Pneumatic Bicycle Tires
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4011500000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8714925000 | 45.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8714921000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π² Pneumatic Bicycle Tires (New)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Pneumatic Bicycle Tires"?
Pneumatic bicycle tires are rubber products filled with air, designed to fit the rims of bicycles. They are distinct from solid tires or tires used on motorcycles/cars. In international trade, classification hinges on two factors: 1. Material: Must be rubber. 2. Application: Must be exclusively or primarily for bicycles.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the tire is for a motorcycle, it falls under Heading 4011.30/4011.40 or 4011.60.
- If the tire is for a car/truck, it falls under Heading 4011.10/4011.20.
- Only tires specifically for bicycles fall under 4011.50.
- Note on Rims/Spokes: While wheels (rims/spokes) are often bought with tires, they are classified separately under Heading 8714. Tires themselves are always Heading 4011.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based strictly on the provided data, only one HS Code applies to "Pneumatic Bicycle Tires." Other codes in the reference relate to wheel components (rims/spokes), not the tires themselves.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Why It Fits (or Doesn't) |
|---|---|---|---|
4011.50.00.00 |
New pneumatic tires, of rubber: Of a kind used on bicycles | β Correct Fit | Directly matches "Pneumatic Bicycle Tires." This is the primary code for bicycle tires. |
8714.92.10.00 |
Parts and accessories: Wheel rims | Wheel components only | β Incorrect for Tires. This code is for the metal/plastic rim, not the rubber tire. |
8714.92.50.00 |
Parts and accessories: Spokes | Wheel components only | β Incorrect for Tires. This code is for the spokes connecting the rim to the hub. |
π Key Insight:
- Tires and Rims are separate products.
- If you import a wheel assembly (tire mounted on rim), you may need to declare them separately or ensure your HS code selection reflects the predominant value/component, but strictly speaking, the tire is 4011.50 and the rim is 8714.92.
- For standalone pneumatic bicycle tires, use4011.50.00.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4011.50.00.00 β New Pneumatic Tires for Bicycles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% (USITC Footnote: 4011.50.00.00) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% (Not listed in the provided data for this code) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β No (Deny de minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4011.50.00.00 β SECTION301:4011.50.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- The base tariff for bicycle tires is zero (0%), reflecting low-duty treatment for basic bicycle components.
- However, due to Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, an additional 25% is applied.
- Total Tax = 25%.
- This is a significant cost driver. Unlike some tech goods (45%), bicycle tires are taxed at 25%, which is high but lower than displays or certain machinery.
- No De Minimis Exemption: Small packages (under $800) cannot avoid this 25% tariff if they are deemed Section 301 goods. This is critical for e-commerce shipments.
π οΈ IV. Practical Clearance Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "New Pneumatic Bicycle Tires," Material: Rubber, Size (e.g., 26" x 1.95"), Quantity. |
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Confirm they are pneumatic (air-filled) and rubber. If they are "tubeless," specify it. |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly declare 4011.50.00.00. Do not confuse with rims (8714.92). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List weights and dimensions per box. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If claiming any potential FTA benefits (though Section 301 usually negates this for China). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Tire is Rubber, Rim is Metal. Separate or Specify!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone Tires | 4011.50.00.00 |
8714.92.10.00 (Rims) |
Misclassification Penalty + Back Taxes |
| Wheel Assemblies (Tire+Rim) | Declare both separately | Declare as "Bicycle Parts" (8714) | Customs may split them, but if mixed, risk of higher duty on the rim component or audit. |
| Tires for E-Bikes | Still 4011.50.00.00 |
8711.90.00.00 (Motorcycle parts) |
E-bike tires are often still classified as bicycle tires unless they exceed specific load/speed specs for motorcycles. |
| Solid Tires (No Air) | Not in this list (likely 4013.90 or 4011.90) | 4011.50.00.00 |
Wrong Code! Pneumatic means air-filled. Solid tires have different duties. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Sample Shipments | Even if value is <$800, if declared as Section 301 goods, the 25% tax applies. Do not rely on de minimis. |
| Bundle Sales (Tire + Tube + Pump) | Declare the tire as the principal item (4011.50). Accessories (tube, pump) may be classified separately or as a set depending on value. |
| Used Tires | β Prohibited. The HS code 4011.50.00.00 specifies "New" pneumatic tires. Used tires are generally banned or restricted from import into the US. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | HS Code | Base Rate | Additional Tax (China) | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4011.50.00.00 |
0% | +25% (Sec 301) | 25% | High tariff. No de minimis. |
| π¨π³ China | 4011.50.00.00 |
0% - 5% | 0% | 0-5% | Low duty for imports into China. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4011.50.00 |
0% | 0% (if no trade barriers) | 0% | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4011.50.00 |
0% | 0% | 0% | Post-Brexit, generally low duty. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 4011.50.00 |
0% | 0% (CUSMA) | 0% | CUSMA benefit if Canadian origin; otherwise MFN 0%. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most difficult market due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Other major markets (EU, UK, Canada) have 0% tariff for bicycle tires, making them more competitive.
- Supplier Sourcing: Consider sourcing tires from non-China countries (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) if shipping to the US to avoid the 25% tariff.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring bicycle tires as "Bicycle Parts" under 8714.
π Result: Customs may reject it or reclassify, leading to delays. Tires are Heading 40, not 87.
β Error 2: Using "Used Tires" description.
π Result: Import Ban. US prohibits import of used pneumatic tires (with rare exceptions for recycling). Must be NEW.
β Error 3: Confusing "Pneumatic" with "Solid."
π Result: Wrong HS Code. Solid tires may fall under 4011.90 or other subheadings, with different duties.
β Error 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies.
π Result: Tax Evasion Risk. Section 301 goods are explicitly excluded from de minimis. You must pay the 25% even on small parcels.
β Correct Practice:
"New Pneumatic Rubber Tires for Bicycles, Size 26x1.95, Tubeless Ready, Model XYZ, Certified for US Import, Origin: China"
HS Code: 4011.50.00.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Tires are Rubber (4011), Rims are Metal (8714)."
πΉ "25% Tax in the US, No De Minimis."
πΉ "New Only, No Used Tires!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing directly from China to the US, budget for the 25% additional tariff.
Consider:
1. Duty Drawback: If you re-export the tires, you may claim a refund.
2. Transshipment: Route through Vietnam/Thailand (with genuine transformation, not just transshipment) to avoid Section 301.
3. Pre-Ruling: Apply for an Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm classification and tariff application.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm "New" status with supplier.
π¦ Declare 4011.50.00.00 on all invoices.
π° Calculate 25% tax into your landed cost.
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Avoid Seizures!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Tariff Saved is Profit Gained!
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.