Product classification
HS code for NBR latex: 4002.51
Rubber, synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Classification of NBR latex under HS 4002.51
NBR latex is classified under HS code 4002.51 because it is a synthetic rubber consisting of an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer in an aqueous dispersion. According to the Harmonized System's Chapter 40, synthetic rubber is defined as unsaturated synthetic substances which can be irreversibly transformed by vulcanization into non-thermoplastic substances. The specific subheading 4002.51 is reserved for NBR in its latex form. This classification is determined by the physical state of the product at the time of import. Latex is characterized by its liquid, milky appearance, consisting of polymer particles suspended in water. The classification follows General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the product is an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and is presented as a latex, it fits precisely into this category. This material is widely used in the production of dipped goods, such as medical and industrial gloves, where the liquid form allows for easy processing through coagulation dipping. The high acrylonitrile content in the latex provides excellent resistance to oils and chemicals, which is a defining characteristic of NBR products.
- Covers
- Liquid NBR latex
- Carboxylated NBR latex (XNBR)
- Nitrile latex for medical glove manufacturing
- NBR dispersions for textile coating
- Also under 4002.51
- Synthos NBR Latex
- Kumho NBR Latex
- Zeon NBR Latex
- Disposable nitrile gloves (e.g., Ansell)
- Oil-resistant coatings
Codes often confused with 4002.51
Common mistake. NBR latex is frequently confused with HS code 4002.59, which covers NBR in solid forms like bales or powders. It may also be misclassified under 4001.10 if the customs agent mistakes the synthetic nitrile for natural rubber latex. Additionally, if the latex is pre-vulcanized or mixed with other polymers, some may incorrectly attempt to classify it under 4005.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400251 (the code used for NBR latex), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400251 (the code used for NBR latex) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 45% 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 400251, not only NBR latex.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $572M 58% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $130M 13% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $92M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $978M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $450M 45% of world imports
- 2 China $155M 16% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $151M 15% of world imports
World total: $991M 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 NBR latex
Brazil classifies NBR latex under NCM 4002.51.00: HS 4002.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about NBR latex
What is the HS code for NBR latex?
The HS code for NBR latex is 400251 (Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for NBR latex is 4002.51, which specifically covers acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber in latex form.
How do I classify NBR latex for customs?
NBR latex is classified under HS code 400251 — Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does NBR latex differ from NBR rubber in HS classification?
The primary difference is the physical state; 4002.51 is for liquid dispersions (latex), while 4002.59 is for solid primary forms like blocks, crumbs, or sheets.
Which countries are the top exporters of NBR latex (HS 400251)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400251 (the code used for NBR latex) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($572M, 58% of world exports), Malaysia ($130M) and Thailand ($92M). World exports came to about $978M, 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 NBR latex (HS 400251)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400251 (the code used for NBR latex) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($450M, 45% of world imports), China ($155M) and Thailand ($151M). World imports came to about $991M, 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 NBR latex the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400251 for NBR latex 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 NBR latex in Brazil?
In Brazil, NBR latex (HS 400251) is classified under NCM 4002.51.00.