4002.19.00 - Other

This HTS category, 4002.19.00, encompasses "Other" forms of synthetic rubber that fall under the broader heading of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR), excluding those specifically classified as latex. It covers solid or semi-solid forms of these polymers, such as bales, granules, or powders, that are not in a liquid emulsion or dispersion. The primary characteristic of these materials is their composition, which involves the copolymerization of styrene and butadiene monomers.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 4002.11.00 (Latex), is the physical form. While latex is a stable dispersion of polymer particles in water, the materials classified under 4002.19.00 are the coagulated or solidified versions of these polymers, ready for further processing or compounding. This distinction is crucial for importers and exporters as it dictates different tariff treatments and regulatory requirements.

The subcategories under 4002.19.00 further refine the classification based on the styrene content by weight of the dry polymer. This criterion is critical for accurate classification as it impacts the specific properties and applications of the SBR or XSBR. For instance, materials containing 50 percent or less styrene by weight are segregated from those containing over 50 percent styrene by weight, reflecting differences in their elasticity, hardness, and compatibility with other materials.