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40
Tariff Chapter 40
Retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps, of rubber
What does heading 4012 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 4012 covers retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps. This heading is part of Chapter 40 covering rubber and articles thereof, one of the key industrial materials used in automotive, construction, medical and many other sectors. Customs duty rates generally range from 0% to 6.5% depending on processing level. Import requires REACH compliance declaration. Rubber products for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Medical rubber devices are subject to MDR Regulation (EU) 2017/745. Heading 4012 is part of Chapter 40 (plastics and rubber) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 4012 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 4012 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 4012
Customs duty rates generally range from 0% to 6.5% depending on processing level. Import requires REACH compliance declaration. Import of rubber and rubber articles requires REACH compliance declaration. Rubber products for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Correct classification under heading 4012 requires identification of rubber type and processing level. Check whether the product contains restricted substances (e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - PAHs). When importing goods under heading 4012 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 4012 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 4012 are subject to product safety compliance controls. Required documentation includes: EN standard conformity certificates, REACH documentation, food contact declarations. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 4012 - key considerations
Heading 4012 covers retreaded or used pneumatic tyres of rubber; solid or cushion tyres. Rubber articles classified by form and use: hoses (4009), transmission belts (4010), new tyres (4011), retreaded tyres (4012), inner tubes (4013), hygienic articles (4014), gloves (4015), other rubber articles (4016), hard rubber (4017). The article form, not base rubber type, is decisive.
Frequently asked questions
What customs duty rates apply to retreaded, used and solid tyres under heading 4012?
Duty rates for retreaded and used pneumatic tyres, solid tyres and tyre treads under heading 4012 range from 0% to 4.5% in the EU customs tariff. Retreaded tyres carry rates similar to new tyres (up to 4.5% for passenger tyres). Solid tyres used in forklifts and industrial machinery, tyre treads for retreading and tyre flaps have separate subheadings with their own rates within this range. The specific rate depends on product type and CN subheading. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required for importing retreaded and used tyres into the EU?
Importing retreaded tyres requires E/ECE type-approval similar to new tyres. Retreaded tyres must comply with UNECE Regulation No 108 (passenger) or 109 (commercial). Used tyre imports are subject to waste regulations - confirmation that tyres are fit for further use and not classified as waste is required. REACH compliance declaration is mandatory. Solid tyres for forklifts require technical documentation confirming load capacity ratings. This applies to goods classified under heading 4012 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing retreaded and used tyres?
When importing tyres under heading 4012, particular attention to waste regulations is needed - used tyres may be classified as waste, entailing import restrictions and Basel Convention requirements. Retreaded tyres must pass quality controls confirming safety. Solid tyres for industrial use must match European rim types. Consider the requirements of end-of-life tyre collection and recycling schemes applicable in the destination country. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
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