Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, unvulcanized rubber, vulcanized rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter covers everything from raw materials (such as raw rubber and latex) to semi-finished products (such as unvulcanized plates, sheets, and strips) and finished products (such as tires, rubber hoses, and rubber belts), but excludes certain specific rubber products (such as rubber footwear under Chapter 64 and rubber mechanical parts under Chapter 84). The core lies in the processing stage and use of rubber materials. Heading 4006 covers unvulcanized rubber in other forms (such as plates, sheets, strips, rods, tubes, etc.) and unvulcanized rubber articles, including unvulcanized compounded rubber mixed with carbon black or silica. It specifically includes unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips, unvulcanized rubber plates, sheets, strips, rods, etc. However, it excludes primary forms of unvulcanized rubber (under 4001-4005) and waste and scrap (under 4004). First 2 digits 40: represents Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 06: represents heading 4006, i.e., unvulcanized rubber in other forms and unvulcanized rubber articles. Digits 5-6, 10: represents subheading 400610, specifically unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips. This subheading specifically refers to unvulcanized rubber strips used for bonding onto the carcass of old tires during tire retreading, usually in strip or band form, requiring subsequent vulcanization molding. This commodity is an unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strip, which is a semi-finished product of unvulcanized rubber with a specific shape (strip form) and use (tire retreading). Therefore, it is classified under 4006, rather than 4005 (primary forms of unvulcanized rubber) or 4011 (new pneumatic rubber tires). Also, because it is unvulcanized, it is not classified under 4012 (retreaded tires).
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, unvulcanized rubber, vulcanized rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter covers everything from raw materials (such as raw rubber and latex) to semi-finished products (such as unvulcanized plates, sheets, and strips) and finished products (such as tires, rubber hoses, and rubber belts), but excludes certain specific rubber products (such as rubber footwear under Chapter 64 and rubber mechanical parts under Chapter 84). The core lies in the processing stage and use of rubber materials.
Heading
Heading 4006 covers unvulcanized rubber in other forms (such as plates, sheets, strips, rods, tubes, etc.) and unvulcanized rubber articles, including unvulcanized compounded rubber mixed with carbon black or silica. It specifically includes unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips, unvulcanized rubber plates, sheets, strips, rods, etc. However, it excludes primary forms of unvulcanized rubber (under 4001-4005) and waste and scrap (under 4004).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 40: represents Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 06: represents heading 4006, i.e., unvulcanized rubber in other forms and unvulcanized rubber articles. Digits 5-6, 10: represents subheading 400610, specifically unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips. This subheading specifically refers to unvulcanized rubber strips used for bonding onto the carcass of old tires during tire retreading, usually in strip or band form, requiring subsequent vulcanization molding.
Classification Basis
This commodity is an unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strip, which is a semi-finished product of unvulcanized rubber with a specific shape (strip form) and use (tire retreading). Therefore, it is classified under 4006, rather than 4005 (primary forms of unvulcanized rubber) or 4011 (new pneumatic rubber tires). Also, because it is unvulcanized, it is not classified under 4012 (retreaded tires).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strip," avoiding colloquial or vague names. Material: Specify the type of rubber, such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, etc., and whether it contains compounding agents such as carbon black or silica. Appearance/Shape: Describe as strip, band, or roll form, and specify cross-sectional dimensions (such as width and thickness). Vulcanization Status: Clearly declare "unvulcanized," which is the key to classification under 4006. Use: Specify use for tire retreading, bonded onto the carcass of old tires. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "no brand." Model: If there is a model, declare it; if no model, declare "no model." Packaging Specifications: Specify the length, weight, etc. per roll/box for customs inspection. Product Name: Unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strip; Material: Natural rubber (containing carbon black); Appearance/Shape: Strip form, width 50mm, thickness 5mm, roll packaging; Vulcanization Status: Unvulcanized; Use: For tire retreading, bonded onto the carcass of old tires; Brand: No brand; Model: No model; Packaging Specifications: 50 meters per roll, 4 rolls per box. Misdeclaring unvulcanized rubber strips as vulcanized, resulting in incorrect classification under 4016. Failing to specify use as "tire retreading," which may result in classification under other unvulcanized rubber articles. Material description too simple, failing to specify whether it contains compounding agents such as carbon black, affecting subheading determination.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strip," avoiding colloquial or vague names.
⚠️ Misreporting as "rubber strip" or "retreaded tire," failing to reflect unvulcanized status and tread retreading use.
Material
Specify the type of rubber, such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, etc., and whether it contains compounding agents such as carbon black or silica.
⚠️ Writing only "rubber" without specifying the specific rubber type or whether it contains compounding agents.
Appearance/Shape
Describe as strip, band, or roll form, and specify cross-sectional dimensions (such as width and thickness).
⚠️ Vaguely writing "strip form" without providing specific dimensions, affecting classification.
Vulcanization Status
Clearly declare "unvulcanized," which is the key to classification under 4006.
⚠️ Failing to report or misreporting as "vulcanized," resulting in classification under 4016 or 4012.
Use
Specify use for tire retreading, bonded onto the carcass of old tires.
⚠️ Writing only "for tires" without emphasizing retreading use.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "no brand."
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration or providing incomplete information.
Model
If there is a model, declare it; if no model, declare "no model."
⚠️ Model declaration is non-standard or inconsistent with the actual product.
Packaging Specifications
Specify the length, weight, etc. per roll/box for customs inspection.
⚠️ Packaging specifications not detailed enough, affecting quantity verification.
Example： Product Name: Unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strip; Material: Natural rubber (containing carbon black); Appearance/Shape: Strip form, width 50mm, thickness 5mm, roll packaging; Vulcanization Status: Unvulcanized; Use: For tire retreading, bonded onto the carcass of old tires; Brand: No brand; Model: No model; Packaging Specifications: 50 meters per roll, 4 rolls per box.
Common Mistakes：
Misdeclaring unvulcanized rubber strips as vulcanized, resulting in incorrect classification under 4016.
Failing to specify use as "tire retreading," which may result in classification under other unvulcanized rubber articles.
Material description too simple, failing to specify whether it contains compounding agents such as carbon black, affecting subheading determination.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: 1) The commodity is unvulcanized rubber, which is the primary condition for classification under 4006; 2) The shape is strip form, which falls under "other forms" listed in heading 4006; 3) The use is tire retreading, which conforms to the specific description of subheading 400610. If vulcanized, it would be classified under 4016; if in primary form, under 4001-4005; if a finished retreaded tire, under 4012. 4005 Unvulcanized rubber in primary forms: 4005 covers primary forms (such as blocks, lumps, powder), while 400610 covers specific shapes such as strips and is specifically for tread retreading. 4016 Vulcanized rubber articles: 4016 covers vulcanized rubber articles, while 400610 is unvulcanized; after vulcanization, it would be classified under 4016. 4011 New pneumatic rubber tires: 4011 covers finished new tires, while 400610 covers unvulcanized retreading strips used for tire retreading. 4012 Retreaded tires: 4012 covers finished retreaded tires, while 400610 covers unvulcanized materials used for retreading. Is it clearly unvulcanized rubber? Is the shape strip or band form? Is the use tire retreading? Does it contain compounding agents such as carbon black? Is it already vulcanized or a finished tire?
Basis
Core classification criteria: 1) The commodity is unvulcanized rubber, which is the primary condition for classification under 4006; 2) The shape is strip form, which falls under "other forms" listed in heading 4006; 3) The use is tire retreading, which conforms to the specific description of subheading 400610. If vulcanized, it would be classified under 4016; if in primary form, under 4001-4005; if a finished retreaded tire, under 4012.
Confused Codes：
4005 - Unvulcanized rubber in primary forms
4005 covers primary forms (such as blocks, lumps, powder), while 400610 covers specific shapes such as strips and is specifically for tread retreading.
4016 - Vulcanized rubber articles
4016 covers vulcanized rubber articles, while 400610 is unvulcanized; after vulcanization, it would be classified under 4016.
4011 - New pneumatic rubber tires
4011 covers finished new tires, while 400610 covers unvulcanized retreading strips used for tire retreading.
4012 - Retreaded tires
4012 covers finished retreaded tires, while 400610 covers unvulcanized materials used for retreading.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly unvulcanized rubber?
✓ Is the shape strip or band form?
✓ Is the use tire retreading?
✓ Does it contain compounding agents such as carbon black?
✓ Is it already vulcanized or a finished tire?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tax rate for 400610? You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax (if applicable) by entering HS code 400610 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party inquiry platforms. Note that tax rates may vary due to trade agreements and country of origin; it is recommended to rely on official real-time data. What is the difference in classification between unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips and vulcanized rubber strips? Unvulcanized rubber strips are classified under 4006, while vulcanized rubber strips are classified under 4016. The key difference is whether vulcanization treatment has been applied. After vulcanization, rubber molecules cross-link, physical properties change, and classification changes accordingly. Proof of vulcanization status must be provided at declaration. If the tread retreading strip has a pattern, does it affect classification? No. Subheading 400610 is described as "tread retreading strips"; regardless of whether they have a pattern, as long as the material is unvulcanized rubber and used for retreading, they are classified under this code. The pattern is formed during subsequent vulcanization and does not affect classification in the unvulcanized state. What is the difference between 400610 and 400591? 400591 covers unvulcanized rubber plates, sheets, and strips, while 400610 covers unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips. The shapes differ: plates, sheets, and strips are usually flat rectangles, while retreading strips are specific strip forms exclusively for tire retreading. If plates, sheets, or strips are used for retreading, they may also be classified under 400610, but this depends on the specific shape and use. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting 400610? Generally, there are no special regulatory conditions for export, but it must comply with the technical standards of the destination country. It is recommended to check China Customs export tariff schedule to confirm whether an export license, commodity inspection, etc. are required. Also pay attention to rules of origin to enjoy free trade agreement preferences. How to declare tread retreading strips sold through cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce declarations require HS code 400610 and truthful completion of declaration elements. Note the difference between personal items and goods; if for commercial sale, customs declaration as goods is required with corresponding taxes paid. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker. What is the unit of measurement for 400610? Usually measured in kilograms, but can also be declared in meters or rolls according to customs requirements. Net weight, length, etc. must be specified at declaration for customs statistics and inspection. The specific requirements are subject to customs declaration form filling specifications. If the tread retreading strip contains fabric reinforcement, is it still classified under 400610? If it contains fabric reinforcement and the fabric only serves a reinforcing function, it may still be classified under 400610. However, if the fabric becomes the essential character, it may be classified under Chapter 59. This depends on the ratio of rubber to fabric and the use; it is recommended to provide sample pictures and composition descriptions.
Q: How to inquire about the import tax rate for 400610?
A: You can check the latest import tariff, value-added tax, and consumption tax (if applicable) by entering HS code 400610 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party inquiry platforms. Note that tax rates may vary due to trade agreements and country of origin; it is recommended to rely on official real-time data.
Q: What is the difference in classification between unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips and vulcanized rubber strips?
A: Unvulcanized rubber strips are classified under 4006, while vulcanized rubber strips are classified under 4016. The key difference is whether vulcanization treatment has been applied. After vulcanization, rubber molecules cross-link, physical properties change, and classification changes accordingly. Proof of vulcanization status must be provided at declaration.
Q: If the tread retreading strip has a pattern, does it affect classification?
A: No. Subheading 400610 is described as "tread retreading strips"; regardless of whether they have a pattern, as long as the material is unvulcanized rubber and used for retreading, they are classified under this code. The pattern is formed during subsequent vulcanization and does not affect classification in the unvulcanized state.
Q: What is the difference between 400610 and 400591?
A: 400591 covers unvulcanized rubber plates, sheets, and strips, while 400610 covers unvulcanized rubber tread retreading strips. The shapes differ: plates, sheets, and strips are usually flat rectangles, while retreading strips are specific strip forms exclusively for tire retreading. If plates, sheets, or strips are used for retreading, they may also be classified under 400610, but this depends on the specific shape and use.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting 400610?
A: Generally, there are no special regulatory conditions for export, but it must comply with the technical standards of the destination country. It is recommended to check China Customs export tariff schedule to confirm whether an export license, commodity inspection, etc. are required. Also pay attention to rules of origin to enjoy free trade agreement preferences.
Q: How to declare tread retreading strips sold through cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce declarations require HS code 400610 and truthful completion of declaration elements. Note the difference between personal items and goods; if for commercial sale, customs declaration as goods is required with corresponding taxes paid. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What is the unit of measurement for 400610?
A: Usually measured in kilograms, but can also be declared in meters or rolls according to customs requirements. Net weight, length, etc. must be specified at declaration for customs statistics and inspection. The specific requirements are subject to customs declaration form filling specifications.
Q: If the tread retreading strip contains fabric reinforcement, is it still classified under 400610?
A: If it contains fabric reinforcement and the fabric only serves a reinforcing function, it may still be classified under 400610. However, if the fabric becomes the essential character, it may be classified under Chapter 59. This depends on the ratio of rubber to fabric and the use; it is recommended to provide sample pictures and composition descriptions.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.