4016.99.35.10 - Rubber bands

This HTS category, 4016.99.35.10, specifically covers rubber bands made from vulcanized natural rubber. It falls under the broader group of "Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber," and more granularly within "Other articles of rubber, not elsewhere specified or included." The defining characteristic here is the material: these are exclusively rubber bands manufactured using natural rubber.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 4016.99.35.50 ("Other"), is crucial for accurate classification. While both fall under the "Other" subheadings at this level, 4016.99.35.10 is restricted to rubber bands derived from natural rubber. The sibling category would encompass rubber bands made from synthetic rubber or other types of vulcanized rubber not meeting the natural rubber criterion.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within this code relies solely on identifying rubber bands that are both of vulcanized rubber and specifically manufactured from natural rubber. Examples include common office rubber bands, packaging bands, and any other elastic bands primarily composed of natural rubber, used for bundling or holding items.