HS 400510 Compounded with carbon black or silica
Quick Answer: Rubber, in primary forms or plates, sheets, or strip, compounded with carbon black or silica, enters the UK and EU duty-free. In the United States, this classification faces a 20% ad valorem duty rate, though a free rate may apply under specific trade agreements. This code specifically covers natural or synthetic rubber that has been mixed with reinforcing fillers like carbon black or silica, a common practice to enhance its physical properties for various industrial applications. Importers should verify specific tariff treatment based on their origin and destination country, as indicated by CustomTariffs data.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4005100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4005100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4005100000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 400510 cover?
This subheading covers natural or artificial rubber, compounded with carbon black or silica, in primary forms or in plates, sheets, or strip. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically includes rubber that has undergone a compounding process where carbon black or silica has been added as a reinforcing filler. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key characteristic is the incorporation of these specific reinforcing agents into the rubber matrix, often for improved physical properties such as tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
What falls outside HS 400510?
The following products are excluded from HS 400510: rubber compounded with other fillers or reinforcing agents not specified as carbon black or silica, such as mineral fillers like calcium carbonate or clay, unless these are also combined with carbon black or silica in a manner that meets the primary description. Uncompounded rubber, whether natural or artificial, and rubber that has been merely mixed with processing aids or vulcanizing agents without the addition of carbon black or silica, are classified elsewhere. For instance, rubber sheets for general use without these specific fillers would fall under different subheadings within Chapter 40.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 400510?
A common error is misinterpreting the term "compounded" or failing to verify the presence and primary role of carbon black or silica. Importers may mistakenly classify rubber containing other fillers alongside carbon black or silica under this subheading if the other fillers are dominant or if the primary purpose of the compounding is not reinforcement by carbon black or silica. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), mixtures are often classified by the essential character, which in this case is the reinforcement provided by the specified materials.
How should importers classify products under HS 400510?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 400510 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and manufacturing process. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical specifications or material safety data sheets to confirm the presence and proportion of carbon black or silica. Cross-referencing these details with the descriptive notes of Heading 4005 and Subheading 4005.10 in official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 400510?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of EPDM rubber compounded with carbon black, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $500.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 10% = $500.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 4005.10.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 400510?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 400510, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer preferential rates, often Free, for eligible goods from developing countries such as India. To claim these preferences, importers typically require 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 typical import duty rates for HS code 400510 (Compounded rubber with carbon black or silica)?
Import duty rates for HS code 400510 vary significantly by country. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.7% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate can range from 0.00% to 4.5% ad valorem, depending on the specific country of origin and any applicable trade agreements. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varying rates, often around 2.5% ad valorem for non-preferential imports. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the duty calculated for HS 400510, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS 400510 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of compounded rubber valued at $10,000 is imported into the United States and the MFN duty rate is 3.7%, the import duty would be $10,000 * 0.037 = $370. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or volume, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the basis of duty calculation with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 400510?
HS code 400510 covers 'Prepared rubber, unvulcanized, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip, compounded with carbon black or silica'. The key criteria are that the rubber must be unvulcanized, in its primary forms (like granules or powders) or in basic shapes (plates, sheets, strip), and it must have been compounded (mixed) with either carbon black or silica. If the rubber is vulcanized or does not contain these specific reinforcing fillers, it would be classified under a different HS code.
Which trade agreements commonly affect duty rates for HS 400510, and how can importers claim preferential treatment?
Trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS 400510. For example, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country may benefit from reduced or zero duty rates. Importers must be able to demonstrate that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant FTA. This typically requires a Certificate of Origin or a declaration from the exporter, and the importer must maintain proper documentation to substantiate the claim. Examples include agreements like USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or various EU Free Trade Agreements. Always check the specific provisions of the applicable trade agreement.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 400510?
Standard import documentation for HS 400510 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, to support the classification, documentation should clearly indicate that the rubber is unvulcanized and has been compounded with carbon black or silica. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or origin declaration is mandatory. Some countries may also require safety data sheets (SDS) or certificates of conformity depending on the specific product and its intended use.