Product classification
HS code for Vulcanized rubber goods: 4016.99
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4016, of non-cellular rubber.
Classification of vulcanized rubber goods under HS 4016.99
The classification of vulcanized rubber goods under HS code 4016.99 is determined by the material composition and the manufacturing process. Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System covers rubber and articles thereof. Heading 4016 specifically addresses "Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber." Within this heading, the sub-classification 4016.99 serves as a residual category for items that are not specifically named in other subheadings, such as 4016.10 (cellular rubber) or 4016.93 (gaskets, washers, and other seals). To qualify for this code, the product must be made of vulcanized rubber that has not been hardened to the point of being classified as "hard rubber" (ebonite), which falls under heading 4017. The vulcanization process involves the chemical cross-linking of polymer chains, typically using sulfur, to enhance the material's durability, elasticity, and resistance to temperature changes. Because 4016.99 is a "basket" category, it encompasses a vast array of industrial and consumer components that do not have a more specific functional heading elsewhere in the nomenclature, provided they are made of non-cellular, non-hardened vulcanized rubber.
- Covers
- Rubber fenders and bumpers for docks or vehicles
- Rubber mats and floor coverings (non-textile backed)
- Inflatable rubber cushions and mattresses (non-medical)
- Rubber stoppers, caps, and lids for containers
- Vibration dampers and engine mounts
- Rubber erasers and small household items
- Also under 4016.99
- Gates industrial hoses (rubber components)
- SKF rubber seals
- Continental rubber belts
- Michelin rubber components (non-tire)
Codes often confused with 4016.99
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 4017.00, which is reserved for hard rubber (ebonite) in all forms. If the rubber is rigid and lacks elasticity, it must be moved to 4017. Additionally, gaskets and seals are often incorrectly placed in 4016.99 when they should specifically be classified under 4016.93. Another common error is using 4016.99 for cellular (sponge) rubber items, which belong under 4016.10. Finally, if the rubber article is a component of a specific machine, it might be classified under the machine's heading in Chapters 84 or 85, depending on the Section XVI notes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401699 (the code used for vulcanized rubber goods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401699 (the code used for vulcanized rubber goods) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 401699, not only vulcanized rubber goods.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.6B 16% of world exports
- 2 China $1.6B 9.7% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.3B 7.8% of world exports
World total: $16.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.9B 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $835M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $16.5B 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 codes for vulcanized rubber goods
Brazil splits HS 4016.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4016.99.10EPDM sealing plugs for capacitors
- 4016.99.90Other vulcanised rubber articles
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 vulcanized rubber goods
What is the HS code for Vulcanized rubber goods?
The HS code for Vulcanized rubber goods is 401699 (Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4016, of non-cellular rubber). The general HS code for other articles of non-cellular vulcanized rubber is 4016.99.
How do I classify Vulcanized rubber goods for customs?
Vulcanized rubber goods is classified under HS code 401699 — Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4016, of non-cellular rubber. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 4016.93 and 4016.99?
HS code 4016.93 is specifically for gaskets, washers, and other seals. If the rubber item serves a sealing function, 4016.93 takes precedence over the general 4016.99 code.
Which countries are the top exporters of vulcanized rubber goods (HS 401699)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401699 (the code used for vulcanized rubber goods) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.6B, 16% of world exports), China ($1.6B) and the United States ($1.3B). World exports came to about $16.3B, 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 vulcanized rubber goods (HS 401699)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401699 (the code used for vulcanized rubber goods) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 13% of world imports), Germany ($1.9B) and Mexico ($835M). World imports came to about $16.5B, 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 Vulcanized rubber goods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401699 for Vulcanized rubber goods 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 vulcanized rubber goods in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 401699 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vulcanized rubber goods depends on the product's details: 4016.99.10 (EPDM sealing plugs for capacitors), 4016.99.90 (Other vulcanised rubber articles).