HS 381210 Prepared rubber accelerators
Quick Answer: Prepared rubber accelerators imported under HS 381210 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 6.30% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from free to 25% ad valorem depending on the country of origin. This HS code covers chemical products used to speed up the vulcanization process of rubber, enhancing its physical properties. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates in the US based on trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duties for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3812100010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3812100090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3812100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3812100030 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3812100000 | 6.30 % | — | — |
| 3812100010 | 6.30 % | — | — |
| 3812100030 | 6.30 % | — | — |
| 3812100090 | 6.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 381210 | — | — | — |
| 3812105000 | 5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3812101000 | 6.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3812.10?
Imports of Prepared rubber accelerators may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 381210 cover?
This subheading covers prepared rubber accelerators, which are chemical substances or mixtures added to rubber compounds to significantly speed up the vulcanization process, improving the physical properties of the finished rubber product. As per the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, these are typically organic compounds, often sulfur- or nitrogen-containing, specifically formulated for this purpose, and may include activators and retarders. They are distinct from raw rubber chemicals not yet prepared for direct use as accelerators.
What falls outside HS 381210?
The following products are excluded from HS 381210: raw, uncompounded rubber chemicals that are not specifically prepared as accelerators, such as basic sulfur or zinc oxide when imported in their raw state. Also excluded are finished rubber articles, vulcanizing agents that are not accelerators (e.g., primary sulfur), and other rubber processing chemicals not directly involved in accelerating vulcanization. For instance, simple antioxidants or plasticizers, even if used in rubber compounding, would be classified elsewhere, typically under HS 381230 or other relevant headings depending on their primary function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 381210?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures of rubber chemicals where the primary function is not acceleration. For example, a blend primarily intended as an antioxidant or a processing aid, even if it contains some accelerating components, may be incorrectly entered under 381210. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures and composite goods, classification should be based on the essential character of the product. Importers may also mistakenly classify individual, unmixed rubber accelerator compounds under this heading when they should be classified as the specific chemical substance under a more precise heading if available.
How should importers classify products under HS 381210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 381210 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official nomenclature, including the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. It is crucial to determine if the product is a "prepared" accelerator, meaning it is specifically formulated for that purpose, and not a raw chemical or a mixture with a different primary function. Reviewing the supplier's technical data sheets and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 381210?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of MBT (2-Mercaptobenzothiazole), a common rubber accelerator, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 381210 in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule is 3.7% ad valorem, the duty would be $185.00 USD ($5,000 USD × 0.037). This calculation is based on the declared customs value, as the MFN rate for this specific subheading is typically ad valorem, meaning it is a percentage of the value.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 381210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 381210. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualifying rubber accelerators originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a duty rate of Free. Similarly, goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also receive reduced or Free duty rates. To claim these preferences, importers typically need to provide a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing country's customs authority.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 381210, 'Prepared rubber accelerators'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 381210 is 6.30% ad valorem in the United States. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the latest tariff schedule and verify the origin of the goods to determine the applicable duty rate. The USITC (United States International Trade Commission) provides detailed tariff information.
How is the import duty for HS code 381210 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 381210 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For instance, if a shipment of prepared rubber accelerators is valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 6.30% (US MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.0630 (duty rate) = $630.00 USD. Always ensure the declared value is accurate and in compliance with customs regulations.
What specific criteria define 'prepared rubber accelerators' under HS code 381210?
HS code 381210 covers mixtures of chemical products used to accelerate the vulcanization of rubber. These are typically organic compounds, often containing sulfur, nitrogen, or other elements, which are formulated or 'prepared' with other substances (like fillers, activators, or retarders) to enhance their performance and ease of handling in rubber manufacturing. The key is that they are ready for use or have been specifically formulated to improve the rubber curing process. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing prepared rubber accelerators (HS 381210)?
When importing prepared rubber accelerators under HS code 381210, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the specific chemical composition and country of import, importers may also need to provide safety data sheets (SDS) or other chemical safety documentation to comply with national import regulations and chemical control laws. Consulting with a customs broker is advisable to ensure all specific requirements are met.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 381210, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for HS code 381210. For example, the USMCA (Canada, Mexico), CAFTA-DR (Central America, Dominican Republic), and agreements with countries like South Korea (KORUS FTA) or Australia may provide reduced or zero duty rates. To verify eligibility, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin from the exporter, which certifies that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the specific trade agreement. The importer or their customs broker must then present this certificate to customs authorities at the time of import. The specific preferential rates and rules of origin can be found on the respective government trade websites (e.g., USITC for US agreements).