Road Bike Inner Tubes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4011908050 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011500000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4013200000 | 12.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π΄ββοΈ Road Bike Inner Tubes (Rubber Tubes for Bicycles)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Inner Tubes"?
Road Bike Inner Tubes are essential rubber components designed to hold air pressure inside the tire of a bicycle, supporting the vehicle's weight and absorbing road shocks. In international trade, they are strictly categorized under the rubber products chapter due to their material and specific functional application.
Key characteristics for classification: * Material: Must be primarily Rubber (natural or synthetic). * Form: Inner Tube (hollow, cylindrical, air-retaining structure). * Specific Use: Designed exclusively for Bicycles (Road bikes, Hybrid bikes, etc.).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the tube is made of rubber and intended for bicycles, it falls under 4013.20.00.00.
- If it is a outer tire (the tread part) instead of an inner tube, it falls under different codes (e.g., 4011.50.00.00 for bicycle tires).
- Do not confuse "Inner Tube" with "Tire" β misclassification leads to incorrect tax rates and potential customs delays.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided authoritative data, here is the precise breakdown for Road Bike Inner Tubes:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material & Form Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
4013.20.00.00 |
Rubber Inner Tubes for Bicycles | Road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes | β Matches: Rubber material + Inner Tube form + Bicycle use |
π Key Insight:
- This is the ONLY correct HS Code for rubber inner tubes used on bicycles.
- The summary confirms it "fully complies with rubber material, inner tube form, and bicycle use definitions."
- Do not use4011codes (which are for tires) or other rubber codes (e.g.,4012for retreaded tires).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Analysis (Detailed Breakdown)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Applicable Time: Current (2026 Regime)
π Total Tariff Rate: 12.0% (Low compared to tires)
π― HS Code 4013.20.00.00 β Rubber Inner Tubes for Bicycles
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | Standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate for this subheading. |
| Section 301 Tariff ("Additional Tariff") |
+2.0% | Applied to specific rubber products under Section 301 Trade Action. |
| Section 122 Tariff ("122 Clause") |
+10.0% | Specific additional duty for certain Chinese-origin rubber goods. |
| TOTAL EFFECTIVE RATE | 12.0% | Sum of Base (0.0%) + Section 301 (2.0%) + Section 122 (10.0%). |
π Tax Breakdown Explanation:
- Base (0.0%): The fundamental import duty for bicycle parts from China is nominally zero.
- Section 301 (+2.0%): A targeted levy on specific rubber categories to counter trade imbalances.
- Section 122 (+10.0%): A critical "122 Clause" tariff applied specifically to this category of rubber inner tubes, significantly driving up the cost compared to the base rate.
- Calculation:Value Γ 12%is the tax you must pay at the US border.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specifications | βοΈ Must include: Size (e.g., 700x23c), Valve Type (Presta/Schrader), Material (Butyl/Natural Rubber). | Proves it is an "Inner Tube" and not a "Tire". |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Must state: "Rubber Inner Tube for Bicycles" explicitly. | Ensures clear HS Code 4013.20.00.00 matching. |
| Material Declaration | βοΈ Confirm 100% Rubber content. | Required for Section 122 classification; non-rubber tubes might be misclassified. |
| Bill of Lading / Packing List | βοΈ Must match invoice value and weight. | Standard clearance requirement. |
β 2. Classification Strategy & Common Mistakes
| Scenario | Correct Action | Risk (If Mistaken) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping "Tires" (Treads) | Use Code 4011.50.00.00 (Tax: 35.0%) |
If you ship tires but declare as inner tubes (4013.20.00.00): Seizure + High Penalties. |
| Shipping "Inner Tubes" | Use Code 4013.20.00.00 (Tax: 12.0%) |
If you declare as "Tires" (4011.50.00.00): Overpaying 23% more tax ($35.0 vs $12.0). |
| Mixing "Tubes" & "Tires" | Separate line items in invoice. | Mixed shipments often lead to customs audits and delays. |
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Tube vs. Tire" is the most critical distinction.
- Inner Tube =4013.20.00.00β 12.0% Tax (Best Rate)
- Outer Tire =4011.50.00.00β 35.0% Tax (Higher)
- General Rubber Tire =4011.90.80.50β 38.4% Tax (Highest)
β 3. Special Scenarios
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Valve Types (Presta vs. Schrader) | Both fall under 4013.20.00.00. No tax difference, but declare the specific type for customs accuracy. |
| Butyl vs. Latex | Both are rubber. As long as they are "Inner Tubes for Bicycles", they qualify for 4013.20.00.00. |
| Sample Shipments | Even for samples, declare as 4013.20.00.00. Do not mark as "No Commercial Value" without proper de minimis handling, as Section 122 may still apply. |
π V. Summary & Action Plan
- Verify Product: Ensure the item is strictly an Inner Tube (not a tire).
- Declare Correctly: Use HS Code
4013.20.00.00. - Calculate Cost: Factor in 12.0% total tax (Base 0% + Section 301 2% + Section 122 10%).
- Avoid Errors: Never classify as
4011(Tires) unless you are shipping tires, or you will face 35.0% - 38.4% tax rates.
π Clearance Tip:
Ensure your invoice clearly distinguishes "Inner Tube" from "Tire". A simple typo can change your tax rate from 12% to 35% or 38.4%.
Accuracy = Savings!
π VI. Professional Support Needed?
If you are importing Road Bike Inner Tubes, ensure your supplier provides clear product photos and specifications. For complex shipments or high volumes, consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to lock in the 4013.20.00.00 classification.
Stay compliant, stay competitive! π΄ββοΈπ¨
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.