Product classification

HS code for Neoprene rubber: 4002.49

Rubber, synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.

Classification of neoprene rubber under HS 4002.49

Neoprene rubber, in its solid primary forms or as unvulcanized plates, sheets, and strips, is classified under HS code 4002.49. This code falls under Chapter 40 (Rubber) and heading 4002 (Synthetic rubber). While 4002.41 is reserved for the latex form, 4002.49 covers all other forms of chloroprene rubber. This includes "dry" neoprene in the form of bales, blocks, crumbs, or powders, as well as sheets and strips that have not yet been vulcanized or combined with other materials like fabric. It is crucial to note that this code is for the raw material or semi-finished material. Once the neoprene is vulcanized and combined with textile fabric (as seen in wetsuit material), the classification often shifts to 5906 (rubberized textile fabrics) or Chapter 61/62 for finished garments. However, for the industrial synthetic rubber itself in its unworked or minimally worked state, 4002.49 is the standard international designation. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the polymer (polychloroprene) and its physical form (non-latex primary form).

Covers
  • Solid neoprene rubber blocks
  • Unvulcanized neoprene sheets
  • Chloroprene rubber bales
  • Neoprene rubber crumbs or chips
  • Unworked neoprene strips for industrial gaskets
Also under 4002.49
  • DuPont Neoprene
  • Denka Chloroprene
  • Showa Denko CR
  • Wetsuits (e.g., O'Neill)
  • Industrial conveyor belts
  • Automotive hoses

Codes often confused with 4002.49

Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying neoprene sheets under 4008.21, which is for plates and sheets of vulcanized rubber. 4002.49 is for synthetic rubber in primary forms or unvulcanized sheets. Another common mistake is using 3921 for plastic sheets; neoprene is chemically a rubber, not a plastic. Finally, finished wetsuits are often searched under this code but belong in 6211 or 6113.

4008.21Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), in plates, sheets and strip, of non-cellular rubber39.21Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 3962.11Track suits, swimwear and other garments (not knitted or crocheted)61.13Garments made up of knitted or crocheted fabrics of heading no. 5903, 5906 and 5907

Top exporters and importers of HS 400249 (the code used for neoprene rubber), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400249 (the code used for neoprene rubber) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 13% 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 400249, not only neoprene rubber.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $387M
  2. 2 Germany $120M
  3. 3 China $99M

World total: $685M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $99M
  2. 2 United States $74M
  3. 3 China $71M

World total: $743M 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 neoprene rubber

Brazil classifies neoprene rubber under NCM 4002.49.00: HS 4002.49 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about neoprene rubber

What is the HS code for Neoprene rubber?

The HS code for Neoprene rubber is 400249 (Rubber; synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip). The HS code for neoprene rubber in primary forms or unvulcanized sheets is 4002.49.

How do I classify Neoprene rubber for customs?

Neoprene rubber is classified under HS code 400249 — Rubber; synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), (other than latex), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include neoprene fabric for wetsuits?

No, neoprene laminated with fabric is usually classified as rubberized textile fabric under 5906, or as a finished garment in Chapter 61 or 62.

Which countries are the top exporters of neoprene rubber (HS 400249)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400249 (the code used for neoprene rubber) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($387M, 56% of world exports), Germany ($120M) and China ($99M). World exports came to about $685M, 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 neoprene rubber (HS 400249)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 400249 (the code used for neoprene rubber) in UN Comtrade data were India ($99M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and China ($71M). World imports came to about $743M, 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 Neoprene rubber the same in all countries?

The base HS code 400249 for Neoprene 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 neoprene rubber in Brazil?

In Brazil, neoprene rubber (HS 400249) is classified under NCM 4002.49.00.