Product classification
HS code for Unvulcanized rubber shapes: 4006.90
Rubber, unvulcanised, other than camel back strips for retreading rubber tyres.
Classification of unvulcanized rubber shapes under HS 4006.90
Unvulcanized rubber shapes are classified under HS code 4006.90 based on their material composition and physical form. This code falls under Heading 4006, which covers 'other' forms of unvulcanized rubber, such as rods, tubes, and profile shapes. The classification is determined by two primary factors: the rubber must be unvulcanized (meaning it has not undergone the chemical process of cross-linking with sulfur or other vulcanizing agents) and it must be in a form other than plates, sheets, or strips. These shapes are often intermediate products used in the manufacturing of seals, gaskets, and industrial components. The 'other' designation in 4006.90 specifically excludes 'camel-back' strips used for retreading tires, which are classified under 4006.10. The classification process requires a technical assessment of the rubber's state; if the rubber has been vulcanized, it would move to Heading 4008. This code is vital for manufacturers who import raw rubber profiles for further processing and final vulcanization in their own facilities.
- Covers
- Unvulcanized rubber rods
- Unvulcanized rubber tubes
- Extruded unvulcanized profile shapes
- Unvulcanized rubber rings and discs
- Unvulcanized rubber joints
- Also under 4006.90
- Lanxess Krynac (uncured)
- Arlanxeo Buna CB (uncured)
- Synthos SBR (raw)
- Goodyear raw rubber
- Michelin uncured compounds.
Codes often confused with 4006.90
Common mistake. Unvulcanized rubber shapes are often confused with HS code 4005, which covers compounded rubber in primary forms like plates, sheets, or strips. If the material is in a simple flat form, it belongs in 4005, but if it has been extruded into a specific profile or shape, it moves to 4006.90. Additionally, confusion often arises with HS code 4008, which covers vulcanized rubber shapes. The presence of vulcanization (evidenced by elasticity and heat resistance) is the deciding factor between these two headings. Finally, 4006.10 must be avoided unless the product is specifically a camel-back strip for tire retreading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400690 (the code used for unvulcanized rubber shapes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400690 (the code used for unvulcanized rubber shapes) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 7.6% 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 400690, not only unvulcanized rubber shapes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $92M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $71M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $49M 12% of world exports
World total: $420M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $30M 7.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $28M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $25M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $395M 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 unvulcanized rubber shapes
Brazil classifies unvulcanized rubber shapes under NCM 4006.90.00: HS 4006.90 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 unvulcanized rubber shapes
What is the HS code for Unvulcanized rubber shapes?
The HS code for Unvulcanized rubber shapes is 400690 (Rubber; unvulcanised, other than camel back strips for retreading rubber tyres). The HS code for unvulcanized rubber shapes, other than camel-back strips, is 4006.90.
How do I classify Unvulcanized rubber shapes for customs?
Unvulcanized rubber shapes is classified under HS code 400690 — Rubber; unvulcanised, other than camel back strips for retreading rubber tyres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I tell if rubber is unvulcanized for classification?
Unvulcanized rubber is generally plastic and deformable, whereas vulcanized rubber is elastic and returns to its original shape after being stretched. Technical data sheets will specify the vulcanization state.
Which countries are the top exporters of unvulcanized rubber shapes (HS 400690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400690 (the code used for unvulcanized rubber shapes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($92M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($71M) and Italy ($49M). World exports came to about $420M, 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 unvulcanized rubber shapes (HS 400690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400690 (the code used for unvulcanized rubber shapes) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($30M, 7.6% of world imports), Germany ($28M) and Saudi Arabia ($25M). World imports came to about $395M, 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 Unvulcanized rubber shapes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400690 for Unvulcanized rubber shapes 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 unvulcanized rubber shapes in Brazil?
In Brazil, unvulcanized rubber shapes (HS 400690) is classified under NCM 4006.90.00.