Truck and Bus Inflatable Tires
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4012909000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4012198000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011201025 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011205050 | 38.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4011201005 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ππ Truck and Bus Inflatable Tires
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Truck and Bus Tires"?
Truck and Bus Inflatable Tires are critical safety components for heavy-duty transportation vehicles. In international trade, they are strictly categorized based on usage (Non-road/Off-the-road vs. Road), state (New vs. Retreaded/Used), and structural characteristics.
Key Classification Logic:
1. New vs. Retreaded: New tires fall under Chapter 40 headings 4011. Retreaded or used tires fall under 4012.19.
2. Application Scope: Tires designed for "non-road" machinery (like construction equipment, airport vehicles, or specific off-highway trucks) may have different subheadings (4012.90) compared to standard road tires (4011).
3. Specific HS Codes Provided: The data below reflects specific classifications for Non-Road Inflatable Tires (New) and Retreaded/Used Tires, with varying tax implications due to trade measures.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- New Tires: Typically fall under 4011.xx or 4012.90.
- Retreaded/Used Tires: Fall under 4012.19.
- Non-Road Specific: Some specialized tires are classified under 4012.90.90.00 or 4011.20.xx, attracting higher tariffs (37.7% - 39.0%).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
The following table details the specific HS Codes provided in the data, their descriptions, and applicability.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability/Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
4012.19.80.00 |
Retreaded or Used Inflatable Tires | Retrofitting older trucks/buses with re-treaded rubber tires | β Retreaded/Used; Material: Rubber |
4012.90.90.00 |
Non-Road Inflatable Tires (Other) | Specialized off-highway tires (e.g., airport, construction) | β New; Non-Road Use; Material: Rubber |
4011.20.10.25 |
Non-Road Inflatable Tires (Specific Subcat) | Heavy-duty tires classified under non-road usage | β New; Specific Non-Road Form |
4011.20.50.50 |
Non-Road Inflatable Tires (Other Subcat) | Broad category for non-road truck/bus tires | β New; Non-Road Form |
4011.20.10.05 |
Light Truck Tires | Tires specifically for light-duty trucks | β New; Light Truck Use |
π Key Reminder:
- "Non-Road" (ιε ¬θ·―η¨) is a critical trigger for higher tariffs (37.7% - 39.0%) in the provided data. Ensure your invoice and product description clearly state if the tire is for highway road use or off-highway/non-road use, as misclassification can lead to significant duty discrepancies.
- Retreaded tires (4012.19.80.00) have a lower tax burden (20.9%) but are strictly limited to used/retreaded goods.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current trade measures applied
π― 1. 4012.19.80.00 ββ Retreaded/Used Inflatable Tires
Lower tax burden due to material recycling status, but subject to specific trade clauses.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (High value commodity) |
| Legal Basis | Base Tariff β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- Section 122 Duty (10%): A specific additional duty applied to certain vehicle parts and accessories.
- Section 301 (7.5%): Lower than the 25% rate for new tires, reflecting the different trade policy for retreaded goods.
- Total 20.9%: Still a significant cost factor compared to non-China origins.
π― 2. 4012.90.90.00 ββ Non-Road Inflatable Tires (General)
High tariff due to "Non-Road" classification and Section 301/122 penalties.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.7% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | Base Tariff β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Section 301 (25%): The standard high tariff for new Chinese rubber tires.
- Section 122 (10%): Adds further cost.
- Total 37.7%: A heavy tax burden. Importers must carefully verify if the tire is truly "Non-Road" to justify this classification. If itβs a standard road tire, the code might be different, but the 25% rate likely remains.
π― 3. 4011.20.10.25 & 4011.20.50.50 ββ Specific Non-Road Tires
Highest tax rates due to specific sub-category penalties.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (for .10.25) / 3.4% (for .50.50) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.0% (.10.25) / 38.4% (.50.50) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π Explanation:
- These codes represent specific sub-classifications within the non-road tire category.
- The Base Tariff varies slightly (4.0% vs 3.4%), leading to a slight difference in the final total (39.0% vs 38.4%).
- The 25% Section 301 and 10% Section 122 are fixed additions.
- Crucial: Ensure the product description matches "Non-Road" usage. Misdeclaring a road tire as "Non-Road" to fit a code can lead to audits and penalties if the physical characteristics (tread pattern, sidewall markings) indicate highway use.
π― 4. 4011.20.10.05 ββ Light Truck Tires
Specific classification for light-duty trucks.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.0% |
π Explanation:
- Light truck tires are often grouped with heavy-duty tires in tariff schedules.
- The 39.0% rate is substantial. Importers should check if any exemptions (e.g., for specific commercial vehicles) apply, though none are listed in the provided data.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Inflatable Tires," "New" or "Retreaded," "Non-Road" or "Road" use. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail number of tires, sizes, and ply rating. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include tread pattern, ply rating, DOT number, and intended vehicle type. |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | Certificate of Origin (CO) to confirm CN origin (subject to 301/122 duties). |
| β Labeling Photos | βοΈ | Show sidewall markings confirming "Tire Type" and "Max Load/Pressure." |
| β Import License/ETL | βοΈ | If applicable for specific heavy machinery components. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ βClarify Use: Road vs. Non-Road; State Condition: New vs. Retreadedβ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| New Tire for Construction Vehicle | 4011.20.10.25 or 4012.90.90.00 (Non-Road) |
Declare as "Car Tire" β Misclassification risk |
| Retreaded Tire for Bus | 4012.19.80.00 |
Declare as "New Tire" β Duty increase (37.7% vs 20.9%) |
| Light Truck Tire | 4011.20.10.05 |
Declare as "Truck Tire" (Vague) β May trigger broader category |
| Mixed Shipment (New + Retreaded) | Split Declaration | Combine into one line item β Customs Rejection |
β 3. Special Situations Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Non-Road" Definition | Ensure the tire is marked or described for off-highway use (e.g., airport, farm, construction). If it looks like a standard highway tire, CBP may reclassify it, leading to penalties. |
| Section 122 Duty | This duty applies to many vehicle parts. Check if your specific tire subheading is exempt (most are not). Plan for the extra 10%. |
| Retreaded Tires | Must be clearly marked as "Retreaded" or "Remanufactured." New tires declared as retreaded is fraud. |
| Ply Rating | Ensure the invoice matches the DOT marking. Discrepancies can lead to delays. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4011.20.xx / 4012.90.xx |
20.9% - 39.0% | DOT, FMVSS | High duties due to Sec 301 & 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 4011.20.xx |
5% - 10% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower export/import complexity for domestic |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4011.xx |
4.5% | ECE R30, R117 | No Section 122/301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 4011.xx |
4.5% | UKCA, ECE | Post-Brexit alignment with EU standards |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4011.xx |
5% | ADR | No major additional duties |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for Chinese tires due to the combination of Base Tariff + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%).
- Total costs can exceed 39%, significantly impacting profitability.
- Retreaded tires offer a cheaper entry point (20.9%) but require strict documentation.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring New Tires as Retreaded to save taxes.
π Consequence: Severe penalties, cargo seizure, and blacklisting. CBP verifies via DOT codes and physical inspection.
β Error 2: Misclassifying Road Tires as Non-Road to fit a different code.
π Consequence: Even if the code changes, the 25% Section 301 duty often remains. However, if caught, itβs considered fraud.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Duty.
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% charge at customs. Many importers forget this specific duty on vehicle parts.
β Error 4: Vague Description: "Tires."
π Consequence: Customs may choose the highest duty code or require additional documentation, causing delays.
β Correct Practice:
βInflatable Rubber Tires, New, Non-Road Use, Radial, Size 12R22.5, DOT Certified, HS 4011.20.10.25β
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ βNew Tires = High Duty (37-39%)β
πΉ βRetreaded Tires = Lower Duty (20.9%)β
πΉ βSection 122 (10%) is Non-Negotiable for Mostβ
πΉ ββNon-Roadβ Must Be Truthfulβ
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) from CBP to confirm the correct HS Code and duty application, especially for ambiguous "Non-Road" products. This prevents surprises at the port.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker to verify the specific tire subtype.
π Ensure invoices explicitly state: Origin, Condition (New/Retreaded), and Usage (Road/Non-Road).
π Optimize your supply chain by factoring in the 37.7%-39.0% total duty cost for new tires.
β¨ Accurate Classification Saves Thousands!
πΌ Every percentage point of duty impacts your bottom line!
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.