Herringbone Tread Inflatable Tire
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4012124035 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012128019 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8431499038 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8431499090 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708704560 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708704548 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Herringbone Tread Inflatable Tire (Heavy-Duty Off-the-Highway)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professionalιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Herringbone Tread Tire"?
Herringbone tread inflatable tires are specialized pneumatic tires designed for heavy-duty machinery, particularly earth-moving equipment, construction vehicles, and agricultural tractors operating in muddy, soft, or uneven terrain. The herringbone pattern provides self-cleaning properties and superior traction in off-road conditions.
In international trade, these are NOT standard road vehicle tires (headings 4011 or 4012.11/12). They fall under: 1. Parts of Machinery (Heading 8431): If classified as essential components for specific heavy machinery (backhoes, shovels, etc.). 2. Retreaded/Used Tires (Heading 4012): If the product is a retreaded tire or a specific type of off-highway truck/bus tire re-treaded for commercial use.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the tire is a new part for specific machinery like backhoes/shovels β Classified under 8431.49.90 (Parts of machinery).
- If the tire is a retreaded off-highway truck/bus tire β Classified under 4012.12.
- If the tire is for road vehicles (trucks/buses) β It may fall under 4012.12 or 8708 (Parts of vehicles), depending on construction (radial/non-radial).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
8431.49.90.38 |
Parts of backhoes, shovels, clamshells, and draglines: Wheel and tire assemblies | New tire assemblies for construction machinery (e.g., Cat, Komatsu backhoes) | β Part of Machinery (Headings 8425β8430). Specifically for earth-moving machines. |
8431.49.90.90 |
Other parts of machinery of 8425β8430: Wheel and tire assemblies | General heavy machinery tires not specifically listed as backhoe/shovel parts | β Part of Machinery (Headings 8425β8430). Broader category for earth-moving equipment. |
4012.12.40.35 |
Retreaded tires: Of a kind used on buses or trucks: Radial (Other) | Retreaded radial tires for buses/trucks (not necessarily off-highway) | β Retreaded Tire (Heading 4012). Specific subcategory for radial bus/truck tires. |
4012.12.80.19 |
Retreaded tires: On-the-highway truck and bus tires: Light truck | Retreaded tires for light-duty off-highway or highway trucks | β Retreaded Tire (Heading 4012). For light truck applications. |
8708.70.45.60 |
Road wheels and parts thereof: For other vehicles: Road wheels (Other) | Tire assemblies for non-standard road vehicles (e.g., specialized industrial trucks) | β Part of Motor Vehicle (Heading 8708). For vehicles not covered under 8701β8705 specific lines. |
8708.70.45.48 |
Road wheels and parts thereof: Of aluminum: Other | Aluminum rim/tire assemblies for motor vehicles | β Part of Motor Vehicle (Heading 8708). Specifically for aluminum wheels. |
π Key Insight:
- "Herringbone Tread" often implies off-highway use. If it's a new tire for a backhoe/shovel, use 8431.
- If it's a retreaded tire for a truck/bus, use 4012.
- If it's a new tire for a general road vehicle (not covered by specific headings), it might fall under 8708.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025β2026 (Includes subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8431.49.90.38 & 8431.49.90.90 ββ Parts of Backhoes/Shovels & Other Machinery
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% (Section 301 Tariffs) |
| Steel/Aluminum Surcharge | +50.0% (If made of steel/aluminum, e.g., rims) |
| Total Tariff | 75.0% (If steel/aluminum components) or 25.0% (If rubber-only) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 75.0% (for steel/aluminum parts) or 25.0% (for rubber parts) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301 goods are excluded from de minimis) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:8431.49.90.38 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 (25% tariff) |
π Explanation:
- Base 0%: Machinery parts often have 0% base duty.
- 25% Surcharge: Standard Section 301 tariff for many Chinese goods.
- 50% Steel/Aluminum Surcharge: If the "wheel and tire assembly" includes steel or aluminum rims, an additional 50% is applied.
- Total 75%: This is the wor-case scenario (Steel rim + 301 tariff).
- Total 25%: If only the rubber tire is imported without metal rims.
π― 2. 4012.12.40.35 ββ Retreaded Radial Tires for Buses/Trucks
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Retreaded tires have specific restrictions, but tariff is 0%) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4012.12.40.35 |
π Note:
- 0% Total: Retreaded tires for buses/trucks are exempt from Section 301 surcharges in many cases.
- Risk: Customs may scrutinize if itβs truly "retreaded" vs. "new." Misdeclaration can lead to penalties.
π― 3. 4012.12.80.19 ββ Retreaded On-the-Highway Truck/Bus Tires (Light Truck)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 28.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4012.12.80.19 |
π Note:
- 28.4% Total: Base 3.4% + 25% surcharge.
- Application: For light-duty truck bus tires that are retreaded.
π― 4. 8708.70.45.60 & 8708.70.45.48 ββ Road Wheels for Motor Vehicles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 27.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC:8708.70.45.60 |
π Note:
- 27.5% Total: Base 2.5% + 25% surcharge.
- Application: For new road wheels (tire + rim) for motor vehicles.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include: Tread pattern (Herringbone), Size (e.g., 17.5L-25), Load Index, Ply Rating, Type (New/Retreaded). |
| β Technical Drawing | βοΈ | For 8431 codes: Show itβs a part for backhoes/shovels. For 8708: Show itβs for motor vehicles. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Herringbone Tread Pneumatic Tire" or "Wheel and Tire Assembly for Backhoe." Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Part." |
| β Bill of Lading (B/L) | βοΈ | Ensure weight and dimensions match HS Code requirements. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove origin (China). If from US/Mexico/Canada, different tariffs may apply. |
| β Retread Verification (if applicable) | βοΈ | For 4012 codes: Provide proof itβs a retreaded tire (e.g., manufacturer certification) to claim 0% rate. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)
π₯ "Match the Machine, Not Just the Tire!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| New tire for a Backhoe | 8431.49.90.38 β "Tire Assembly for Backhoe" |
Declaring as 4011 (Car Tire) β High Penalty |
| New tire for a Road Truck | 8708.70.45.60 β "Road Wheel for Truck" |
Declaring as 8431 β Misclassification |
| Retreaded Tire | 4012.12.40.35 β "Retreaded Radial Tire" |
Declaring as New Tire β Tariff Shock (0% β 25%+) |
| Aluminum Rim + Tire | 8708.70.45.48 β "Aluminum Wheel" |
Declaring as "Rubber Tire" β Missed Steel Surcharge |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Tires | Provide OEM contract + technical specs. Prove itβs a part for specific machinery (8431). |
| Mixed Containers | If shipping 8431 (75%) and 4012 (0%) together, declare separately. Mixing may trigger audits. |
| Steel Rims Included | If the assembly includes steel rims, expect 50% surcharge on the rim value. Separate rim and tire if possible for optimization? No, usually declared as assembly. |
| Retreaded vs. New | CRITICAL: If itβs retreaded, declare as 4012. If declared as new, you pay 25β75%. If declared as retreaded but itβs new, you face fraud penalties. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8431.49.90.38 |
75% (Steel) / 25% (Rubber) | DOT (if road-use), EPA (if applicable) | Highest Risk: Steel surcharge applies. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4012.12.40.35 |
0% | DOT | Best Rate: If retreaded. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4012.12.40.35 |
0β2.7% | ECE R108/R109 | No Section 301 surcharges. |
| π¨π³ China | 4012.12.40.35 |
0% | CCC (if road-use) | Import duty may be 0% for retreaded. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 8708.70.45.60 |
0β5% | NOM | USMCA may apply if regional value content met. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 and Steel/Aluminum surcharges.
- Retreaded tires (4012) enjoy 0% tariffs in the US, making them highly competitive.
- New tires for machinery (8431) face 25β75% tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a backhoe tire as a road tire (4011)
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration because road tires have different safety standards. Delay or Rejection.
β Mistake 2: Failing to disclose steel rims in "Wheel and Tire Assemblies"
π Consequence: Missing the 50% steel surcharge. Back payment + Penalties.
β Mistake 3: Calling a retreaded tire "New Tire" to avoid documentation
π Consequence: If caught, fraud penalty. If not caught, you pay 25β75% instead of 0%. Better to declare correctly.
β Mistake 4: Using generic description "Tire"
π Consequence: Customs uses Discretionary Assignment β May assign highest duty rate. Always specify.
β Correct Practice:
"Herringbone Tread Pneumatic Tire, Size 23.5R25, For Backhoe Loader, New, Rubber Only, No Metal Rim"
β HS: 8431.49.90.38 β Tariff: 25%"Retreaded Radial Tire, Size 295/75R22.5, For Truck, Herringbone Tread"
β HS: 4012.12.40.35 β Tariff: 0%
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Backhoe Tire = 8431 (25β75%)"
πΉ "Retreaded Tire = 4012 (0%)"
πΉ "Road Wheel = 8708 (27.5%)"
πΉ "Steel Rim = +50% Surtax!"πΉ "HS Code Determines Destiny, Tariff Differs by 50 Points, Misdeclaration Costs Thousands!"
π Pro Tip:
If your tires are retreaded, ensure you have documentation proving retreading to claim 0% tariff.
If importing new tires for machinery, prepare for 25β75% tariffs. Consider supply chain optimization (e.g., sourcing from non-China countries if feasible).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance, Minimize Costs, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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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.