Product classification
HS code for NBR rubber: 4002.59
Rubber, synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Classification of NBR rubber under HS 4002.59
NBR rubber, specifically in its solid or non-latex forms, is classified under HS code 4002.59. This code falls under 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 strip. Within this heading, the 4002.5x series is dedicated to acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). While 4002.51 is reserved for the latex form, 4002.59 acts as the "other" category for NBR that is not in latex form. This includes NBR in the form of bales, blocks, crumbs, powders, or sheets. The classification is based on the chemical composition—the copolymerization of butadiene and acrylonitrile—and the physical form. NBR is valued for its oil and fuel resistance, making it a staple in the automotive and aeronautical industries for seals, hoses, and gaskets. The classification process involves verifying that the product meets the definition of synthetic rubber provided in Note 4 to Chapter 40, which requires the substance to meet specific vulcanization and recovery standards. The product must be in a primary form or in plates/sheets to remain under this code; once it is further manufactured into a specific part like an O-ring, it moves to 4016.
- Covers
- NBR rubber bales
- NBR rubber sheets (unvulcanized)
- NBR rubber crumbs
- NBR rubber powder
- Hydrogenated NBR (HNBR) in primary forms
- Also under 4002.59
- Zeon NBR
- Lanxess NBR
- Kumho NBR
- Automotive fuel hoses
- Hydraulic seals
- Industrial O-rings
- Gaskets
Codes often confused with 4002.59
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 4002.51, which is strictly for the liquid latex form. Another error is using 4002.19, which is for SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber), or 4005.10 if the NBR has been compounded with carbon black or silica. Finished NBR gaskets are often wrongly classified here instead of 4016.93.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400259 (the code used for NBR rubber), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400259 (the code used for NBR rubber) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 400259, not only NBR rubber.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $259M 24% of world exports
- 2 France $186M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $164M 15% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $201M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $127M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $120M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 rubber
Brazil classifies NBR rubber under NCM 4002.59.00: HS 4002.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about NBR rubber
What is the HS code for NBR rubber?
The HS code for NBR rubber is 400259 (Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for NBR rubber in solid primary forms is 4002.59.
How do I classify NBR rubber for customs?
NBR rubber is classified under HS code 400259 — Rubber; synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 4002.59 include finished nitrile gloves?
No, finished nitrile gloves are classified under 4015.19 or 4015.12, as 4002.59 only covers the raw material in primary forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of NBR rubber (HS 400259)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400259 (the code used for NBR rubber) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($259M, 24% of world exports), France ($186M) and the United States ($164M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 rubber (HS 400259)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400259 (the code used for NBR rubber) in UN Comtrade data were China ($201M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($127M) and India ($120M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 rubber the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400259 for NBR 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 NBR rubber in Brazil?
In Brazil, NBR rubber (HS 400259) is classified under NCM 4002.59.00.