Subheading 4002 19 of the Combined Nomenclature covers styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR) in primary forms other than latex. SBR is a synthetic rubber obtained by copolymerisation of 1,3-butadiene and styrene and is the most widely used synthetic elastomer in the world, with the tyre industry accounting for the largest share of consumption. Note 4 to Chapter 40 CN sets out the definition of synthetic rubber for the purposes of Chapter 40: it covers unsaturated synthetic substances that can be irreversibly stretched to at least twice their original length at 18 to 29 degrees Celsius and return to approximately their original length after release. SBR meets all these criteria and is therefore correctly classified in heading 4002. Note 6 to Chapter 40 CN defines primary forms for the purposes of heading 4002, including liquids, pastes, dispersions other than latex, solutions, blocks, lumps, crumbs, granules and powders. SBR latex (an aqueous dispersion) is classified separately under subheading 4002 11. SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer) with thermoplastic properties may fall in Chapter 39 rather than Chapter 40, depending on whether it meets the Note 4 elastomeric criteria. XSBR differs from SBR by containing carboxyl functional groups (COOH), which improve adhesion to textiles and metals. Classification requires verification of Note 4 criteria and a producer certificate confirming the polymer type and styrene-to-butadiene ratio.

The import of synthetic rubber SBR and XSBR classified under subheading 4002 19 into the European Union is subject to the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). As a synthetic chemical substance, SBR rubber may be subject to provisions of the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. SBR as a polymer is generally exempt from the REACH registration obligation under Article 2(9) of REACH, but monomers and additives used in the polymerisation process — such as solvents, emulsifiers and chain-transfer agents — may require registration. Importers should verify whether any substances of very high concern (SVHC) listed on the Candidate List are present in the product at a concentration exceeding 0.1% by weight, as this triggers notification obligations. Processing oils used in SBR compound production (e.g. aromatic or naphthenic oils containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) may be subject to restrictions under Annex XVII to REACH. SBR in solid form (blocks, crumbs) is not classified as a dangerous good under ADR for transport purposes. Required import documentation includes: commercial invoice with chemical name (SBR or XSBR), CAS number and styrene-to-butadiene ratio, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 CLP, certificate of analysis from the producer, transport document and proof of origin for preferential duty rates. Current MFN and preferential duty rates must be verified in the TARIC system.

Styrene-butadiene rubber is a key industrial raw material in global trade. EU imports originate principally from South Korea, Japan, Russia and China. Importers should verify in the TARIC database whether active anti-dumping or countervailing measures apply to subheading 4002 19 for the specific country of origin. Preferential duty rates may be available under EU free trade agreements, in particular the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (JEFTA) and the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement — importers should verify origin rules and obtain an EUR.1 certificate or REX declaration accordingly. Imports from Russia may be subject to restrictions arising from EU sanctions packages, which may cover synthetic rubber as a chemical raw material — importers should check the current sanctions regulations before concluding supply contracts. Emulsion SBR (E-SBR) is widely used in tyre production, conveyor belts, shoe soles, seals and technical rubber goods. Solution SBR (S-SBR) is used in high-performance, low rolling-resistance tyres of the new generation. XSBR is used for rubber-coated technical textiles, contact adhesives and coatings. Classification of SBS block copolymers must be carefully distinguished from SBR — SBS with prevailing thermoplastic properties may fall in Chapter 39 (styrene polymers). A certificate of analysis confirming the styrene-to-butadiene ratio and polymer structure is essential for correct classification. All applicable trade measures are available in the TARIC database on the European Commission website.