring high elasticity and durability.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400220 (the code used for butadiene 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 butadiene rubber (HS 400220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 400220 (the code used for butadiene 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 Butadiene rubber the same in all countries?

The base HS code 400220 for Butadiene 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 butadiene rubber in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 400220 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for butadiene 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)).