Product classification
HS code for Isoprene rubber: 4002.60
Rubber, synthetic, isoprene rubber (IR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Classification of isoprene rubber under HS 4002.60
Isoprene rubber (IR) is classified under HS code 400260. This code is part of Chapter 40, which covers rubber and articles thereof. Heading 4002 specifically addresses synthetic rubber and factice derived from oils, in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strips. Subheading 400260 is dedicated to isoprene rubber, which is a synthetic polymer (polyisoprene) designed to mimic the properties of natural rubber. The classification is based on the chemical composition of the elastomer. To fall under this code, the material must meet the definition of "synthetic rubber" provided in the Chapter 40 notes, which typically involves the ability to be cross-linked with sulfur and undergo non-reversible deformation. The form of the product—whether it is in primary forms like blocks, crumbs, or powders, or in unvulcanized plates and sheets—is also a critical factor in applying this specific code. Because isoprene rubber is chemically similar to natural rubber but produced synthetically, its distinction from harvested latex products is essential for correct tariff application and trade monitoring.
- Covers
- Synthetic polyisoprene (IR) in blocks
- Isoprene rubber sheets (unvulcanized)
- Isoprene rubber crumbs or powders
- Synthetic rubber slabs of polyisoprene
- 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 common misclassification is with natural rubber, which falls under HS code 4001. While chemically similar, natural rubber is harvested from plants, whereas 400260 is strictly for the synthetic version. It may also be confused with compounded rubber under HS code 4005 if it has been mixed with carbon black or silica before export.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400260 (the code used for isoprene rubber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400260 (the code used for isoprene 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 isoprene 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 isoprene rubber
Brazil classifies isoprene 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 isoprene rubber
What is the HS code for Isoprene rubber?
The HS code for Isoprene 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 in plates, sheets, or strips is 400260.
How do I classify Isoprene rubber for customs?
Isoprene 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.
Can vulcanized isoprene rubber be classified here?
No, HS code 400260 applies only to unvulcanized synthetic rubber. Vulcanized rubber products are classified elsewhere in Chapter 40, depending on their form and use.
Which countries are the top exporters of isoprene rubber (HS 400260)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400260 (the code used for isoprene 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 isoprene rubber (HS 400260)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400260 (the code used for isoprene 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 Isoprene rubber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400260 for Isoprene 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 isoprene rubber in Brazil?
In Brazil, isoprene rubber (HS 400260) is classified under NCM 4002.60.00.