Tire (HS Code 4011101060)

🛞 Tires (Tires for Passengercars/General Vehicles)

🌐 HS Code 4011.10.10.60 / 4011.80.10.10 Reference & Customs Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Tires"?

Tires are critical safety components for vehicles. In international trade, they are strictly categorized by vehicle type and construction. For the HS Code 4011101060 and related codes provided in the data, the focus is on Rubber Pneumatic Tires.

The key distinction lies in the application: * Passenger Vehicles (General Vehicles): Cars, SUVs, MPVs. * Commercial Vehicles (Bus/Truck): Heavy-duty trucks, buses. * Off-Road/Special: Agricultural or industrial vehicles.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the tire is for a car/passenger vehicle, it generally falls under 4011.10 series.
- If the tire is for a bus or truck, it falls under 4011.20 series.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a truck tire as a car tire (4011.10) to avoid higher tariffs is a major compliance violation.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

The provided dataset contains specific entries for rubber tires. Below is the detailed breakdown of the HS Codes and their corresponding tax implications.

🔍 Key Observation:
- The code 4011101060 (often corresponding to 4011.10.10.60) is associated with a 39.0% total tax rate.
- Note: There is a discrepancy in the provided data where 4011.80.10.10 is listed at 35.0%, while 4011101060 is at 39.0%. For the specific input "Tire (HS Code 4011101060)", we must strictly adhere to the 39.0% rate provided in the data.
- All codes listed include USITC Section 301 Surtax (25%) and Section 122/IEEPA Additional Tariff (10%).

💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown for HS Code 4011101060

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Status: Subject to significant retaliatory and national security tariffs.

🎯 1. 4011101060 – Rubber Tires (General/Passenger Vehicles)

📌 Explanation:
- Base Tariff (4.0%): The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty for rubber tires.
- Section 301 Surtax (25%): Applied to goods from China under Trade Act of 1974, Section 301. This is a flat 25% on top of the base rate.
- Section 122 / IEEPA (10%): An additional 10% tariff applied under specific national security or trade emergency provisions (often referred to as the "122 tariff" or IEEPA surcharge).
- Total Impact: The cumulative rate is 39%, making US-bound tires from China extremely cost-sensitive.

🎯 2. Comparison with Other Codes in Dataset

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)

🔥 "Right Code, Right Rate, No Surprises!"

✅ 3. Special Handling for US Customs

• Section 301 Compliance: Ensure the entry summary explicitly mentions the 25% Section 301 surcharge. Failure to pay this results in liquidation at higher rates + penalties.
• DOT Marking: All tires must have a DOT (Department of Transportation) marking. Without it, CBP will seize the shipment regardless of tax classification.
• Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD): Check if AD/CVD applies. The provided data does not list AD/CVD rates. However, many Chinese tires are subject to AD/CVD in addition to Section 301 tariffs. If AD/CVD applies, the total cost could exceed 100%. Action: Verify with customs broker if AD/CVD case numbers are active for this specific HS Code.

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to layered tariffs.
- EU and Japan are more favorable, but still require strict compliance with safety standards (ECE, JIS).

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Tires" without specifying vehicle type.
👉 Result: CBP requests information, delays shipment, or assigns a default higher rate.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring the DOT Code.
👉 Result: Seizure. No DOT marking = No entry into the US.

❌ Error 3: Assuming Section 301 exemptions apply.
👉 Result: Penalties. Passenger tires are not exempt from Section 301 tariffs.

❌ Error 4: Misdeclaring Truck Tires as Passenger Tires to save 0.6%.
👉 Result: Audit & Fraud Charges. The difference between 4011.20 and 4011.10 is clear and auditable.

✅ Correct Action:

"Rubber Pneumatic Tires, for Passenger Vehicles, Size: 205/55R16, DOT Certified, Origin: China, HS Code: 4011101060, Subject to 39.0% Total Duty."

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Control!

🎯 Key Takeaway:

🔹 HS Code 4011101060 carries a 39.0% total tax burden.
🔹 Base (4%) + Section 301 (25%) + IEEPA/122 (10%) = 39%.
🔹 No de minimis exemption. No exclusion.

📌 Pro Tip:

If you are importing tires to the US, factor in the full 39% duty in your pricing model. Additionally, verify AD/CVD applicability, as that could add another 50-200% to your costs. Work with a licensed customs broker to ensure the DOT marking and Section 301 payment are correctly recorded.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact your customs broker to confirm:
1. Correct HS Code (4011101060 vs 4011.80.10.10)
2. AD/CVD status
3. DOT marking compliance
🚀 Avoid seizure, avoid penalties, protect your profit margin!

✨ Precision in Classification, Profitability in Clearance!
💼 Every tariff percentage counts. Plan ahead.