Product classification
HS code for Vulcanized rubber sheets: 4008.21
Rubber, vulcanised (other than hard rubber), in plates, sheets and strip, of non-cellular rubber.
Classification of vulcanized rubber sheets under HS 4008.21
Vulcanized rubber sheets are classified under HS code 4008.21. This classification is determined by the material composition and the physical form of the product. Heading 4008 covers plates, sheets, strip, rods, and profile shapes of vulcanized rubber (excluding hard rubber). The subheading 4008.21 specifically targets non-cellular rubber in the form of plates, sheets, and strip. According to Chapter 40 Note 9, the terms 'plates,' 'sheets,' and 'strip' apply only to those pieces which have not been cut to shape or otherwise worked, other than simple surface working (such as printing or embossing). The rubber must be vulcanized, a process that cross-links the polymer chains to provide elasticity and durability. Non-cellular rubber is solid and does not contain the air cells found in sponge or foam rubber. These sheets are widely used in industrial applications for gaskets, floor coverings (if not specifically for vehicles), and protective linings. The classification is straightforward as long as the material is not combined with other substances like textiles in a way that changes its essential character, which might move it to Chapter 59.
- Covers
- Solid vulcanized rubber sheeting
- Rubber matting in rolls
- Gasket sheeting (non-cellular)
- Vulcanized rubber strips
- Surface-worked rubber plates
- Industrial rubber flooring (bulk)
- Also under 4008.21
- Goodyear industrial rubber sheets
- Gates rubber strips
- Continental ContiTech rubber plates
- Rubber-Cal SBR sheets
- Freudenberg Sealing Technologies rubber material.
Codes often confused with 4008.21
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 4008.11, which is for cellular (foam or sponge) rubber sheets. Importers must verify if the rubber has a porous structure. Another error is using 4005.91, which is for unvulcanized rubber sheets. If the rubber has been cured or vulcanized, 4005 is incorrect. Additionally, if the rubber sheet is reinforced with textile fabric and the rubber is the primary component, it stays in 4008, but if the textile provides the essential character, it may fall under 5906. Finally, if the sheet is cut to a specific shape for a specific machine, it may be classified as a part of that machine or under 4016.
Top exporters and importers of HS 400821 (the code used for vulcanized rubber sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 400821 (the code used for vulcanized rubber sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 400821, not only vulcanized rubber sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $624M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $332M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $224M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $318M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $173M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $150M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 vulcanized rubber sheets
Brazil classifies vulcanized rubber sheets under NCM 4008.21.00: HS 4008.21 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 vulcanized rubber sheets
What is the HS code for Vulcanized rubber sheets?
The HS code for Vulcanized rubber sheets is 400821 (Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), in plates, sheets and strip, of non-cellular rubber). The HS code for non-cellular vulcanized rubber sheets is 4008.21.
How do I classify Vulcanized rubber sheets for customs?
Vulcanized rubber sheets is classified under HS code 400821 — Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), in plates, sheets and strip, of non-cellular rubber. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the rubber sheet is adhesive-backed?
If the sheet is simply coated with an adhesive on one side but remains a semi-finished sheet, it generally remains under 4008.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of vulcanized rubber sheets (HS 400821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 400821 (the code used for vulcanized rubber sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($624M, 24% of world exports), China ($332M) and the United States ($224M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 sheets (HS 400821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 400821 (the code used for vulcanized rubber sheets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($318M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($173M) and France ($150M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Vulcanized rubber sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 400821 for Vulcanized rubber sheets 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 sheets in Brazil?
In Brazil, vulcanized rubber sheets (HS 400821) is classified under NCM 4008.21.00.