Rubber; vulcanised (other than hard rubber), articles of apparel and clothing accessories (other than gloves, mittens and mitts)

HS code 401590 covers a diverse range of vulcanized rubber products, excluding hard rubber, that are used in the apparel and clothing accessories industry. This industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing essential components for a wide range of consumer and industrial products. The versatility of vulcanized rubber allows for its use in various applications, from protective clothing to fashion accessories, making it an indispensable material in the textile and manufacturing sectors.

The production of vulcanized rubber articles for apparel and clothing accessories typically involves a multi-step process. First, raw rubber is combined with various additives, such as sulfur and accelerators, to undergo the vulcanization process. This process enhances the rubber's strength, durability, and resistance to heat, chemicals, and other environmental factors. The vulcanized rubber is then shaped and molded into the desired product form, often using techniques like injection molding, compression molding, or extrusion. Finally, the rubber components may be assembled with other materials, such as textiles or metals, to create the final apparel or accessory item.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 401590 products include natural and synthetic rubber, as well as various chemical additives like sulfur, accelerators, and fillers. Specialized machinery, such as mixing equipment, molding presses, and cutting tools, are also essential for the manufacturing process. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce capable of operating the equipment and ensuring quality control throughout the production cycle.

The primary outputs of HS code 401590 are a wide range of vulcanized rubber articles used in the apparel and clothing accessories industry. These include rubber components for 420500 articles of leather or composition leather such as shoe soles, heels, and other footwear parts, as well as rubber accessories like 420600 articles of material of heading 4001 to 4011, belts, and other clothing-related items. The products generated under this code are often consumed by industries such as 640000 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles, 420000 (Articles of leather; saddlery and harness; travel goods, handbags and similar containers; articles of animal gut (other than silk-worm gut)), and 610000 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted.