Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter ranges from raw rubber (such as latex, smoked sheets) to semi-finished products (such as plates, sheets, strips) and finished articles (such as tires, tubes, belts, footwear, etc.). However, this chapter does not include certain specific rubber products, such as hard rubber, composites of rubber and textile materials (partly classified in Chapter 59), and machine parts (classified in Chapter 84, etc.). Understanding the scope of this chapter is the basis for correctly classifying rubber products. Heading 4010 covers conveyor belts or transmission belts of vulcanized rubber, including belting. Specifically includes: conveyor belts (for material transport), transmission belts (for power transmission), and synchronous belts (toothed belts). Products under this heading must be of vulcanized rubber and are usually endless or cut to specific lengths. Note that heading 4010 does not include belts used solely for specific purposes of other chapters (such as machine parts), nor belts of rubber combined with textile materials (if the textile material constitutes the essential character, they are classified in Chapter 59). First 2 digits 40: indicates Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 10: indicates heading 4010, i.e., conveyor belts or transmission belts of vulcanized rubber. Digits 5-6, 35: indicates subheading 401035, specifically endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60 cm to 150 cm. Synchronous belts, also known as toothed belts, have teeth on their inner surface and are used for precise synchronous transmission. The subheading is further divided according to outer circumference; 401035 corresponds to 60-150cm, while 401031 is below 60cm, and 401032 is another for 60-150cm? Note: the actual code needs to be verified against the latest version, but here it is analyzed according to the given code. The goods are endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60-150cm, meeting the description of heading 4010, and because they are synchronous belts (toothed belts) with a specific circumference range, they are classified under subheading 401035. If the outer circumference is less than 60cm, they are classified under 401031; if greater than 150cm, under 401039. If they are ordinary V-belts or flat belts, they are classified under other subheadings. If the synchronous belt is combined with textile materials and the textile material constitutes the essential character, it may be classified in Chapter 59.
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter ranges from raw rubber (such as latex, smoked sheets) to semi-finished products (such as plates, sheets, strips) and finished articles (such as tires, tubes, belts, footwear, etc.). However, this chapter does not include certain specific rubber products, such as hard rubber, composites of rubber and textile materials (partly classified in Chapter 59), and machine parts (classified in Chapter 84, etc.). Understanding the scope of this chapter is the basis for correctly classifying rubber products.
Heading
Heading 4010 covers conveyor belts or transmission belts of vulcanized rubber, including belting. Specifically includes: conveyor belts (for material transport), transmission belts (for power transmission), and synchronous belts (toothed belts). Products under this heading must be of vulcanized rubber and are usually endless or cut to specific lengths. Note that heading 4010 does not include belts used solely for specific purposes of other chapters (such as machine parts), nor belts of rubber combined with textile materials (if the textile material constitutes the essential character, they are classified in Chapter 59).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 40: indicates Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 10: indicates heading 4010, i.e., conveyor belts or transmission belts of vulcanized rubber. Digits 5-6, 35: indicates subheading 401035, specifically endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60 cm to 150 cm. Synchronous belts, also known as toothed belts, have teeth on their inner surface and are used for precise synchronous transmission. The subheading is further divided according to outer circumference; 401035 corresponds to 60-150cm, while 401031 is below 60cm, and 401032 is another for 60-150cm? Note: the actual code needs to be verified against the latest version, but here it is analyzed according to the given code.
Classification Basis
The goods are endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60-150cm, meeting the description of heading 4010, and because they are synchronous belts (toothed belts) with a specific circumference range, they are classified under subheading 401035. If the outer circumference is less than 60cm, they are classified under 401031; if greater than 150cm, under 401039. If they are ordinary V-belts or flat belts, they are classified under other subheadings. If the synchronous belt is combined with textile materials and the textile material constitutes the essential character, it may be classified in Chapter 59.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the goods should be declared, such as "endless synchronous belt of vulcanized rubber", avoiding the use of common names like "toothed belt" without indicating material and use. Material: Detail the type of rubber (such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, etc.) and whether it contains a textile reinforcement layer; if it contains textile materials, indicate their composition and proportion. Structure: Describe the structure of the synchronous belt, such as endless, with teeth on the inner surface, whether it has a metal skeleton or fiber reinforcement layer. Outer Circumference: Accurately measure and declare the outer circumference in centimeters, which must be within the range of 60-150cm; the measurement method should be along the outer edge of the belt. Use: Explain the use of the synchronous belt, such as for synchronous transmission in automobile engines, industrial machinery, etc. Brand: Declare the brand name (such as Gates, ContiTech, etc.); if no brand, declare as unbranded. Model: Declare the product model or specification, such as HTD 5M, GT2, etc., which helps identify product characteristics. Vulcanized or Not: Confirm whether the rubber has been vulcanized; vulcanization is a prerequisite for heading 4010. Product Name: Endless synchronous belt of vulcanized rubber; Material: hydrogenated nitrile rubber, with fiberglass reinforcement layer; Structure: endless, with teeth on inner surface; Outer Circumference: 120cm; Use: for automotive engine timing transmission; Brand: Gates; Model: HTD 8M; Vulcanized or Not: Yes. Incorrect outer circumference measurement: must be measured along the outer edge of the belt; if the inner circumference or pitch line circumference is mistakenly measured, the numerical deviation may exceed the 60-150cm range. False material declaration: if it contains a textile reinforcement layer and the textile material constitutes the essential character, it should be classified in Chapter 59, not 4010. Vague use description: if not clearly for synchronous transmission, it may be misclassified under ordinary transmission belt subheadings.
Product Name
The standard name of the goods should be declared, such as "endless synchronous belt of vulcanized rubber", avoiding the use of common names like "toothed belt" without indicating material and use.
⚠️ Declaring only "synchronous belt" or "toothed belt" without indicating the material is vulcanized rubber, leading to classification disputes.
Material
Detail the type of rubber (such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, etc.) and whether it contains a textile reinforcement layer; if it contains textile materials, indicate their composition and proportion.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether textile materials are contained, or incorrectly declaring as pure rubber when actually containing a textile reinforcement layer, which may affect classification.
Structure
Describe the structure of the synchronous belt, such as endless, with teeth on the inner surface, whether it has a metal skeleton or fiber reinforcement layer.
⚠️ Ignoring the description of the toothed structure, misreporting as an ordinary transmission belt.
Outer Circumference
Accurately measure and declare the outer circumference in centimeters, which must be within the range of 60-150cm; the measurement method should be along the outer edge of the belt.
⚠️ Declaring the inner circumference or pitch line circumference, causing numerical deviation and possible classification under other subheadings.
Use
Explain the use of the synchronous belt, such as for synchronous transmission in automobile engines, industrial machinery, etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate the use, or the use description is too broad to determine whether it is a synchronous belt.
Brand
Declare the brand name (such as Gates, ContiTech, etc.); if no brand, declare as unbranded.
⚠️ False or omitted brand declaration, affecting customs valuation and intellectual property verification.
Model
Declare the product model or specification, such as HTD 5M, GT2, etc., which helps identify product characteristics.
⚠️ Incorrect model declaration or inconsistency with the actual product, leading to classification errors.
Vulcanized or Not
Confirm whether the rubber has been vulcanized; vulcanization is a prerequisite for heading 4010.
⚠️ Failing to clarify the vulcanization status, which may be misclassified under other headings.
Example: Product Name: Endless synchronous belt of vulcanized rubber; Material: hydrogenated nitrile rubber, with fiberglass reinforcement layer; Structure: endless, with teeth on inner surface; Outer Circumference: 120cm; Use: for automotive engine timing transmission; Brand: Gates; Model: HTD 8M; Vulcanized or Not: Yes.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrect outer circumference measurement: must be measured along the outer edge of the belt; if the inner circumference or pitch line circumference is mistakenly measured, the numerical deviation may exceed the 60-150cm range.
False material declaration: if it contains a textile reinforcement layer and the textile material constitutes the essential character, it should be classified in Chapter 59, not 4010.
Vague use description: if not clearly for synchronous transmission, it may be misclassified under ordinary transmission belt subheadings.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: First confirm the goods are of vulcanized rubber and are endless synchronous belts (with teeth on the inner surface). Second, measure the outer circumference to ensure it is between 60-150cm. At the same time, check whether it contains textile materials or other materials; if the textile material constitutes the essential character, classify in Chapter 59. If it meets the description of heading 4010, classify under the corresponding subheading according to the outer circumference. Note that the difference between synchronous belts and ordinary V-belts and flat belts lies in their toothed structure, used for synchronous transmission. 401031 Endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60cm or less: Outer circumference less than 60cm; the difference from 401035 is only the circumference range, and accurate measurement is required for classification. 401032 Endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60-150cm (another subheading?): The actual code needs to be verified, but if a similar subheading exists, the difference may be in tooth profile or use, requiring careful comparison. 401039 Other transmission belts of vulcanized rubber: Includes synchronous belts with an outer circumference greater than 150cm or other types of transmission belts; the difference from 401035 is the circumference or belt type. 591000 Transmission belts or conveyor belts of textile materials: If the synchronous belt contains textile materials and the textile material constitutes the essential character, classify under this code, not 4010. 848390 Machine parts: If the synchronous belt is a dedicated part of a specific machine and meets the notes to Chapter 84, it may be classified under this code, but generally transmission belts are still classified under 4010. Confirm the material is vulcanized rubber. Confirm the inner surface has teeth, making it a synchronous belt. Accurately measure the outer circumference within 60-150cm. Check whether it contains textile materials and their proportion. Confirm the use is for synchronous transmission.
Basis
Core classification criteria: First confirm the goods are of vulcanized rubber and are endless synchronous belts (with teeth on the inner surface). Second, measure the outer circumference to ensure it is between 60-150cm. At the same time, check whether it contains textile materials or other materials; if the textile material constitutes the essential character, classify in Chapter 59. If it meets the description of heading 4010, classify under the corresponding subheading according to the outer circumference. Note that the difference between synchronous belts and ordinary V-belts and flat belts lies in their toothed structure, used for synchronous transmission.
Confused Codes:
401031 - Endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60cm or less
Outer circumference less than 60cm; the difference from 401035 is only the circumference range, and accurate measurement is required for classification.
401032 - Endless synchronous belts of vulcanized rubber, with an outer circumference of 60-150cm (another subheading?)
The actual code needs to be verified, but if a similar subheading exists, the difference may be in tooth profile or use, requiring careful comparison.
401039 - Other transmission belts of vulcanized rubber
Includes synchronous belts with an outer circumference greater than 150cm or other types of transmission belts; the difference from 401035 is the circumference or belt type.
591000 - Transmission belts or conveyor belts of textile materials
If the synchronous belt contains textile materials and the textile material constitutes the essential character, classify under this code, not 4010.
848390 - Machine parts
If the synchronous belt is a dedicated part of a specific machine and meets the notes to Chapter 84, it may be classified under this code, but generally transmission belts are still classified under 4010.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm the material is vulcanized rubber.
✓ Confirm the inner surface has teeth, making it a synchronous belt.
✓ Accurately measure the outer circumference within 60-150cm.
✓ Check whether it contains textile materials and their proportion.
✓ Confirm the use is for synchronous transmission.
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the tax rate for HS code 401035? It can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional classification databases. Tax rates vary by country, trade agreements, and time; it is recommended to refer to the latest official data. At the same time, confirm whether the goods meet the rules of origin to enjoy preferential tax rates. What is the method for measuring the outer circumference? The outer circumference should be measured by extending along the outer edge of the synchronous belt, usually using a soft tape measure tightly around the outer surface of the belt. If the belt is endless, it can be laid flat and the outer edge circumference measured. Be careful not to measure the inner circumference or pitch line circumference to avoid numerical deviation leading to classification errors. Does the synchronous belt containing a textile reinforcement layer affect classification? If the textile material is only used as a reinforcement layer and does not constitute the essential character, it is still classified under 4010. However, if the textile material constitutes the essential character (such as high weight proportion or playing a major role), it may be classified in Chapter 59. It is recommended to judge according to the notes to Chapter 59 and the General Rules for Interpretation. What is the difference in classification between synchronous belts and ordinary V-belts? Synchronous belts have teeth on the inner surface and are used for synchronous transmission, classified under subheadings such as 401035; ordinary V-belts have a V-shaped cross-section and are used for friction transmission, classified under other subheadings among 401031-401039. The two may differ in subheading division, and accurate classification is required based on belt type. If the outer circumference of the synchronous belt is exactly 150cm, which subheading should it be classified under? According to the subheading text, 401035 covers 60-150cm, usually including 150cm. However, confirm whether the code description includes the upper limit; it is recommended to consult the latest tariff. If the description is "not exceeding 150cm", then 150cm is classified under 401035; if it is "less than 150cm", then 150cm may be classified under 401039. Are brand and model required to be provided during declaration? Brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs identify goods and assess value. If there is actually no brand, declare "unbranded"; the model should be declared truthfully. Missing information may cause customs clearance delays or penalties. If the synchronous belt is used for automobile engines, is it classified under automobile parts codes? Usually not classified under automobile parts (such as 8708), because heading 4010 explicitly includes transmission belts, and the notes to Chapter 87 exclude rubber products. However, if the synchronous belt is combined with other automobile parts into a complete component, it may be classified as a component. It is recommended to refer to the General Rules for Interpretation. How to determine whether a synchronous belt has been vulcanized? Vulcanization is the process of cross-linking rubber, giving it elasticity and strength. It is usually determined by the production process, such as heat and pressure treatment. If uncertain, ask the supplier for material certification or test reports. Unvulcanized rubber is classified under other headings of Chapter 40.
Q: How to inquire about the tax rate for HS code 401035?
A: It can be inquired through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional classification databases. Tax rates vary by country, trade agreements, and time; it is recommended to refer to the latest official data. At the same time, confirm whether the goods meet the rules of origin to enjoy preferential tax rates.
Q: What is the method for measuring the outer circumference?
A: The outer circumference should be measured by extending along the outer edge of the synchronous belt, usually using a soft tape measure tightly around the outer surface of the belt. If the belt is endless, it can be laid flat and the outer edge circumference measured. Be careful not to measure the inner circumference or pitch line circumference to avoid numerical deviation leading to classification errors.
Q: Does the synchronous belt containing a textile reinforcement layer affect classification?
A: If the textile material is only used as a reinforcement layer and does not constitute the essential character, it is still classified under 4010. However, if the textile material constitutes the essential character (such as high weight proportion or playing a major role), it may be classified in Chapter 59. It is recommended to judge according to the notes to Chapter 59 and the General Rules for Interpretation.
Q: What is the difference in classification between synchronous belts and ordinary V-belts?
A: Synchronous belts have teeth on the inner surface and are used for synchronous transmission, classified under subheadings such as 401035; ordinary V-belts have a V-shaped cross-section and are used for friction transmission, classified under other subheadings among 401031-401039. The two may differ in subheading division, and accurate classification is required based on belt type.
Q: If the outer circumference of the synchronous belt is exactly 150cm, which subheading should it be classified under?
A: According to the subheading text, 401035 covers 60-150cm, usually including 150cm. However, confirm whether the code description includes the upper limit; it is recommended to consult the latest tariff. If the description is "not exceeding 150cm", then 150cm is classified under 401035; if it is "less than 150cm", then 150cm may be classified under 401039.
Q: Are brand and model required to be provided during declaration?
A: Brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs identify goods and assess value. If there is actually no brand, declare "unbranded"; the model should be declared truthfully. Missing information may cause customs clearance delays or penalties.
Q: If the synchronous belt is used for automobile engines, is it classified under automobile parts codes?
A: Usually not classified under automobile parts (such as 8708), because heading 4010 explicitly includes transmission belts, and the notes to Chapter 87 exclude rubber products. However, if the synchronous belt is combined with other automobile parts into a complete component, it may be classified as a component. It is recommended to refer to the General Rules for Interpretation.
Q: How to determine whether a synchronous belt has been vulcanized?
A: Vulcanization is the process of cross-linking rubber, giving it elasticity and strength. It is usually determined by the production process, such as heat and pressure treatment. If uncertain, ask the supplier for material certification or test reports. Unvulcanized rubber is classified under other headings of Chapter 40.
⚠️ 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.