Product classification
HS code for Hard rubber products: 4017.00
Rubber, ebonite and other hard rubbers in all forms, including waste and scrap, and articles of hard rubber.
Classification of hard rubber products under HS 4017.00
Hard rubber products, including those made from ebonite, are classified under HS code 4017.00. This code is unique within Chapter 40 (Rubber and articles thereof) because it covers hard rubber in all its forms. Hard rubber is distinguished from standard vulcanized rubber by its high sulfur content, typically ranging from 20% to 50%. This high level of vulcanization results in a rigid, non-elastic material that is chemically resistant and possesses high dielectric strength. Heading 4017 is a comprehensive category that includes hard rubber in bulk forms (like blocks, plates, sheets, rods, and tubes), as well as waste, scrap, and finished articles made entirely of hard rubber. The classification is straightforward because the material properties of ebonite are so distinct from the flexible vulcanized rubber found in heading 4016. This classification ensures that industrial components, such as battery cases or chemical-resistant piping made of ebonite, are correctly identified for customs purposes.
- Covers
- Ebonite rods and tubes
- Hard rubber battery containers
- Hard rubber combs and hair-styling tools
- Industrial valves and pumps made of hard rubber
- Hard rubber waste and scrap for recycling
- Also under 4017.00
- Vulcanite (a brand of ebonite)
- hard rubber battery casings (e.g., for industrial batteries)
- saxophone mouthpieces (e.g., Otto Link, Meyer)
- electrical switch components
Codes often confused with 4017.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4016.99, which covers other articles of vulcanized rubber. However, 4016 is only for flexible (soft) rubber. Another common error is classifying hard rubber items under Chapter 39 (Plastics), specifically 3926.90. While hard rubber shares some physical characteristics with rigid plastics, the HS system maintains a strict distinction based on the chemical process of vulcanization with sulfur, which defines rubber products in Chapter 40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401700 (the code used for hard rubber products), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401700 (the code used for hard rubber products) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 17% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 9.7% of its exports here ($2.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 401700, not only hard rubber products.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $61M 28% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $29M 13% of world exports
- 3 Canada $12M 5.4% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 9.7% of its exports here ($2.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $216M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $37M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $16M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $223M 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 hard rubber products
Brazil classifies hard rubber products under NCM 4017.00.00: HS 4017.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about hard rubber products
What is the HS code for Hard rubber products?
The HS code for Hard rubber products is 401700 (Rubber; ebonite and other hard rubbers in all forms, including waste and scrap, and articles of hard rubber). The HS code for hard rubber in all forms, including finished articles and scrap, is 4017.00.
How do I classify Hard rubber products for customs?
Hard rubber products is classified under HS code 401700 — Rubber; ebonite and other hard rubbers in all forms, including waste and scrap, and articles of hard rubber. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ebonite the same as hard rubber in the HS system?
Yes, ebonite is the technical term for hard rubber and is specifically mentioned in the description for heading 4017.
Which countries are the top exporters of hard rubber products (HS 401700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401700 (the code used for hard rubber products) in UN Comtrade data were China ($61M, 28% of world exports), Thailand ($29M) and Canada ($12M). World exports came to about $216M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 9.7% of its exports here ($2.9M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of hard rubber products (HS 401700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401700 (the code used for hard rubber products) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($37M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and Japan ($16M). World imports came to about $223M, 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 Hard rubber products the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401700 for Hard rubber products 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 hard rubber products in Brazil?
In Brazil, hard rubber products (HS 401700) is classified under NCM 4017.00.00.