HS Code for Technically specified natural rubber

Technically Specified Natural Rubber (TSNR) is classified under HS code 4001.22. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically falling under Chapter 40, which covers rubber and articles thereof. TSNR is natural rubber that has been processed and graded based on technical parameters such as dirt content, ash content, nitrogen content, and volatile matter, rather than the traditional visual grading used for smoked sheets. The classification 4001.22 specifically identifies natural rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strips that has undergone this technical specification process. This ensures that the material meets industrial standards for consistency and quality, which is critical for manufacturing tires and other high-performance rubber goods. The classification excludes natural rubber latex (4001.10) and smoked sheets (4001.21), as these have distinct physical forms and processing methods.

Products Included

• Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR)
• Standard Indonesian Rubber (SIR)
• Standard Thai Rubber (STR)
• TSR 10 and TSR 20 grades
• Block rubber processed to technical specifications
• Natural rubber in primary forms graded by dirt and ash content

Common Misclassification

TSNR is frequently misclassified with HS code 4001.21, which is reserved for smoked sheets. While both are natural rubber, smoked sheets are graded visually (e.g., RSS1, RSS3) and have not undergone the specific technical testing required for 4001.22. Another common error is using HS code 4002, which is strictly for synthetic rubber produced from petroleum-based feedstocks. Importers must also distinguish TSNR from 4001.10, which covers natural rubber latex in liquid form, even if that latex is technically specified.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Technically specified natural rubber?

The HS code for technically specified natural rubber is 4001.22.

What is the difference between TSR 10 and TSR 20 in classification?

Both TSR 10 and TSR 20 fall under the same HS code 4001.22; the numerical designation refers to the maximum allowable dirt content (0.10% vs 0.20%) but does not change the tariff heading.