Analysis
HTS 4001.10.00 covers natural rubber latex, whether or not pre-vulcanized under heading 4001 (natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums, in…).
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 39% of the 142 tariff lines in chapter 40 that are also free. Duty-free at the general rate does not rule out additional duties under Chapter 99, such as Section 301 or Section 232 measures, which depend on the country of origin.
The other lines in the same group are 4001.21.00 (natural rubber in other forms: smoked sheets, duty-free), 4001.22.00 (technically specified natural rubber (TSNR), duty-free), 4001.29.00 (natural rubber in other forms: other, duty-free) and 4001.30.00 (balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural…, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 113210 (Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products), an industry of 185 US establishments employing 932 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 4 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4001.21.00 | Natural rubber in other forms: smoked sheets | Free |
| 4001.22.00 | Technically specified natural rubber (TSNR) | Free |
| 4001.29.00 | Natural rubber in other forms: other | Free |
| 4001.30.00 | Balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums | Free |