Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, unvulcanized rubber, vulcanized rubber and various articles thereof. This chapter is divided into three levels: raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products, forming a complete industrial chain classification from natural rubber under heading 4001 to hard rubber articles under heading 4017. Rubber products are widely used in industry, transportation, medical care and other fields. When classifying, attention should be focused on material, vulcanization status, reinforcement method and use. Heading 4009 covers tubes, pipes and hoses of unvulcanized rubber (including unvulcanized compound rubber), whether or not fitted with accessories (such as fittings, flanges, valves, etc.). However, it applies only to unvulcanized rubber and excludes articles of hard rubber. Under this heading, goods are further subdivided according to whether they are reinforced, the type of reinforcing material and whether they are fitted with accessories, making it a core heading for the classification of rubber hose products. The first 2 digits "40" represent Chapter 40, rubber and articles thereof, which is the starting point for rubber products in the entire tariff schedule. Digits 3-4, "09", represent heading 4009, namely tubes, pipes and hoses of unvulcanized rubber, as distinct from tubes of vulcanized rubber (which appear after heading 4009; for example, 4009 is unvulcanized, while 4010 after 4009 is of vulcanized rubber). Digits 5-6, "11", are the subheading, specifically referring to tubes of unvulcanized rubber that are "not reinforced", that is, the tube wall contains no reinforcing material (such as fibers, steel wire, etc.) and is not combined with metal or other materials for reinforcement. This product is a rubber hose made of unvulcanized rubber and has not undergone reinforcement treatment, so it is classified under 4009.11. If it were vulcanized, it would be classified under 4010; if it contained reinforcing materials (such as braiding or steel wire spiral), it would be classified under 4009.12 to 4009.19; if fitted with accessories, it would still be classified under 4009 but would need to be further subdivided according to the reinforcement situation. This code specifically refers to pure rubber tubes that are unreinforced and unvulcanized.
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, unvulcanized rubber, vulcanized rubber and various articles thereof. This chapter is divided into three levels: raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products, forming a complete industrial chain classification from natural rubber under heading 4001 to hard rubber articles under heading 4017. Rubber products are widely used in industry, transportation, medical care and other fields. When classifying, attention should be focused on material, vulcanization status, reinforcement method and use.
Heading
Heading 4009 covers tubes, pipes and hoses of unvulcanized rubber (including unvulcanized compound rubber), whether or not fitted with accessories (such as fittings, flanges, valves, etc.). However, it applies only to unvulcanized rubber and excludes articles of hard rubber. Under this heading, goods are further subdivided according to whether they are reinforced, the type of reinforcing material and whether they are fitted with accessories, making it a core heading for the classification of rubber hose products.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "40" represent Chapter 40, rubber and articles thereof, which is the starting point for rubber products in the entire tariff schedule. Digits 3-4, "09", represent heading 4009, namely tubes, pipes and hoses of unvulcanized rubber, as distinct from tubes of vulcanized rubber (which appear after heading 4009; for example, 4009 is unvulcanized, while 4010 after 4009 is of vulcanized rubber). Digits 5-6, "11", are the subheading, specifically referring to tubes of unvulcanized rubber that are "not reinforced", that is, the tube wall contains no reinforcing material (such as fibers, steel wire, etc.) and is not combined with metal or other materials for reinforcement.
Classification Basis
This product is a rubber hose made of unvulcanized rubber and has not undergone reinforcement treatment, so it is classified under 4009.11. If it were vulcanized, it would be classified under 4010; if it contained reinforcing materials (such as braiding or steel wire spiral), it would be classified under 4009.12 to 4009.19; if fitted with accessories, it would still be classified under 4009 but would need to be further subdivided according to the reinforcement situation. This code specifically refers to pure rubber tubes that are unreinforced and unvulcanized.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "unreinforced vulcanized rubber hose" or "unvulcanized rubber tube". Material: State the type of rubber (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.) and whether it is vulcanized; the "unvulcanized" status must be indicated. Reinforcement status: Clearly state whether reinforcing materials are present, such as fibers, steel wire, fabric, etc., as well as the reinforcement method (braiding, spiral, etc.). Use: Explain the specific application scenario, such as industrial conveyance, automotive piping, medical equipment, etc., which helps assist classification. Specifications and dimensions: Declare dimensional information such as inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness and length, which affects subheading subdivision and document review. Whether fitted with accessories: State whether fittings, flanges, valves and other accessories are attached; if so, describe them in detail. Brand or model: Provide the brand name or model to facilitate customs identification of product characteristics. Product name: Unreinforced unvulcanized rubber tube; Material: natural rubber, unvulcanized; Reinforcement status: no reinforcing material; Use: used for conveying water in industrial equipment; Specifications: inner diameter 10 mm, outer diameter 15 mm, wall thickness 2.5 mm, length 100 m; Whether fitted with accessories: no; Brand: XX; Model: RH-100. Mistakenly declaring unvulcanized as vulcanized, resulting in classification under 4010 instead of 4009. Ignoring the presence of reinforcing materials and incorrectly classifying under 4009.11. Failure to declare accessories; if accessories are fitted, it is still classified under 4009 but must be further subdivided. Unclear material description, failing to distinguish natural rubber from synthetic rubber.
Product name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "unreinforced vulcanized rubber hose" or "unvulcanized rubber tube".
⚠️ Mistakenly writing "vulcanized rubber hose" or "reinforced rubber hose", resulting in incorrect classification.
Material
State the type of rubber (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.) and whether it is vulcanized; the "unvulcanized" status must be indicated.
⚠️ Writing only "rubber" without indicating vulcanization status, or confusing natural rubber with synthetic rubber.
Reinforcement status
Clearly state whether reinforcing materials are present, such as fibers, steel wire, fabric, etc., as well as the reinforcement method (braiding, spiral, etc.).
⚠️ Ignoring the description of the reinforcing layer, or mistakenly treating an inner fabric lining as reinforcement.
Use
Explain the specific application scenario, such as industrial conveyance, automotive piping, medical equipment, etc., which helps assist classification.
⚠️ The description of use is too broad, such as "industrial use", lacking specificity.
Specifications and dimensions
Declare dimensional information such as inner diameter, outer diameter, wall thickness and length, which affects subheading subdivision and document review.
⚠️ Providing only length and lacking key dimensions such as inner diameter.
Whether fitted with accessories
State whether fittings, flanges, valves and other accessories are attached; if so, describe them in detail.
⚠️ Failure to declare accessories, resulting in classification deviation or omission.
Brand or model
Provide the brand name or model to facilitate customs identification of product characteristics.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to provide them, making verification impossible.
Example： Product name: Unreinforced unvulcanized rubber tube; Material: natural rubber, unvulcanized; Reinforcement status: no reinforcing material; Use: used for conveying water in industrial equipment; Specifications: inner diameter 10 mm, outer diameter 15 mm, wall thickness 2.5 mm, length 100 m; Whether fitted with accessories: no; Brand: XX; Model: RH-100.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring unvulcanized as vulcanized, resulting in classification under 4010 instead of 4009.
Ignoring the presence of reinforcing materials and incorrectly classifying under 4009.11.
Failure to declare accessories; if accessories are fitted, it is still classified under 4009 but must be further subdivided.
Unclear material description, failing to distinguish natural rubber from synthetic rubber.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material must be unvulcanized rubber; 2) the tube structure must be unreinforced; 3) use does not affect the heading but affects the subheading. It is necessary to combine the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff Schedule and customs classification decisions, with key review of vulcanization status and reinforcement. If made of vulcanized rubber, classify under 4010; if containing reinforcing materials, classify under 4009.12 to 4009.19. 4009.12 Unvulcanized rubber tubes reinforced with textile materials: Contains a reinforcing layer of textile material, whereas 4009.11 has no reinforcement at all. 4009.19 Unvulcanized rubber tubes reinforced with other materials: Contains metal or other non-textile reinforcing materials, such as steel wire. 4010.11 Reinforced tubes of vulcanized rubber: Already vulcanized and usually reinforced, clearly different from 4009.11, which is unvulcanized and unreinforced. 3917.31 Plastic hoses: The material is plastic, not rubber, and it may be reinforced or unreinforced. Has it been confirmed that the rubber is unvulcanized? Has it been confirmed that there is no reinforcing material at all? Has it been checked whether accessories are fitted? Has it been verified that the material is rubber rather than plastic? Have the dimensions and specifications been checked against the declaration?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material must be unvulcanized rubber; 2) the tube structure must be unreinforced; 3) use does not affect the heading but affects the subheading. It is necessary to combine the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff Schedule and customs classification decisions, with key review of vulcanization status and reinforcement. If made of vulcanized rubber, classify under 4010; if containing reinforcing materials, classify under 4009.12 to 4009.19.
Confused Codes：
4009.12 - Unvulcanized rubber tubes reinforced with textile materials
Contains a reinforcing layer of textile material, whereas 4009.11 has no reinforcement at all.
4009.19 - Unvulcanized rubber tubes reinforced with other materials
Contains metal or other non-textile reinforcing materials, such as steel wire.
4010.11 - Reinforced tubes of vulcanized rubber
Already vulcanized and usually reinforced, clearly different from 4009.11, which is unvulcanized and unreinforced.
3917.31 - Plastic hoses
The material is plastic, not rubber, and it may be reinforced or unreinforced.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the rubber is unvulcanized?
✓ Has it been confirmed that there is no reinforcing material at all?
✓ Has it been checked whether accessories are fitted?
✓ Has it been verified that the material is rubber rather than plastic?
✓ Have the dimensions and specifications been checked against the declaration?
❓ FAQ
How can it be determined whether a rubber hose has been vulcanized? Vulcanization is the cross-linking process of rubber and can be judged by appearance (after vulcanization it is more elastic and has a smooth surface), process (whether it has undergone heating and pressure) or test reports. Unvulcanized rubber is usually softer and more tacky, while strength increases after vulcanization. When declaring, process descriptions or test reports must be provided. If a rubber hose is fitted with a fitting, is it still classified under 4009.11? If the tube itself is unvulcanized and unreinforced, even if fitted with a fitting, it is still classified under 4009, but it must be classified under the corresponding subheading according to the reinforcement situation. If the fitting is made of metal and serves a reinforcing function, it may affect classification. It is recommended to describe the accessories in detail when declaring. What is the core difference between 4009.11 and 4010.11? 4009.11 is an unreinforced tube of unvulcanized rubber, and 4010.11 is an unreinforced tube of vulcanized rubber. The key difference lies in the vulcanization status; after vulcanization, the physical properties of rubber change, resulting in different classification. Proof of vulcanization must be provided. What do reinforcing materials include? How do they affect classification? Reinforcing materials include textile fibers, steel wire, glass fiber, etc., and are used to improve pressure resistance. If reinforcing materials are present, the goods cannot be classified under 4009.11 and must be classified under 4009.12 to 4009.19 according to the type of reinforcing material. The type of reinforcing material should be indicated when declaring. How should small rubber hoses sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared? They must be declared according to the actual material and status. If they are unvulcanized and unreinforced, they are still classified under 4009.11. Attention should be paid to providing elements such as product name, material and use to avoid classification errors caused by simplified declaration of low-value goods. It is recommended to keep product descriptions for customs verification. What channels are available for checking the tax rate of 4009.11? The latest tax rate can be obtained through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window or third-party tariff query tools. Tax rates may be adjusted due to trade agreements and national policies, and the customs system data at the time of declaration should prevail. If a rubber hose is used in automobiles, is it classified under 4009.11? Use does not affect the heading. If it is an unvulcanized unreinforced rubber hose, it is still classified under 4009.11. However, automotive hoses are often vulcanized and reinforced and must be classified under 4010. It is recommended to verify the actual status to avoid misclassification. What are the consequences of failing to declare a reinforcing layer? It may lead to incorrect classification, affect tax rates and regulatory conditions, and even constitute inaccurate declaration, resulting in supplementary tax payment, fines or administrative penalties. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
Q: How can it be determined whether a rubber hose has been vulcanized?
A: Vulcanization is the cross-linking process of rubber and can be judged by appearance (after vulcanization it is more elastic and has a smooth surface), process (whether it has undergone heating and pressure) or test reports. Unvulcanized rubber is usually softer and more tacky, while strength increases after vulcanization. When declaring, process descriptions or test reports must be provided.
Q: If a rubber hose is fitted with a fitting, is it still classified under 4009.11?
A: If the tube itself is unvulcanized and unreinforced, even if fitted with a fitting, it is still classified under 4009, but it must be classified under the corresponding subheading according to the reinforcement situation. If the fitting is made of metal and serves a reinforcing function, it may affect classification. It is recommended to describe the accessories in detail when declaring.
Q: What is the core difference between 4009.11 and 4010.11?
A: 4009.11 is an unreinforced tube of unvulcanized rubber, and 4010.11 is an unreinforced tube of vulcanized rubber. The key difference lies in the vulcanization status; after vulcanization, the physical properties of rubber change, resulting in different classification. Proof of vulcanization must be provided.
Q: What do reinforcing materials include? How do they affect classification?
A: Reinforcing materials include textile fibers, steel wire, glass fiber, etc., and are used to improve pressure resistance. If reinforcing materials are present, the goods cannot be classified under 4009.11 and must be classified under 4009.12 to 4009.19 according to the type of reinforcing material. The type of reinforcing material should be indicated when declaring.
Q: How should small rubber hoses sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: They must be declared according to the actual material and status. If they are unvulcanized and unreinforced, they are still classified under 4009.11. Attention should be paid to providing elements such as product name, material and use to avoid classification errors caused by simplified declaration of low-value goods. It is recommended to keep product descriptions for customs verification.
Q: What channels are available for checking the tax rate of 4009.11?
A: The latest tax rate can be obtained through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window or third-party tariff query tools. Tax rates may be adjusted due to trade agreements and national policies, and the customs system data at the time of declaration should prevail.
Q: If a rubber hose is used in automobiles, is it classified under 4009.11?
A: Use does not affect the heading. If it is an unvulcanized unreinforced rubber hose, it is still classified under 4009.11. However, automotive hoses are often vulcanized and reinforced and must be classified under 4010. It is recommended to verify the actual status to avoid misclassification.
Q: What are the consequences of failing to declare a reinforcing layer?
A: It may lead to incorrect classification, affect tax rates and regulatory conditions, and even constitute inaccurate declaration, resulting in supplementary tax payment, fines or administrative penalties. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.