Product classification
HS code for CR rubber: 4002.49
Rubber, synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Classification of CR rubber under HS 4002.49
HS code 4002.49 applies to synthetic chloroprene rubber (CR) in primary forms other than latex, or in plates, sheets, and strip. This material, widely known by the trade name Neoprene, is valued for its chemical stability and flexibility over a wide temperature range. The classification covers the solid raw material used in manufacturing. To fall under this code, the rubber must not be "compounded" with fillers, plasticizers, or vulcanizing agents; if it is compounded, it moves to heading 4005. This code is essential for industrial suppliers who provide the raw elastomer to manufacturers of gaskets, hoses, and automotive parts. The Harmonized System uses this code to monitor the trade of solid synthetic elastomers that are ready for further processing or compounding into specific industrial formulations.
- Covers
- Solid chloroprene rubber blocks
- CR rubber sheets (uncompounded)
- Polychloroprene strips in primary forms
- CR rubber crumbs, chips, or pellets
- Unvulcanized chloroprene rubber slabs
- 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. A common error is using HS code 4002.41, which is strictly for the latex (liquid) form of chloroprene. Another frequent misclassification is HS code 4005.91, which covers compounded rubber in plates or sheets. If the CR rubber has been mixed with carbon black, silica, or other reinforcing agents prior to import, it must be classified under 4005 rather than 4002.49. Furthermore, vulcanized rubber sheets are classified under 4008, which is a common point of confusion for importers of finished rubber sheeting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400249 (the code used for CR rubber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400249 (the code used for CR 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 CR 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 CR rubber
Brazil classifies CR 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 CR rubber
What is the HS code for CR rubber?
The HS code for CR 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 solid chloroprene rubber (CR) in primary forms or sheets is 4002.49.
How do I classify CR rubber for customs?
CR 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 this code cover vulcanized neoprene sheets?
No, vulcanized rubber is classified under heading 4008. HS code 4002.49 is reserved for unvulcanized synthetic rubber in primary forms or specific shapes like sheets that have not yet undergone vulcanization.
Which countries are the top exporters of CR rubber (HS 400249)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400249 (the code used for CR 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 CR rubber (HS 400249)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400249 (the code used for CR 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 CR rubber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400249 for CR 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 CR rubber in Brazil?
In Brazil, CR rubber (HS 400249) is classified under NCM 4002.49.00.