Subheading 4001 22 of the Combined Nomenclature covers technically specified natural rubber (TSNR), comprising grades standardised under ISO 2000: RSS (Ribbed Smoked Sheet), TSR10 and TSR20 in primary forms. TSNR is natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) that has undergone strict technical standardisation based on defined parameters including ash content, nitrogen content, volatile matter and Mooney plasticity. RSS grades are produced by coagulation and smoke-curing into ribbed sheets, while TSR grades are manufactured by granulation and controlled drying with quality inspection at each stage. Note 6 to Chapter 40 CN defines primary forms for the purposes of this heading, encompassing bales, blocks, sheets and similar forms. Note 4 to Chapter 40, which sets out the definition of synthetic rubber, does not apply to TSNR as a natural polymer. Principal exporting countries include Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. The importer should verify that the purchased raw material meets the required grade parameters before lodging the customs declaration, as misclassification between RSS and TSR grades may affect applicable duty rates or trade measures. A producer quality certificate specifying the ISO 2000 grade, batch number and technical parameters is an essential document for customs clearance. Subheading 4001 22 must be distinguished from natural rubber latex (4001 10) and other forms of natural rubber (4001 29).

The import of technically specified natural rubber TSNR classified under subheading 4001 22 into the European Union is governed by the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold a valid EORI number and lodge a customs declaration with the correct CN code and country of origin. Natural rubber TSNR, as a natural polymer, is largely exempt from REACH registration obligations under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, but importers should verify whether any processing aids or additives used in production constitute SVHC substances listed on the Candidate List. Since 30 December 2024, the import of natural rubber into the EU may be subject to requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR). Natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis is explicitly listed in Annex I of the EUDR. Importers are required to carry out due diligence and submit a statement of due diligence confirming that the product does not originate from deforested or forest-degraded land after 31 December 2020. The required import documentation includes a commercial invoice specifying the grade (RSS1, TSR10, TSR20) and net weight, quality certificate from the producer or an accredited laboratory, transport document (B/L or CMR), phytosanitary certificate where required by the exporting country, and a proof of origin for preferential duty rates. Current MFN and preferential duty rates must be verified in the TARIC system of the European Commission.

Importers of naturally specified natural rubber TSNR should verify in the TARIC database whether any active anti-dumping or countervailing measures apply to subheading 4001 22 combined with the specific country of origin. Anti-dumping measures on natural rubber raw materials are uncommon but must be verified for each shipment. Preferential duty rates may be available under the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and under free trade agreements, in particular the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which grants preferential tariff access to TSR from Vietnam. Imports from Malaysia and Thailand may qualify for GSP preferences, subject to compliance with origin rules. Importers should verify the current status of TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas) if applicable to this subheading. When classifying rubber, care must be taken to distinguish TSNR (4001 22) from natural rubber latex (4001 10) and waste rubber (4004 00). The EBTI database maintained by the European Commission provides access to binding tariff information decisions that can assist in classification of similar goods. A binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is recommended where classification is uncertain. All trade measures currently in force are available in the TARIC database on the European Commission website.