Product classification
HS code for Chloroprene rubber: 4002.49
Rubber, synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Classification of chloroprene rubber under HS 4002.49
Chloroprene rubber, widely known by the trade name Neoprene, is a synthetic polymer produced by the polymerization of chloroprene (2-chlorobuta-1,3-diene). It is classified under HS code 4002.49. Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System covers rubber and articles thereof. Heading 4002 specifically addresses synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strip. To qualify for this classification, the material must meet the definition of "synthetic rubber" in Note 4 to Chapter 40: it must be an unsaturated synthetic substance that can be irreversibly transformed by vulcanization with sulphur into a non-thermoplastic substance. Subheading 4002.49 is the residual category for chloroprene rubber in solid forms, such as chips, slabs, or blocks, distinguishing it from the latex form. This classification is essential for manufacturers in the automotive, construction, and diving suit industries who import raw neoprene for further processing.
- Covers
- Solid chloroprene rubber (CR) in blocks, lumps, or similar primary forms
- Neoprene chips or granules for industrial compounding
- Unvulcanized chloroprene rubber plates, sheets, or strips
- Non-latex synthetic chloroprene elastomers
- Also under 4002.49
- DuPont Neoprene
- Denka Chloroprene
- Showa Denko CR
- Wetsuits (e.g., O'Neill)
- Industrial conveyor belts
- Automotive hoses
Codes often confused with 4002.49
Common mistake. Chloroprene rubber is often confused with HS code 4002.41, which is specifically for the latex form. It may also be misclassified under 4005.10 if it has been compounded with carbon black or silica before import. Furthermore, finished articles made of neoprene, such as wetsuits, are classified in Chapter 61 or 62, not under the raw material code 4002.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400249 (the code used for chloroprene rubber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400249 (the code used for chloroprene rubber) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 400249, not only chloroprene rubber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $387M 56% of world exports
- 2 Germany $120M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $99M 14% of world exports
World total: $685M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $99M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $74M 10.0% of world imports
- 3 China $71M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $743M 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 chloroprene rubber
Brazil classifies chloroprene rubber under NCM 4002.49.00: HS 4002.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chloroprene rubber
What is the HS code for Chloroprene rubber?
The HS code for Chloroprene rubber is 400249 (Rubber; synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for chloroprene rubber (CR) in primary forms or solid sheets is 4002.49.
How do I classify Chloroprene rubber for customs?
Chloroprene rubber is classified under HS code 400249 — Rubber; synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 4002.49 include vulcanized neoprene?
No, HS code 4002.49 only covers unvulcanized synthetic rubber. Once the rubber is vulcanized, it is classified under other headings in Chapter 40, such as 4008 for plates and sheets.
Which countries are the top exporters of chloroprene rubber (HS 400249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400249 (the code used for chloroprene rubber) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($387M, 56% of world exports), Germany ($120M) and China ($99M). World exports came to about $685M, 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 chloroprene rubber (HS 400249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400249 (the code used for chloroprene rubber) in UN Comtrade data were India ($99M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and China ($71M). World imports came to about $743M, 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 Chloroprene rubber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400249 for Chloroprene 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 chloroprene rubber in Brazil?
In Brazil, chloroprene rubber (HS 400249) is classified under NCM 4002.49.00.