Product classification
HS code for Rubber washers: 4016.93
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubber.
Classification of rubber washers under HS 4016.93
Rubber washers are classified under HS code 401693, which falls within the category of "Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber." Heading 4016 is a broad heading for various rubber products that are not specified elsewhere in Chapter 40. Subheading 401693 is specifically dedicated to gaskets, washers, and other seals. These items are characterized by their function: providing a seal between two surfaces to prevent the leakage of fluids or gases, or to provide a cushion. The material must be non-cellular vulcanized rubber. Cellular rubber (sponge or foam rubber) has its own subheading at 401694. The classification process involves verifying that the article is made of rubber that has undergone vulcanization, a chemical process that increases the material's durability and elasticity. If the washer is made of unvulcanized rubber, it would fall under 4006. If it is made of hard rubber (ebonite), it would fall under 4017. The shape of the washer—typically a flat ring—is a defining physical characteristic, but the code also covers more complex sealing shapes. This classification applies to washers used in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, plumbing, and general machinery, provided they are not part of a specialized set classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Flat rubber washers for plumbing
- Vulcanized rubber O-rings
- Non-cellular rubber gaskets for automotive engines
- Rubber sealing rings for industrial machinery
- Custom-shaped rubber seals for watertight enclosures
- Also under 4016.93
- Parker O-Rings
- Freudenberg Sealing Technologies
- SKF Seals
- John Crane Gaskets
- Garlock Sealing Technologies
Codes often confused with 4016.93
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying rubber washers under 401699, which is the "other" category for rubber articles. Since 401693 specifically mentions washers and seals, it takes precedence. Another error involves washers made of plastics, which should be classified under 392690. Furthermore, if rubber gaskets are imported in sets or assortments containing gaskets of different materials (e.g., a kit with rubber, metal, and fiber gaskets), they may be classified under 848410 or 848490 according to the rules for mechanical seals and sets.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401693 (the code used for rubber washers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401693 (the code used for rubber washers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 401693, not only rubber washers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.8B 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.8B 12% of world exports
- 3 China $1.6B 11% of world exports
World total: $14.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.5B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.7B 11% of world imports
- 3 China $1.1B 7.0% of world imports
World total: $15.8B 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 rubber washers
Brazil classifies rubber washers under NCM 4016.93.00: HS 4016.93 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about rubber washers
What is the HS code for Rubber washers?
The HS code for Rubber washers is 401693 (Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubber). The HS code for washers, gaskets, and seals made of non-cellular vulcanized rubber is 401693.
How do I classify Rubber washers for customs?
Rubber washers is classified under HS code 401693 — Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gaskets, washers and other seals, of non-cellular rubber. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are silicone washers classified under this code?
Yes, since silicone is considered a synthetic rubber in the context of the HS nomenclature, silicone washers are classified under 401693.
Which countries are the top exporters of rubber washers (HS 401693)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401693 (the code used for rubber washers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.8B, 13% of world exports), Germany ($1.8B) and China ($1.6B). World exports came to about $14.4B, 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 rubber washers (HS 401693)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401693 (the code used for rubber washers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($1.7B) and China ($1.1B). World imports came to about $15.8B, 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 Rubber washers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401693 for Rubber washers 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 rubber washers in Brazil?
In Brazil, rubber washers (HS 401693) is classified under NCM 4016.93.00.