Chapter 40 covers vulcanized rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and reclaimed rubber, as well as semi-finished products like plates, sheets, strips, tubes, and profiles, and various finished products. This chapter does not include unvulcanized rubber, hard rubber (Chapter 39), or composite articles of rubber and textile materials (Chapter 59). Heading 4016 is an important product heading in this chapter, covering vulcanized rubber articles not elsewhere specified, such as seals, vibration dampers, inflatable articles, etc. Heading 4016 covers other articles of vulcanized rubber (excluding hard rubber), including: cellular rubber articles, non-cellular rubber articles, parts for machines and appliances, floor coverings, sanitary articles, inflatable articles, etc. However, it excludes certain specifically named articles such as tires (4011), rubber hoses (4009), conveyor belts (4010), etc. 4016 is a residual heading used to classify vulcanized rubber articles not specifically named in other headings. First 2 digits 40: represents Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 16: represents heading 4016, i.e., other articles of vulcanized rubber (excluding hard rubber). Digits 5-6, 95: represents subheading 4016.95, i.e., other inflatable articles. This subheading is further subdivided into: 4016.95.10 (inflatable rafts of rubber, etc.), 4016.95.90 (other). Therefore, 401695 specifically refers to other inflatable articles of vulcanized rubber, but excludes specifically named goods such as 4016.94 (inflatable mattresses of rubber). The goods are inflatable articles of vulcanized rubber and are not specifically named in other subheadings of 4016 (e.g., inflatable mattresses are classified under 4016.94), so they are classified under 4016.95. At the same time, they do not belong to tires (4011), hoses (4009), or other chapters. If they were hard rubber articles, they would be classified under 4017; if they were composite articles of rubber and textile materials, they might be classified under Chapter 59. Therefore, 401695 is a residual subheading applicable to other inflatable rubber articles not elsewhere specified.
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers vulcanized rubber and articles thereof, including raw materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and reclaimed rubber, as well as semi-finished products like plates, sheets, strips, tubes, and profiles, and various finished products. This chapter does not include unvulcanized rubber, hard rubber (Chapter 39), or composite articles of rubber and textile materials (Chapter 59). Heading 4016 is an important product heading in this chapter, covering vulcanized rubber articles not elsewhere specified, such as seals, vibration dampers, inflatable articles, etc.
Heading
Heading 4016 covers other articles of vulcanized rubber (excluding hard rubber), including: cellular rubber articles, non-cellular rubber articles, parts for machines and appliances, floor coverings, sanitary articles, inflatable articles, etc. However, it excludes certain specifically named articles such as tires (4011), rubber hoses (4009), conveyor belts (4010), etc. 4016 is a residual heading used to classify vulcanized rubber articles not specifically named in other headings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 40: represents Chapter 40, i.e., rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 16: represents heading 4016, i.e., other articles of vulcanized rubber (excluding hard rubber). Digits 5-6, 95: represents subheading 4016.95, i.e., other inflatable articles. This subheading is further subdivided into: 4016.95.10 (inflatable rafts of rubber, etc.), 4016.95.90 (other). Therefore, 401695 specifically refers to other inflatable articles of vulcanized rubber, but excludes specifically named goods such as 4016.94 (inflatable mattresses of rubber).
Classification Basis
The goods are inflatable articles of vulcanized rubber and are not specifically named in other subheadings of 4016 (e.g., inflatable mattresses are classified under 4016.94), so they are classified under 4016.95. At the same time, they do not belong to tires (4011), hoses (4009), or other chapters. If they were hard rubber articles, they would be classified under 4017; if they were composite articles of rubber and textile materials, they might be classified under Chapter 59. Therefore, 401695 is a residual subheading applicable to other inflatable rubber articles not elsewhere specified.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'inflatable swimming ring', 'rubber inflatable bag', etc., must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: Clearly state it is vulcanized rubber, and indicate whether it is cellular rubber, hard rubber, and the type of rubber (e.g., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber). Use: Explain the actual use of the article, such as water sports, industrial buffering, toys, etc., to help determine whether it belongs to other subheadings. Brand: Fill in the brand name (if no brand, write 'none'). Brand affects customs protection of intellectual property rights. Model: Fill in the product model or specifications, such as size, volume, etc., for easy identification by customs. Processing Method: Indicate whether it is molded, vulcanized, or other processes, to confirm it has been vulcanized. Whether Inflatable: Clearly state whether it is an inflatable article and its use after inflation. Product Name: Rubber inflatable swimming ring; Material: Vulcanized rubber (styrene-butadiene rubber), non-cellular; Use: Water entertainment; Brand: None; Model: SC-001, diameter 80cm; Processing Method: Molded and vulcanized; Whether Inflatable: Yes, inflatable. Misclassifying inflatable mattresses (4016.94) under 4016.95; the two subheadings are different. Not indicating 'vulcanized', may be classified as unvulcanized rubber articles (4006). Misreporting material as plastic or silicone, leading to classification under Chapter 39.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'inflatable swimming ring', 'rubber inflatable bag', etc., must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing only 'rubber article' or 'inflatable article' is too general and easily questioned by customs.
Material
Clearly state it is vulcanized rubber, and indicate whether it is cellular rubber, hard rubber, and the type of rubber (e.g., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber).
⚠️ Mistakenly writing 'plastic' or 'silicone', leading to incorrect classification.
Use
Explain the actual use of the article, such as water sports, industrial buffering, toys, etc., to help determine whether it belongs to other subheadings.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'for inflation', without specifying the specific scenario.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (if no brand, write 'none'). Brand affects customs protection of intellectual property rights.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it incompletely, leading to infringement risks.
Model
Fill in the product model or specifications, such as size, volume, etc., for easy identification by customs.
⚠️ Model does not match the actual goods, or not filled in according to specifications.
Processing Method
Indicate whether it is molded, vulcanized, or other processes, to confirm it has been vulcanized.
⚠️ Not indicating vulcanization, may be mistakenly classified as unvulcanized rubber (4006).
Whether Inflatable
Clearly state whether it is an inflatable article and its use after inflation.
⚠️ Misreporting non-inflatable articles as inflatable, leading to incorrect subheading.
Misclassifying inflatable mattresses (4016.94) under 4016.95; the two subheadings are different.
Not indicating 'vulcanized', may be classified as unvulcanized rubber articles (4006).
Misreporting material as plastic or silicone, leading to classification under Chapter 39.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: First confirm the goods are made of vulcanized rubber (not hard rubber), then confirm they are inflatable articles and are not specifically named in other subheadings of 4016. Note that 4016.94 already names inflatable mattresses, so inflatable mattresses are not classified under 4016.95. Also, exclude tires (4011), hoses (4009), conveyor belts (4010), etc. If they are composite articles of rubber and textile materials, they may be classified under Chapter 59. Therefore, 401695 applies to other inflatable vulcanized rubber articles not elsewhere specified, such as inflatable swimming rings, inflatable bags, etc. 4016.94 Inflatable mattresses of vulcanized rubber: 4016.94 specifically refers to inflatable mattresses, while 4016.95 is for other inflatable articles. If the goods are inflatable mattresses, they should be classified under 4016.94, not 4016.95. 4011 New pneumatic tires of rubber: 4011 specifically refers to tires, including tires for motor vehicles, bicycles, etc. 4016.95 is for other inflatable articles, excluding tires. 4009 Tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanized rubber: 4009 is for tubular articles; even if inflatable (e.g., inflatable hoses), they are classified under 4009, not 4016.95. 3926.90 Other articles of plastics: If the material is plastic rather than vulcanized rubber, it should be classified under 3926.90. Distinguish by material identification. 4017 Hard rubber and articles thereof: Hard rubber articles are classified under 4017, while 4016.95 is for soft vulcanized rubber articles. Distinguish by hardness. Is it confirmed to be vulcanized rubber? Is it an inflatable article? Has inflatable mattress (4016.94) been excluded? Have named goods such as tires and hoses been excluded? Is the material not hard rubber?
Basis
Core basis for classification: First confirm the goods are made of vulcanized rubber (not hard rubber), then confirm they are inflatable articles and are not specifically named in other subheadings of 4016. Note that 4016.94 already names inflatable mattresses, so inflatable mattresses are not classified under 4016.95. Also, exclude tires (4011), hoses (4009), conveyor belts (4010), etc. If they are composite articles of rubber and textile materials, they may be classified under Chapter 59. Therefore, 401695 applies to other inflatable vulcanized rubber articles not elsewhere specified, such as inflatable swimming rings, inflatable bags, etc.
Confused Codes：
4016.94 - Inflatable mattresses of vulcanized rubber
4016.94 specifically refers to inflatable mattresses, while 4016.95 is for other inflatable articles. If the goods are inflatable mattresses, they should be classified under 4016.94, not 4016.95.
4011 - New pneumatic tires of rubber
4011 specifically refers to tires, including tires for motor vehicles, bicycles, etc. 4016.95 is for other inflatable articles, excluding tires.
4009 - Tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanized rubber
4009 is for tubular articles; even if inflatable (e.g., inflatable hoses), they are classified under 4009, not 4016.95.
3926.90 - Other articles of plastics
If the material is plastic rather than vulcanized rubber, it should be classified under 3926.90. Distinguish by material identification.
4017 - Hard rubber and articles thereof
Hard rubber articles are classified under 4017, while 4016.95 is for soft vulcanized rubber articles. Distinguish by hardness.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be vulcanized rubber?
✓ Is it an inflatable article?
✓ Has inflatable mattress (4016.94) been excluded?
✓ Have named goods such as tires and hoses been excluded?
✓ Is the material not hard rubber?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 401695? You can check the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 401695 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry tools. Note that rates may vary depending on trade agreements and origin (e.g., MFN rate, agreement rate). Which HS code should inflatable swimming rings be classified under? If made of vulcanized rubber, inflatable, and not for toy use, they should be classified under 401695. However, if intended for children's toys, they may be classified under 9503. Determine based on primary use. What is the difference between 401695 and 401694? 401694 specifically refers to inflatable mattresses of vulcanized rubber, while 401695 is for other inflatable articles. If the goods are inflatable mattresses, they must be classified under 401694, not 401695. How to describe 'vulcanized rubber' during declaration? Indicate the type of rubber (e.g., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber) and whether it is vulcanized. You can write 'made of vulcanized rubber, non-cellular, non-hard'. Avoid writing only 'rubber' to prevent questioning. How to classify inflatable articles with textile covering? If the textile only serves as reinforcement and rubber is the essential character, classify under 4016; if the textile constitutes the essential character, classify under Chapter 59. Judge comprehensively based on appearance, feel, and use. Does 401695 require commodity inspection for export? It depends on the specific use of the goods. If for toys, food contact materials, etc., they may need to comply with relevant standards and undergo inspection. General industrial inflatable articles may not require statutory inspection, but must meet the requirements of the exporting country. What are the consequences of misclassifying inflatable mattresses under 401695? It may lead to incorrect classification, affecting tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and even be deemed false declaration by customs, resulting in tax recovery, fines, or administrative penalties. It is recommended to classify accurately and apply for advance classification if necessary. How to determine if a rubber article is hard rubber? Hard rubber is typically high in hardness and rigidity, similar to plastic. It can be determined by hardness testing or referring to industry standards. If hard, classify under 4017; if soft, classify under 4016.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 401695?
A: You can check the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 401695 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry tools. Note that rates may vary depending on trade agreements and origin (e.g., MFN rate, agreement rate).
Q: Which HS code should inflatable swimming rings be classified under?
A: If made of vulcanized rubber, inflatable, and not for toy use, they should be classified under 401695. However, if intended for children's toys, they may be classified under 9503. Determine based on primary use.
Q: What is the difference between 401695 and 401694?
A: 401694 specifically refers to inflatable mattresses of vulcanized rubber, while 401695 is for other inflatable articles. If the goods are inflatable mattresses, they must be classified under 401694, not 401695.
Q: How to describe 'vulcanized rubber' during declaration?
A: Indicate the type of rubber (e.g., natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber) and whether it is vulcanized. You can write 'made of vulcanized rubber, non-cellular, non-hard'. Avoid writing only 'rubber' to prevent questioning.
Q: How to classify inflatable articles with textile covering?
A: If the textile only serves as reinforcement and rubber is the essential character, classify under 4016; if the textile constitutes the essential character, classify under Chapter 59. Judge comprehensively based on appearance, feel, and use.
Q: Does 401695 require commodity inspection for export?
A: It depends on the specific use of the goods. If for toys, food contact materials, etc., they may need to comply with relevant standards and undergo inspection. General industrial inflatable articles may not require statutory inspection, but must meet the requirements of the exporting country.
Q: What are the consequences of misclassifying inflatable mattresses under 401695?
A: It may lead to incorrect classification, affecting tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and even be deemed false declaration by customs, resulting in tax recovery, fines, or administrative penalties. It is recommended to classify accurately and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: How to determine if a rubber article is hard rubber?
A: Hard rubber is typically high in hardness and rigidity, similar to plastic. It can be determined by hardness testing or referring to industry standards. If hard, classify under 4017; if soft, classify under 4016.
⚠️ 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.