4008.21.00.00 - Plates, sheets and strip

This HTS category, 4008.21.00.00, specifically covers plates, sheets, and strip made from vulcanized rubber, excluding hard rubber. These are typically flat, continuous lengths of rubber material that can be supplied in rolls or cut to specific dimensions. Examples include rubber sheeting used for gaskets, seals, diaphragms, and protective coverings, as well as rubber strips employed in weatherstripping, vibration dampening, and decorative trim applications. The key classification criteria revolve around the material being vulcanized (chemically treated to improve elasticity and durability) and non-cellular, meaning it does not contain intentionally created air pockets or foam structures.

At this level, the primary distinction from its sibling category lies in the form of the rubber. While this subheading is for "Plates, sheets and strip," the sibling category 4008.29 covers "Other" forms of vulcanized rubber, such as rods and profile shapes. Therefore, if the rubber product is not in a flat, sheet-like, or strip form, it would likely fall under the "Other" category.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification is finalized at this point based on the description "Plates, sheets and strip" and the preceding qualifiers of "vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber" and "Of noncellular rubber."