Run flat car tires
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4012114000 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012118000 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4013100010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4013905050 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011101070 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐ Run Flat Car Tires (Extended Performance / Self-Supporting Tires)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Run Flat" Tires?
Run Flat Tires, technically known as Extended Performance (XP) or Self-Supporting Tires, are automobile tires designed to allow a vehicle to continue driving for a limited distance and speed after a complete loss of air pressure (e.g., due to a puncture or slash). Unlike traditional tires, they feature reinforced sidewalls (often with heat-resistant rubber compounds or supportive inserts) that prevent the tire from collapsing under the vehicle's weight.
In international trade, these are strictly classified under Chapter 40: Rubber and Articles Thereof, specifically within heading 4011: New Pneumatic Tires.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction:
- If the tire is designed for passenger cars (including station wagons and race cars), it falls under 4011.10 or 4013.10.
- If it is for trucks/buses, it falls under 4011.20/4011.30.
- Note: The provided data exclusively covers automotive/passenger/race car tires. Therefore, we focus on the 4011 and 4013 series.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityๅฏน็ ง)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Total Tax Rate (China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|
4012.11.40.00 |
Tires for automotive vehicles (including station wagons and racing cars), of rubber | High-performance Run Flat Tires for luxury sedans/SUVs; often includes reinforced sidewalls for extended performance | 39.0% |
4012.11.80.00 |
Tires for automotive vehicles (including station wagons and racing cars), of rubber | Standard Run Flat Tires for general passenger cars; distinct from high-performance variants | 38.4% |
4013.10.00.10 |
Tires for passenger vehicles (including station wagons and racing cars) | OEM Run Flat Tires installed on new passenger cars; specific subtype for standard passenger cars | 38.7% |
4013.90.50.50 |
Other tires, core material rubber, classified as parts/components | Alternative Run Flat Components or specialized rubber tire assemblies not covered in 4011/4013.10; often used for aftermarket or non-standard fits | 38.7% |
4011.10.10.70 |
Tires for racing cars, of rubber | High-End Racing Run Flat Tires (e.g., Formula, GT3, or Track Day vehicles); high durability, reinforced structure | 39.0% |
๐ Critical Note:
- "Run Flat" is not a separate HS Code category. It is a performance feature of the tire. Customs authorities classify based on vehicle type (Passenger/Race) and design specifics (New Pneumatic vs. Other).
- The presence of "reinforced sidewalls" does not change the HS code but may affect the product description and declaration details.
- All listed HS codes are for new pneumatic tires (ๆฉก่ถ่ฝฎ่). Used tires fall under different codes (not in this dataset).
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtax & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: 2025-11-10 (and onwards)
๐ฏ 1. 4012.11.40.00 & 4011.10.10.70 โ High-Performance/Racing Run Flat Tires
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% (China-specific add-on, effective 2025-11-10) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 39.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ USITC:4012.11.40.00 / 4011.10.10.70 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- Base 4.0%: Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for tires.
- 25% Section 301: Applies to all Chinese-made tires under these codes.
- 10% Section 122: A new/additional surtax targeting specific Chinese goods, including automotive rubber products.
- Total 39.0%: This is a very high tariff, significantly impacting profitability.
๐ฏ 2. 4012.11.80.00 โ Standard Run Flat Tires
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ NO |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:4012.11.80.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Note:
- Slightly lower base rate (3.4% vs 4.0%) but same surtaxes.
- Applies to non-high-performance passenger run flats.
๐ฏ 3. 4013.10.00.10 & 4013.90.50.50 โ Passenger Vehicle & Other Tires
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ NO |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:4013.10.00.10 / 4013.90.50.50 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Note:
-4013.10.00.10is for passenger vehicles (sedans, SUVs).
-4013.90.50.50is a catch-all for other rubber tires/parts. Use with caution; only if the tire does not fit 4011/4013.10.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Run Flat", "Self-Supporting", or "Extended Performance". Include sidewall reinforcement details. |
| โ Technical Data Sheet | โ๏ธ | Show load index, speed rating, and pressure loss tolerance (e.g., "80 km/h for 80 km after puncture"). |
| โ Product Photos (Markings) | โ๏ธ | Clear shots of sidewall markings: Look for "RSC" (Run Flat System Component), "SSR" (Self-Supporting Run-flat), "PAX", or "Run Flat". |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must specify "New Pneumatic Rubber Tires" and exclude any misleading terms like "accessories" or "parts". |
| โ Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | Crucial for proving China origin to apply surtaxes. |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail number of tires, rims (if any), and packaging material. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Declare as Tires, Not Parts! Specify Run Flat! Avoid Misclassification!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Run Flat Tire on Rim | Declare as "Tire and Rim Assembly" if sold together, but HS Code still applies to Tire. Ensure invoice separates tire value if possible. | Declare as "Car Part" or "Accessory" โ Risk of higher duty (up to 89.5% on components) |
| Reinforced Sidewall | Explicitly state "Reinforced Sidewall" in description. | Omit reinforcement details โ Customs may question classification |
| Racing Tires | Use 4011.10.10.70 and specify "For Racing Vehicles". |
Use 4013.10 (Passenger) โ Incorrect classification โ Penalties |
| Aftermarket Run Flats | Use 4012.11.80.00 or 4012.11.40.00 depending on performance level. |
Declare as 4016.99 (Other Rubber Goods) โ Illegal misclassification |
โ 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Run Flats | Provide OEM contract and manufacturerโs declaration that they are new tires for passenger cars. |
| Tires with TPMS Sensors | Declare Tire + TPMS as one item if sold as a unit. HS Code remains 4011/4013. TPMS value may be allocated separately for accounting, but duty applies to total CIF. |
| Used Run Flats | NOT COVERED in this data. Used tires are generally banned or heavily restricted in the US. Do not declare as "New". |
| Transshipment | If transshipped through Vietnam/Mexico, prove substantial transformation. Otherwise, China origin still applies โ 39% duty. |
๐ V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4011.10.10.70 / 4013.10.00.10 |
38.7% - 39.0% | DOT + USDOT (if applicable) | Highest duty globally due to Section 301 + Section 122 |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4011.10 / 4013.10 |
~10-12% (Import Duty) | CCC + GB Standards | No Section 301/122. Lower cost. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4011.10 / 4013.10 |
0% - 4.5% (Varies) | ECE R30 + E-Mark | No surtaxes. CE marking not required for tires, but ECE R30 is mandatory. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 4011.10 / 4013.10 |
0% - 4.5% | UKCA + ECE | Post-Brexit rules apply. No US-style surtaxes. |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 4011.10 / 4013.10 |
5% | ADR Standards | No additional surtaxes. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for Chinese-run flat tires due to the 39% effective tariff.
- EU, UK, Australia, and China offer significantly lower duty rates.
- Strategic Suggestion: If targeting the US market, consider tariff engineering (e.g., importing components and assembling in a third country like Vietnam, provided substantial transformation occurs) or supply chain diversification.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring Run Flat Tires as "Rubber Parts" or "Accessories"
๐ Consequence: Misclassification โ Duty rate jumps to 89.5% on parts โ Severe penalties.
โ Error 2: Omitting "Run Flat" or "Reinforced Sidewall" in declaration
๐ Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration or request additional testing โ Delays & Storage Fees.
โ Error 3: Using 4013.90.50.50 for standard passenger run flats
๐ Consequence: Incorrect code โ Audit Risk. Use 4013.10.00.10 for passenger cars.
โ Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff (10%)
๐ Consequence: Underpayment โ Back taxes + Interest upon audit.
โ Correct Practice:
"New Pneumatic Rubber Tire, Run Flat (Self-Supporting), Reinforced Sidewall, for Passenger Cars, Size 225/45R17, Load Index 91, Speed Rating W, Model XYZ, DOT Certified"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Compliance!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Run Flat is a Tire, Not a Part!"
๐น "39% Duty in the US, Plan Ahead!"
๐น "Specify 'Run Flat' to Avoid Misclassification!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your tires are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates, provided you can prove substantial transformation.
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling from US CBP to confirm HS Code and duty rate before shipment.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
๐ Ensure your Run Flat Tires pass smooth clearance, minimize costs, and maximize profits!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Cent of Your Cost is Worth Being Calculated Precisely!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.