Product classification
HS code for IR rubber: 4002.60
Rubber, synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Classification of IR rubber under HS 4002.60
Isoprene rubber (IR) is classified under HS code 4002.60. This code specifically covers synthetic polyisoprene, which is a polymer produced through the polymerization of isoprene monomers in an industrial setting. Although IR is chemically similar to natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene), the Harmonized System distinguishes between products derived from biological sources and those produced synthetically. Heading 4002 is the designated category for synthetic rubber. The classification 4002.60 applies to IR in primary forms, such as blocks, lumps, or bales, as well as in unvulcanized plates, sheets, or strips. This classification is critical for trade monitoring, as IR is often used as a high-purity substitute for natural rubber in medical and high-performance industrial applications where consistency and lack of impurities are paramount.
- Covers
- Synthetic polyisoprene (IR) in bales
- Unvulcanized IR sheets for medical device components
- IR rubber in primary forms for adhesive formulations
- High-cis isoprene rubber blocks
- Liquid isoprene rubber (if meeting Chapter 40 notes)
- Also under 4002.60
- Kuraray Isoprene Rubber
- Goodyear Isoprene Rubber
- Zeon IR
- Surgical gloves (latex-free)
- Tire sidewalls
- Golf ball cores
Codes often confused with 4002.60
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for IR rubber is HS code 4001.22 (technically specified natural rubber) or 4001.10 (natural rubber latex). Because the chemical structures are nearly identical, laboratory testing may be required to confirm the synthetic origin. Another confusion arises with 4002.19, which covers other synthetic rubbers like SBR. It is vital to specify "Isoprene Rubber" on shipping documentation to ensure the 4002.60 code is applied correctly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400260 (the code used for IR rubber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400260 (the code used for IR rubber) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 400260, not only IR rubber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$355M 41% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Japan $133M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $96M 11% of world exports
World total: $874M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $227M 27% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $97M 12% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $68M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $837M 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 code for IR rubber
Brazil classifies IR rubber under NCM 4002.60.00: HS 4002.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about IR rubber
What is the HS code for IR rubber?
The HS code for IR rubber is 400260 (Rubber; synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) in primary forms or sheets is 4002.60.
How do I classify IR rubber for customs?
IR rubber is classified under HS code 400260 — Rubber; synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is IR rubber classified the same as natural rubber?
No, natural rubber is classified under heading 4001, while synthetic isoprene rubber is classified under heading 4002.60, despite their chemical similarities.
Which countries are the top exporters of IR rubber (HS 400260)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400260 (the code used for IR rubber) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $355M, 41% of world exports), Japan ($133M) and China ($96M). World exports came to about $874M, 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 IR rubber (HS 400260)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400260 (the code used for IR rubber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($227M, 27% of world imports), Thailand ($97M) and Malaysia ($68M). World imports came to about $837M, 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 IR rubber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400260 for IR 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 IR rubber in Brazil?
In Brazil, IR rubber (HS 400260) is classified under NCM 4002.60.00.