Refitted Light Truck Tires
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4011205010 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012124015 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012128019 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011201005 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012124015 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Refitted Light Truck Tires (Retreaded Tires for Light Trucks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly Are "Refitted" Tires?
"Refitted Light Truck Tires" refer to retreaded tires where the old casing of a light truck tire is inspected, repaired, and fitted with a new tread. They are distinct from new tires and other types of used tires. In international trade, they fall under Chapter 40 (Rubber and Articles Thereof), specifically Heading 4012 (Retreaded and Used Pneumatic Tires, Flaps and Tire Casings, and Used Pneumatic Tire Treads).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the tire is NEW (never used), it belongs to 4011 (New Pneumatic Tires).
- If the tire is RETREADED/REFITTED (used casing + new tread), it belongs to 4012 (Retreaded Tires).
- Radial vs. Non-Radial: Most modern light truck tires are radial. The HS code varies slightly based on the tire type (Radial/Non-radial) and specific sub-category definitions in the target market (e.g., US HTS).
π¦ Part II: Detailed HS Code Classification (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS Codes are derived directly from the provided dataset. They are all subject to the same tariff structure due to US trade policies (Section 301 and Section 232/122 provisions).
| HS Code | Product Description (From Data) | Application Scenario | Key Classification Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
4012.12.40.15 |
Suitable for light truck retreaded tires; made of rubber, classified as radial retreaded tires. | Light truck radial retreads | π― Primary Match: Explicitly mentions "retreaded" and "radial" |
4012.12.40.15 |
Suitable for regenerative/refurbished light truck durable tires; made of rubber, classified as retreaded tires. | Refurbished light truck durable tires | π Alternative Match: "Regenerative/Refurbished" implies retreading |
4011.20.50.10 |
Suitable for light truck tires; made of rubber, classified as regenerated or durable tires. | Light truck tires (General/Durable) | β οΈ Caution: Code starts with 4011 (New), but description says "regenerated". Note: If physically retreaded, 4012 is technically more accurate, but this code may apply if customs interprets "regenerated" differently or if it's a new durable tire mislabeled. |
4011.20.10.05 |
Suitable for light truck tires; made of rubber, classified by code-limited use. | Light truck tires (Specific Use) | π Specific Use: Classified by a specific limited use case |
4012.12.80.19 |
Suitable for light truck tires; made of rubber, classified for specific purposes. | Light truck tires (Specific Purpose) | π― Specific Purpose: Non-standard radial retread or specific application |
π Key Insight:
-4012codes are generally for Retreaded/Refurbished tires.
-4011codes are generally for New tires, but the provided text links them to "regenerated" or "durable" classifications, which may indicate a specific customs interpretation or error in generic labeling. For true "Refitted/Retreaded" tires,4012.12.40.15is the most accurate descriptor in the provided data.
π° Part III: 2024/2025 Detailed Tariff Rate Analysis (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN) (Implied by "122 Clause" and "301 Clause" references)
β Effective Time: Current (Including subsequent imports)
All HS codes in the provided dataset share the identical total tax burden. This is due to cumulative US trade remedies.
π― Universal Tariff Structure for All Listed HS Codes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.4% ~ 4.0% (Ad Valorem) - Note: Varies slightly by specific sub-code (3.4% for most, 4.0% for 4012.12.40.15) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% - Imposed under US Trade Act Section 301 against Chinese goods |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% - Specific to certain rubber articles or tires under Section 122 provisions |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.4% ~ 39.0% - Calculated as: Base + 25% + 10% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT APPLICABLE (deny_de_minimis) - Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges typically exclude low-value shipments from de minimis relief |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 β HS Code (4011/4012 series) β FOOTNOTE |
π Detailed Explanation:
- "Base Tariff (3.4%/4.0%)": The standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty for rubber tires.
- "Section 301 Surcharge (25%)": A punitive tariff added to many Chinese goods to address unfair trade practices. This is the largest component.
- "Section 122 Clause (10%)": A specific tariff provision often applied to rubber products or under emergency import provisions.
- Result: Importing refitted light truck tires from China to the US incurs a massive 38.4%β39.0% tax burden, making cost optimization critical.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Refitted/Retreaded Light Truck Tire", HS Code, Origin (China), and CIF value. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity, weight, and dimensions. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Crucial for proving origin. If not from China, surcharges may not apply. |
| β Manufacturing Details | βοΈ | Include factory name, address, and whether the tire is "Radial" or "Non-Radial". |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the tire sidewall, including the retread date, brand, and size. |
| β Retread Certification | βοΈ | If available, provide proof of retreading process (e.g., TRSA standards) to prove it's not a "used new" fraud. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "True Retread, Declare 4012; New Tire, Use 4011; Hide Origin, Risk Fine!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Refitted/Retreaded Tire | 4012.12.40.15 or 4012.12.80.19 |
Declare as 4011 (New) |
Customs Penalty: Misclassification + Back Duty + Fine |
| New Light Truck Tire | 4011.20.50.10 or 4011.20.10.05 |
Declare as 4012 (Retreaded) |
Audit Risk: Customs may suspect fraud or undervaluation |
| Tire from Vietnam/Mexico | Same HS Codes | Claim Origin as China | Tariff Avoidance: If proven false, severe penalties |
| Mixed Shipment (New + Retreaded) | Split HS Codes | Bundle under one HS | Seizure Risk: Customs will separate and penalize |
β 3. Special Handling Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Refitted Tires | Provide OEM authorization letter to prove legitimacy of "refitted" status. |
| Tire with Visible Retread Marks | Ensure photos clearly show the seam and retread tread pattern. |
| High-Value Shipment | Consider Advance Ruling (Pre-Classification) from CBP to lock in the HS code and duty rate before shipping. |
| Origin Switching | If tires are retreaded in a third country (e.g., Thailand), ensure the "substantial transformation" rule is met to claim non-Chinese origin (check specific rules of origin). |
π Part V: Global Market Comparison (2024/2025)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4012.12.40.15 |
38.4% - 39.0% | DOT, EPA (if applicable) | Highest Cost: Due to 301 + 122 clauses. |
| π¨π³ China | 4012.12.40.15 |
~5-10% (Import Duty) | CCC (if required) | No surcharges for domestic market. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4012.10 |
0% (if FTA applies) | ECE R108/109 | Lower tariffs, but strict environmental/safety standards. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 4012.12 |
0% (Under USMCA) | NOM | Potential for duty-free if originating from US/Canada. |
| π»π³ Vietnam | 4012.12 |
0% (if FTA applies) | TCVN | Check rules of origin for retreaded tires. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese-origin refitted tires due to the 38.4%β39.0% total tax.
- Supply Chain Strategy: Consider sourcing retreading services from non-China countries (e.g., Mexico, Vietnam) if the product is destined for the US, but ensure the retreading process qualifies for a change in tariff classification (CTC) under USMCA or other FTAs.
π Part VI: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Refitted Tires as "New Tires" (4011) to avoid scrutiny.
π Result: Customs discovers the retread seam during inspection β Penalty for Fraud + Back Duties + Possible Seizure.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Section 122" clause.
π Result: Under-declaring duty by 10% β Audit triggers and financial loss.
β Mistake 3: Assuming "Regenerated" means "Recycled Rubber" (e.g., crumb rubber).
π Result: Misclassification β Wrong HS Code + Delays. "Regenerated" in this context usually means "Retreaded/Refurbished".
β Correct Approach:
"Retreaded Radial Light Truck Tire, Size 225/75R16C, Origin China, CIF $500, HS 4012.12.40.15"
π― Part VII: Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Retread is 4012, New is 4011; 301+122 = ~39% Tax; Declare True, Stay Safe!"
πΉ "HS Code is Life; Tax Rate is Destiny; One Step Wrong, Thousands Lost!"
π Pro Tip:
- For high-volume imports, apply for a CBP Advance Ruling to confirm the correct HS code (
4012.12.40.15vs4012.12.80.19) and ensure no additional anti-dumping duties apply.- If possible, optimize supply chain: Source retreading from Mexico or Vietnam to leverage USMCA or other FTAs and reduce the 301/122 surcharge impact.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π€ Provide tire photos, sidewall details, and manufacturing process documents.
π Accurate Classification = Cost Control = Smooth Clearance!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Tax Paid is a Dollar of Profit Lost!
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.