Retreaded Rubber Tires for Buses
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4011201015 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011205020 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012124035 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012124025 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012128029 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Retreaded Rubber Tires for Buses (and Trucks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Retreaded Tires"?
Retreaded tires are used tire casings that have been rebuilt with new tread rubber to extend their service life. In international trade, they are classified under Chapter 40 (Rubber and Articles Thereof), specifically Heading 4011 (New Pneumatic Tyres) or 4012 (Retreaded or Used Pneumatic Tyres).
Key Distinction:
- New Tires (4011): Never used, original tread.
- Retreaded Tires (4012): Recapped casings with new tread.
- Used Tires (4012): Not retreaded, simply worn out (often prohibited or heavily restricted).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- For buses and trucks, retreaded tires fall under 4012.12 (Retreaded pneumatic tyres of a kind used on motor cars or other motor vehicles specified in heading 87.01 to 87.05).
- The specific 8-digit HS codes vary slightly based on exact specifications and statistical subheadings, but all fall under the 4012.12 umbrella for customs duty purposes.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, the following HS codes are applicable for Retreaded Rubber Tires for Buses/Trucks:
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|
| 4011.20.10.15 | Retreaded tires for public transport (buses/trucks), matched for highway use. | Specific statistical subheading for highway-use retreaded tires. |
| 4011.20.50.20 | Retreaded tires for public transport, inferred as bus/truck use (fallback category). | General fallback for retreaded tires not specified in other subheadings. |
| 4012.12.40.35 | Retreaded pneumatic tires of rubber, covering bus/truck applications. | Primary classification under Heading 4012 for retreaded tires of vehicles 87.01β87.05. |
| 4012.12.40.25 | Retreaded tires meeting form requirements, for bus/truck, made of rubber. | Emphasizes physical form and material compliance. |
| 4012.12.80.29 | Retreaded tires for bus/truck use, rubber material, other specified categories. | Other retreaded tires of rubber for motor vehicles. |
π Key Insight:
- Although 4011 codes are listed in the data, this may reflect statistical reporting or specific national subheadings. However, Heading 4012 is the standard international HS code for retreaded tires.
- All codes share similar tax structures due to their origin (China) and destination (USA, implied by tariff details).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade Policies)
π― 1. 4011.20.10.15 & 4012.12.40.35 & 4012.12.40.25
Product: Retreaded Tires for Buses/Trucks (Specific Subheadings)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (Additional Duties on Chinese Goods) |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Tariff for Certain Rubber Products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301 and 122 duties apply even to small shipments) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 9903.88.01 β Section 122: Specific Rubber Provisions β USITC: 4011/4012 |
π Explanation:
- Base 4%: Standard MFN rate for retreaded tires.
- Section 301 (25%): Trade war tariff on Chinese goods.
- 122 Section (10%): Additional duty on specific rubber articles.
- Total 39%: High tariff barrier, requiring careful cost calculation.
π― 2. 4011.20.50.20 & 4012.12.80.29
Product: Retreaded Tires (Fallback/Other Categories)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (Additional Duties on Chinese Goods) |
| 122 Section Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Tariff for Certain Rubber Products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 9903.88.01 β Section 122 β USITC: 4011/4012 |
π Note:
- Slightly lower base rate (3.4% vs 4.0%) results in a total of 38.4% instead of 39.0%.
- Still subject to the same surcharges.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Retreaded Tire" and HS Code. |
| Packing List | βοΈ | List weight, dimensions, and quantity. |
| Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Original transport documents. |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Form A or standard CO for China origin. |
| Product Description | βοΈ | "Retreaded Pneumatic Tire for Bus, Rubber, Size XX.XX R XX" |
| Section 301 Exemption List | β | Retreaded tires are NOT exempt. |
| 122 Duty Proof | βοΈ | Ensure customs broker applies 122 section correctly. |
β 2. Classification Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Retreaded = 4012, Bus/Truck = .12, Don't Split the Shipment!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Retreaded Bus Tire | 4012.12.40.35 (or similar) |
Misclassifying as "New Tire" (4011) β Penalty! |
| Mixed New/Retreaded | Declare separately | Mixed declaration leads to audit risk. |
| Used (Non-Retreaded) | 4012.12 but Highly Restricted |
Do not confuse "Retreaded" with "Used". |
| Small Sample Shipments | Same HS Code | No de minimis exemption for Section 301/122 duties. |
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Retreading Service | Declare as "Service" if only retreading, but if selling the tire, declare as Good with HS 4012. |
| Tire Casings Only | If sold as "casings" (no tread), may fall under 4011 or 4012 depending on condition. Declare accurately. |
| Bulk Shipments | Use Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm HS code and tariff applicability. |
| Anti-Dumping Duties | Check if anti-dumping duties apply to Chinese retreaded tires in your specific year. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4012.12.40.35 |
39.0% | High duties due to Section 301 + 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 4012.12.40.35 |
0% | Import duty often 0% for retreaded tires (export from China). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4012.12.40.35 |
6% | No Section 301, but check local VAT. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4012.12.40.35 |
6% | Post-Brexit tariff schedule. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 4012.12.40.35 |
0% (if USMCA compliant) | Check rules of origin. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese retreaded tires due to 39% total tariffs.
- Consider third-country manufacturing (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia) for tariff optimization if possible.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "New Tire" to avoid Section 301
π Consequence: Severe penalties, seizure, and back taxes.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 122 Section Tariff
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10%, leading to interest and fines.
β Mistake 3: Splitting shipments to exploit de minimis
π Consequence: No exemption for Section 301/122 duties on retreaded tires.
β Mistake 4: Incorrect Product Description
π Consequence: Customs delays, requests for additional documentation, or reclassification.
β Best Practice:
"Retreaded Pneumatic Tire, Size 11R22.5, for Bus, Rubber, Model XYZ, Origin China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Retreaded = 4012, Not 4011!"
πΉ "39% Tariff is High, Plan Costs Early!"
πΉ "No De Minimis for Section 301/122!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your retreaded tires are originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may qualify for lower or zero Section 301 tariffs.
- Consider pre-clearance rulings with CBP to avoid surprises at the border.
π£ Act Now:
π Consult a customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Ensure smooth customs clearance, reduce costs, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional classification starts with accurate HS codes!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in global trade!
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.