Product classification
HS code for Rubber waste: 4004.00
Rubber, waste, parings and scrap of rubber (other than hard rubber) and powders and granules obtained therefrom.
Classification of rubber waste under HS 4004.00
HS code 400400 covers waste, parings, and scrap of rubber (other than hard rubber) and powders and granules obtained therefrom. This classification is essential for the recycling and reclaimed rubber industries. According to the Chapter 40 notes, this heading is restricted to rubber waste and scrap derived from the manufacture or working of rubber, and rubber goods definitely not usable as such because of cutting-up, wear, or other reasons. The material must be vulcanized rubber; waste of unvulcanized rubber is classified elsewhere (often 4001, 4002, or 4003 depending on the form). The inclusion of "powders and granules" in this code is significant, as it covers rubber that has been mechanically ground down for use in asphalt, playground surfaces, or as a raw material for molded products. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the heading text explicitly describes the state of the material. It is important to note that "hard rubber" (ebonite) waste is excluded from this code and is instead classified under 401700. The primary requirement for 400400 is that the rubber is no longer fit for its original intended purpose and is essentially raw material for recovery or disposal.
- Covers
- Ground rubber granules from recycled tires
- Rubber parings from the manufacture of gaskets
- Worn-out rubber belts unfit for use
- Scrap rubber from footwear production
- Powdered vulcanized rubber for industrial compounding
- Also under 4004.00
- Michelin tire waste
- Goodyear scrap rubber
- Bridgestone end-of-life tires
- Recycled rubber from automotive parts
Codes often confused with 4004.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification involves used pneumatic tires. If the tires are used but still capable of being used or retreaded, they must be classified under 4012. Only if the tires are cut up or ground into granules do they fall under 400400. Another error is classifying hard rubber (ebonite) scrap here; this belongs in 401700. Additionally, waste of unvulcanized rubber should not be placed here; it is often treated as synthetic rubber in primary forms under 4002.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400400 (the code used for rubber waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400400 (the code used for rubber waste) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% 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 400400, not only rubber waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $100M 21% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $78M 17% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $50M 11% of world exports
World total: $471M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $217M 38% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $46M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Japan $40M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $566M 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 waste
Brazil classifies rubber waste under NCM 4004.00.00: HS 4004.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rubber waste
What is the HS code for Rubber waste?
The HS code for Rubber waste is 400400 (Rubber; waste, parings and scrap of rubber (other than hard rubber) and powders and granules obtained therefrom). The HS code for waste, parings, and scrap of rubber (except hard rubber) and their powders/granules is 400400.
How do I classify Rubber waste for customs?
Rubber waste is classified under HS code 400400 — Rubber; waste, parings and scrap of rubber (other than hard rubber) and powders and granules obtained therefrom. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can whole used tires be classified under 400400?
Generally, no. Whole used tires are classified under 4012. They only fall under 400400 if they have been rendered unusable by cutting or grinding.
Which countries are the top exporters of rubber waste (HS 400400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400400 (the code used for rubber waste) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($100M, 21% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($78M) and the United Kingdom ($50M). World exports came to about $471M, 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 waste (HS 400400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400400 (the code used for rubber waste) in UN Comtrade data were India ($217M, 38% of world imports), Türkiye ($46M) and Japan ($40M). World imports came to about $566M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400400 for Rubber waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, rubber waste (HS 400400) is classified under NCM 4004.00.00.