Bus Off road Tire (Rim Diameter Less Than 40.6 cm, Standard Specification)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4012128050 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012124035 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011205050 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011201035 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Bus Off-Road Tires (Rim Diameter < 40.6 cm, Standard Spec)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tax & Duty Analysis | Strategic Logistics for Heavy-Duty Tires
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Makes a "Bus Off-Road Tire" Special?
Bus Off-Road Tires are high-performance pneumatic tires designed for buses operating on unpaved, rugged terrain (e.g., mining sites, construction zones, rural roads). They feature deep treads, reinforced sidewalls, and specialized rubber compounds for durability under extreme conditions.
β οΈ Critical Classification Distinction:
- Off-road tires (for buses/mining vehicles) are categorized under 8708.94.00 (tires for motor vehicles).
- Rim diameter < 40.6 cm (β€ 16 inches) narrows the scope to subcategories for smaller heavy-duty applications.
- "Standard Specification" implies compliance with ISO/SAE/GB standards (no custom/non-compliant variants).
π¦ II. HS Code Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
8708.94.00.00 |
Tires for buses, off-road, rim diameter < 40.6 cm | Mining buses, construction site transport | Deep tread, reinforced sidewalls, standard specs |
4011.20.00.00 |
Other tires for buses (on-road only) | Urban buses, highway transport | Smooth tread, not for off-road use |
4011.10.00.00 |
Tires for passenger cars | Passenger vehicles, SUVs | Light-duty, not for heavy off-road |
9013.90.80.00 |
Accessories (rim adapters, valves) | Tire mounting tools | Not tires themselves |
π Key Clarification:
- Only8708.94.00.00applies to "bus off-road tires" with rim diameter < 40.6 cm.
- Avoid misclassification into4011.20.00.00(on-road tires) β higher duties.
- Verify "standard specification" via ISO 9001 or manufacturer certifications.
π° III. 2026 Tax & Duty Rates (US Market Focus)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Applicable Tariffs: Section 301 (USITC) + IEEPA
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025
π― 1. 8708.94.00.00 β Bus Off-Road Tires (Rim < 40.6 cm)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Duty | +10% (China-specific) |
| Total Duty | 37.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Reference | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8708.94.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why 37.5%?
- Base 2.5% is the standard HS code rate for heavy-duty tires.
- 25% Section 301 applies to Chinese-made tires under US trade war policies.
- 10% IEEPA is a China-specific add-on for critical goods.
- Total: 37.5% is extremely high for tire imports to the US.
π― 2. Comparison with Other HS Codes
| HS Code | Total Duty | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
8708.94.00.00 |
37.5% | β οΈ High |
4011.20.00.00 |
30% (2.5% + 25% + 10%) | β οΈ High (but on-road tires) |
4011.10.00.00 |
20% (2.5% + 10% + 7.5% for passenger cars) | β Moderate |
β οΈ Warning: Misclassifying off-road tires as
4011.10.00.00(passenger cars) will trigger 25% penalties + seizure.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Strategy & Practical Tips
β 1. Required Documentation (Mandatory)
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ISO/SAE Compliance Certificate | Proves "standard specification" |
| Rim Diameter Measurement Report | Confirms < 40.6 cm |
| Product Photos | Shows tread pattern, sidewall reinforcement |
| Commercial Invoice | Must state "Bus Off-Road Tire" |
| Packing List | Details quantity, weight, dimensions |
| Country of Origin Cert (CO) | Required for IEEPA verification |
| FCC/CE Certificates | If applicable (for electronics in tire systems) |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Declare as 'Bus Off-Road Tire', not 'Tire' or 'Off-Road Vehicle Part'!"
| Mistake | Correct Action |
|---|---|
| Declaring as "Tire for Heavy Vehicles" | Use exact HS Code 8708.94.00.00 |
| Omitting rim diameter in description | Add "Rim Diameter < 40.6 cm" in invoice |
| Not providing compliance certs | Attach ISO/SAE docs to avoid delays |
| Splitting tires into "parts" | Never split β all duties apply to the whole |
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Action |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Tires | Submit design specs + customer order |
| Tires with Smart Sensors | Declare as "Tire + Sensor" (separate HS codes) |
| Used/Recycled Tires | Not allowed for US import (Section 301 restrictions) |
| Non-China Origin | Apply for IEEPA exemption (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) |
π V. Global Duty Comparison (2026)
| Country | HS Code | Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8708.94.00.00 |
37.5% | Highest in world |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8708.94.00.00 |
4.5% | No IEEPA, but CE required |
| π¨π³ China | 8708.94.00.00 |
2.5% | No Section 301 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8708.94.00.00 |
5% | RCM required |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8708.94.00.00 |
3% | PSE certification |
π Key Insight:
- USA is the most expensive market for bus off-road tires (37.5% vs. 4.5% in EU).
- China origin triggers 37.5% β consider Vietnam/Mexico for 10% savings.
π« VI. Common Pitfalls & Solutions
| Error | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Misclassifying as 4011.10.00.00 |
25% penalty + seizure | Use 8708.94.00.00 only |
| No rim diameter info | Customs holds shipment | Add "Rim < 40.6 cm" to invoice |
| Splitting tires into "parts" | 89.5% duty on each part | Declare as single unit |
| Ignoring IEEPA exemption | Pay full 37.5% | Apply for origin exemption (Vietnam/Mexico) |
π VII. Conclusion: Clear Path to Compliance
π― Final Checklist:
β
HS Code: 8708.94.00.00 (exact match)
β
Documentation: ISO certs, rim diameter proof, commercial invoice
β
Duty Optimization: Use Vietnam/Mexico origin to reduce IEEPA (10% β 0%)
β
Avoid: "Tire" as generic term, splitting shipments, non-compliant specs
π Pro Tip:
"For US imports, always pre-apply for Advance Ruling to confirm HS Code. Cost: $500, Savings: $10,000+ per container!"
β¨ Stay Compliant, Save Costs, Clear Customs Faster!
πΌ Your tires are heavy-duty β treat them with precision!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.