Solid Tire
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4012901000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012124035 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012118000 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Solid Tires (Industrial & Heavy-Duty)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Solid Tires"?
Solid Tires (Solid Rubber Tires) are non-pneumatic, solid rubber tires designed for industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, airport ground support equipment, and mining machinery. Unlike pneumatic tires, they contain no air, offering puncture-proof durability and load-bearing stability.
In international trade, classification depends heavily on the specific application and physical form:
- General Solid Tires: Standard solid rubber tires for forklifts, warehouse equipment, etc.
- Specialized/Cushion Tires: Specific shapes (e.g., cushion tires for narrow aisle forklifts) or those matching specific "solid or cushion" usage categories.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the tire is a generic solid rubber tire for standard industrial vehicles β It often falls under 4012.11.80.00 or 4012.12.40.35 depending on the exact rubber composition and sub-heading.
- If the tire is specifically defined as "Solid or Cushion Tires" for specific machinery (often requiring precise shape matching) β It may fall under 4012.90.10.00.
- Note: The provided suggests a nuanced classification where "Solid Tires" are split based on "Specific Use/Form" (4012.90.10.00) vs. "Rubber Material/Other Category" (4012.12.40.35) vs. "Automotive Use" (4012.11.80.00). Caution: "Automotive Use" (4012.11) typically refers to car/truck tires, but the summary implies a broad "inferred rubber material" classification. Always verify if the tire is for passenger vehicles or industrial equipment.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description (from ) | Application Scenario | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
4012.90.10.00 |
Solid Tires, matching "Solid or Cushion Tires" specific use and form | Forklifts, pallet jacks, specific industrial machinery requiring solid/cushion shape | Solid Rubber |
4012.12.40.35 |
Tires, matching "Rubber" material and "Other" category | General rubber tires not specified in other sub-headings; generic industrial rubber tires | Rubber |
4012.11.80.00 |
Tires, matching "Automotive" form and inferred "Rubber" material | Tires used for automotive vehicles (cars, trucks) or inferred rubber composition for auto use | Rubber/Automotive |
π Critical Reminder:
- 4012.90.10.00 is likely the most accurate for dedicated Solid/Cushion Tires for material handling equipment (forklifts).
- 4012.11.80.00 is risky if the tire is NOT for automotive use (cars/trucks). Misclassification can lead to audits.
- 4012.12.40.35 is a catch-all for "Other" rubber tires. Use only if no specific industrial category fits.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4012.90.10.00 ββ Solid Tires (Solid/Cushion Specific Use)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Denied) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β USITC:4012.90.10.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 0% base tariff is offset by significant punitive tariffs.
- Section 301 (25%): Standard China-specific tariff for many rubber products.
- Section 122 (10%): Additional national security/import relief tariff (often applies to specific goods, verify current list).
- Total 35% is a high cost burden. Must be factored into landed cost calculations.
π― 2. 4012.12.40.35 ββ Other Rubber Tires
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β USITC:4012.12.40.35 |
π Note:
- This classification has a 4% base tariff, making the total rate higher (39%) than the specific solid tire category (35%).
- Using this code for standard solid forklift tires may result in unnecessary tax overpayment if4012.90.10.00is applicable.
π― 3. 4012.11.80.00 ββ Automotive Tires (Rubber Material)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β USITC:4012.11.80.00 |
π Warning:
- The summary mentions "Automotive Use." If your solid tires are NOT for cars/trucks (e.g., forklifts), do not use this code.
- Misusing an automotive code for industrial tires can lead to customs penalties or delayed clearance.
- However, if the goods are indeed automotive, the total rate is 38.4%, which is still high due to surcharges.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Type (Solid/Cushion), Application (Forklift, Mining, etc.), Material (Rubber), Size/Diameter |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing tread pattern, sidewall markings, and lack of air valve (proof of solid) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Solid Rubber Tire for Industrial Forklift" (Avoid vague terms like "Rubber Wheel") |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight and quantity per box/pallet |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Mandatory for Section 301 exemption claims (if any apply to specific countries) |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Highly recommended to avoid misclassification between 4012.90, 4012.11, and 4012.12 |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Solid vs. Pneumatic, Application is King!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk of Wrong Code |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift/Mining Solid Tire | 4012.90.10.00 |
Using 4012.12 β Overpay 4% |
| General Rubber Tire (Non-Solid) | 4012.12.40.35 |
N/A |
| Car/Truck Tire (Solid or Pneumatic) | 4012.11.80.00 (if solid/auto) |
Using 4012.90 for auto tire β Under-declaration/Compliance Issue |
| Accessory (Tire Valve, Cap) | 8307.90 or 4016.99 |
Don't lump into tire HS β Confusion |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Solid Tires | Provide OEM contract and design specs to prove "Specific Form" for 4012.90.10.00 |
| Mixed Containers (Auto + Industrial) | Split declarations! Do not mix 4012.11 (Auto) and 4012.90 (Industrial) in one line item. |
| Used Solid Tires | Prohibited! Many countries ban imported used tires. Ensure new condition. |
| China Origin | Expect 35%-39% total duty. Factor this into pricing. No de minimis exemption. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4012.90.10.00 |
35.0% | DOT (if applicable) | High surcharges (301+122). Verify "Solid" status. |
| π¨π³ China | 4012.90.10.00 |
Low/Moderate | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301/122 surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4012.10 or 4012.90 |
Varies (0-10%) | CE/ADR | No punitive surcharges like US. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4012.10 or 4012.90 |
Varies (0-10%) | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4012.10 or 4012.90 |
0-10% | JIS | Generally low tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese solid tires due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges.
- EU/UK/JP offer significantly lower tariff burdens. Consider diversifying supply chains if targeting the US market.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Industrial Solid Tires as 4012.11.80.00 (Automotive)
π Consequence: Customs may suspect misdeclaration of end-use. Potential fines or audit.
β Error 2: Using 4012.12.40.35 for Standard Forklift Tires
π Consequence: Overpaying 4% (39% vs. 35%). Incorrect classification leads to higher costs.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Solid" vs. "Pneumatic" in Description
π Consequence: If the description says "Tire" but code is for "Solid," customs may request proof. Lack of photos/specs β Delay.
β Error 4: Assuming De Minimis Applies
π Consequence: No de minimis for these HS codes from China. Even small shipments are fully taxed.
β Correct Practice:
"Solid Rubber Tire, 7x4.00-5, Cushion Type, for Electric Forklift, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Solid Tires are not Auto Tires!" β Use
4012.90.10.00for industrial/cushion types.
πΉ "China Origin = High Duty!" β Expect 35% total duty in the US.
πΉ "Document Everything!" β Photos, specs, and clear descriptions prevent delays.
π Pro Tip:
If your solid tires are not from China (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand), you MAY avoid Section 301/122 surcharges. Check USMCA (Mexico/Canada) or ASEAN FTAs for potential reductions.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Pre-classification is Key! Contact a licensed customs broker to verify your specific tire model against
4012.90.10.00.
π Optimize Costs! Ensure accurate classification to avoid overpaying 4% or facing compliance risks.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved on Duty is Pure Profit!
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.