4001.21.00.10 - Grade 1

This HTS category, 4001.21.00.10, specifically covers "Grade 1" natural rubber in the form of smoked sheets. These are a premium quality of raw natural rubber, produced by coagulating latex and then smoking the sheets to preserve them and impart distinct physical characteristics. The "smoked sheets" designation signifies a particular processing method, differentiating it from other forms of natural rubber such as technically specified rubber (TSR) or latex.

Within the "Natural rubber in other forms: Smoked sheets" group, this classification is distinguished from its siblings by its grade designation. "Grade 1" represents the highest quality smoked sheet, typically characterized by superior cleanliness, lower impurity levels, and consistent physical properties compared to "Grade 2" (4001.21.00.20), "Grade 3" (4001.21.00.30), or "Other" (4001.21.00.50) smoked sheets. Importers and exporters must adhere to specific quality standards and grading criteria to correctly assign goods to this precise classification.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges entirely on the identification of the material as natural rubber, processed into smoked sheets, and specifically meeting the quality criteria for Grade 1. This ensures that only the highest quality smoked natural rubber is captured under this specific tariff line.