nikovdh

As in this picture from Amazon, this unit looked just like the picture and had the thick, white glaze all over the rubber.
Is this used on the product to keep the rubber in good condition during storage? It isn't talcum powder.. I don't think.
It sure makes the item look like it's old/used, even though it's never been used.

I don't think this stuff is on aftermarket versions?...

LeX2K

Same deal for me when I buy rubber pieces from Toyota, not sure what that stuff is. I wash it off with dish soap then slather the rubber with 303 Protectant.

Oro

It is called "bloom." Sometimes it is a harmless by-product, sometimes it is actually engineered in to be a protectant. For an out of sight application like shock boots, leave it alone.

If it is something you do need to remove, first try light oil like cooking oil on it. That is going to be long-term friendlier to the rubber long-term unless you were going to re-treat it. (303 is indeed very good as he said)