Do Liquid Silicone Rubber and Solid Silicone Rubber Share the Same HS Code?

Introduction

The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers for classifying traded products, used by customs authorities worldwide to identify goods for tariff and statistical purposes. When it comes to silicone rubber products, a common question arises: do liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and solid silicone rubber (SSR) share the same HS code?

Understanding Silicone Rubber Classification

Silicone rubber, whether in liquid or solid form, generally falls under Chapter 39 of the HS code system, which covers plastics and articles thereof. More specifically, most silicone rubber products are classified under:

3910: Silicones in primary forms

4006: Other forms of rubber (for certain silicone rubber applications)

4016: Other articles of silicone rubber

Key Differences Between LSR and SSR

While both are silicone-based materials, their physical forms and processing methods differ significantly:

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): Two-component system that cures after injection molding

Solid Silicone Rubber (SSR): High-consistency rubber that requires vulcanization

HS Code Determination Factors

The HS code assignment depends on several factors beyond just the material composition:

Form: Primary forms vs. manufactured articles

Application: Medical, industrial, or consumer use

Processing Stage: Raw material, semi-finished, or finished product

Additives: Reinforcements or special formulations

Typical HS Code Scenarios

Raw Materials:

LSR precursors might fall under 3910.00 (silicones in primary forms)

SSR often classified under 4006.10 (rubber in primary forms)

Finished Products:

Medical devices: Chapter 90

Industrial parts: Often 4016.93

Consumer goods: Varies by specific application