Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter ranges from raw rubber (such as raw rubber, latex) to semi-finished products (such as plates, sheets, strips) and then to final products (such as tires, tubes, footwear, etc.). However, certain rubber products may be classified under other chapters, such as rubber mechanical parts under Chapter 84, rubber footwear under Chapter 64. This chapter is the basis for trade classification in the rubber industry, involving retreaded tires and used pneumatic tires under heading 4012, etc. Heading 4012 covers retreaded tires and used pneumatic tires, specifically including: retreaded tires (whether or not for automobiles, aircraft, etc.), used pneumatic tires (including solid or semi-solid tires). However, it does not include new tires (classified under 4011) or tire inner tubes (classified under 4013). Retreaded tires refer to tires that have been restored to serviceability by replacing the tread or sidewall, etc., and their classification depends on the final use and retreading process. Code 401213 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "40" indicate Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof); digits 3-4 "12" indicate heading 4012 (retreaded tires and used pneumatic tires); digits 5-6 "13" indicate subheading 4012.13, specifically "Retreaded tires, of a kind used on aircraft". Note: subheading 4012.11 is retreaded tires for automobiles, 4012.12 for buses or trucks, 4012.13 for aircraft, 4012.19 for other uses, and 4012.20 for used pneumatic tires. Therefore, 401213 specifically refers to retreaded tires for aircraft, and its classification must satisfy both conditions of "retreaded" and "for aircraft use". The goods are retreaded tires exclusively for aircraft, therefore classified under 4012.13. If they were new aircraft tires, they should be classified under 4011.30; if they were used pneumatic tires for aircraft, they should be classified under 4012.20; if they were retreaded tires for other uses, they would be classified under 4012.11, 4012.12, or 4012.19. Therefore, the use (aircraft) and condition (retreaded) are the key factors determining classification under 4012.13.
Chapter
Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter ranges from raw rubber (such as raw rubber, latex) to semi-finished products (such as plates, sheets, strips) and then to final products (such as tires, tubes, footwear, etc.). However, certain rubber products may be classified under other chapters, such as rubber mechanical parts under Chapter 84, rubber footwear under Chapter 64. This chapter is the basis for trade classification in the rubber industry, involving retreaded tires and used pneumatic tires under heading 4012, etc.
Heading
Heading 4012 covers retreaded tires and used pneumatic tires, specifically including: retreaded tires (whether or not for automobiles, aircraft, etc.), used pneumatic tires (including solid or semi-solid tires). However, it does not include new tires (classified under 4011) or tire inner tubes (classified under 4013). Retreaded tires refer to tires that have been restored to serviceability by replacing the tread or sidewall, etc., and their classification depends on the final use and retreading process.
Digit Breakdown
Code 401213 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "40" indicate Chapter 40 (rubber and articles thereof); digits 3-4 "12" indicate heading 4012 (retreaded tires and used pneumatic tires); digits 5-6 "13" indicate subheading 4012.13, specifically "Retreaded tires, of a kind used on aircraft". Note: subheading 4012.11 is retreaded tires for automobiles, 4012.12 for buses or trucks, 4012.13 for aircraft, 4012.19 for other uses, and 4012.20 for used pneumatic tires. Therefore, 401213 specifically refers to retreaded tires for aircraft, and its classification must satisfy both conditions of "retreaded" and "for aircraft use".
Classification Basis
The goods are retreaded tires exclusively for aircraft, therefore classified under 4012.13. If they were new aircraft tires, they should be classified under 4011.30; if they were used pneumatic tires for aircraft, they should be classified under 4012.20; if they were retreaded tires for other uses, they would be classified under 4012.11, 4012.12, or 4012.19. Therefore, the use (aircraft) and condition (retreaded) are the key factors determining classification under 4012.13.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods, which should indicate "retreaded tires" and the use, such as "retreaded tires for aircraft". Avoid using colloquial or vague expressions. Use: Clearly state the final intended object of the tires, such as "for aircraft", and specify the aircraft model or type (e.g., civil airliner, freighter, etc.). Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the tires, such as Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. If no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: Fill in the specification and model of the tires, such as "H44.5×16.5-20 30PR", etc., which should be consistent with the actual goods. Retreading Method: Explain the retreading process, such as "top retreading", "shoulder retreading", "full retreading", etc., which must be consistent with the actual situation. Condition: Indicate the "retreaded" condition, distinguishing from new or used tires. Additional explanation may be provided on whether they can continue to be used. Whether Solid or Semi-Solid: Aircraft tires are usually pneumatic tires, but it is necessary to confirm and declare whether they are solid or semi-solid tires. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Retreaded tires for aircraft
Use: For civil airliners
Brand: MICHELIN
Model: H44.5×16.5-20 30PR
Retreading Method: Top retreading
Condition: Retreaded
Whether Solid or Semi-Solid: Pneumatic tires
Other: None
Remarks: These tires are retreaded for use on Boeing 737 series aircraft. Mistakenly declaring retreaded tires as new tires, classified under 4011.30, resulting in tax evasion or violations. Failing to specify the use "for aircraft", possibly classified under 4012.19 (other retreaded tires), affecting regulatory conditions. Inaccurate declaration of retreading method, such as actually top retreading but declared as full retreading, may trigger customs questioning.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods, which should indicate "retreaded tires" and the use, such as "retreaded tires for aircraft". Avoid using colloquial or vague expressions.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "used tires" or "new tires", leading to classification errors.
Use
Clearly state the final intended object of the tires, such as "for aircraft", and specify the aircraft model or type (e.g., civil airliner, freighter, etc.).
⚠️ Only writing "aviation use" is too general, or mistakenly writing "for automobiles".
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the tires, such as Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. If no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand making identification impossible.
Model
Fill in the specification and model of the tires, such as "H44.5×16.5-20 30PR", etc., which should be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model filling, affecting customs inspection.
Retreading Method
Explain the retreading process, such as "top retreading", "shoulder retreading", "full retreading", etc., which must be consistent with the actual situation.
⚠️ Vaguely writing "retreaded" without specifying the process.
Condition
Indicate the "retreaded" condition, distinguishing from new or used tires. Additional explanation may be provided on whether they can continue to be used.
⚠️ Failing to indicate "retreaded", leading to misclassification under 4011 or 4012.20.
Whether Solid or Semi-Solid
Aircraft tires are usually pneumatic tires, but it is necessary to confirm and declare whether they are solid or semi-solid tires.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, leading to classification disputes.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Retreaded tires for aircraft
Use: For civil airliners
Brand: MICHELIN
Model: H44.5×16.5-20 30PR
Retreading Method: Top retreading
Condition: Retreaded
Whether Solid or Semi-Solid: Pneumatic tires
Other: None
Remarks: These tires are retreaded for use on Boeing 737 series aircraft.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly declaring retreaded tires as new tires, classified under 4011.30, resulting in tax evasion or violations.
Failing to specify the use "for aircraft", possibly classified under 4012.19 (other retreaded tires), affecting regulatory conditions.
Inaccurate declaration of retreading method, such as actually top retreading but declared as full retreading, may trigger customs questioning.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) The goods condition is retreaded tires, i.e., serviceability restored by replacing tread, etc.; 2) The use is for aircraft, including civil airliners, freighters, military aircraft, etc.; 3) It conforms to the description of heading 4012 and subheading 4012.13. Note the difference between retreaded tires and new tires (4011), used pneumatic tires (4012.20), and rubber inner tubes (4013). In addition, retreaded tires for aircraft may involve special regulatory conditions, such as CCC certification, airworthiness certification, etc., but classification is not affected. 401130 New pneumatic tires for aircraft: 401130 is new aircraft tires, while 401213 is retreaded aircraft tires. The core difference is whether they have undergone retreading process; new tires have not been used or retreaded. 401220 Used pneumatic tires: 401220 covers all used pneumatic tires (including for aircraft), but retreaded tires have been restored to performance through retreading and do not fall under the category of "used tires", so they are classified under 4012.13. 401219 Other retreaded tires: 401219 applies to retreaded tires not for automobiles or aircraft, such as for construction machinery, agricultural machinery, etc. Retreaded tires for aircraft must be classified under 4012.13. 401211 Retreaded tires for automobiles: 401211 specifically refers to retreaded tires for automobiles (including passenger cars, buses, etc.). Retreaded tires for aircraft are not classified under this code. 401212 Retreaded tires for buses or trucks: 401212 applies to buses or trucks. Retreaded tires for aircraft, even if similar in size, are classified under 4012.13 due to different use. Confirm whether the tires are in retreaded condition, not new or used tires. Confirm whether the use is for aircraft, including civil aviation, military, etc. Check whether the retreading process changes the basic characteristics of the tires. Check whether documents such as airworthiness certification are attached. Confirm the tires are not solid or semi-solid (if solid, other classification should be considered).
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The goods condition is retreaded tires, i.e., serviceability restored by replacing tread, etc.; 2) The use is for aircraft, including civil airliners, freighters, military aircraft, etc.; 3) It conforms to the description of heading 4012 and subheading 4012.13. Note the difference between retreaded tires and new tires (4011), used pneumatic tires (4012.20), and rubber inner tubes (4013). In addition, retreaded tires for aircraft may involve special regulatory conditions, such as CCC certification, airworthiness certification, etc., but classification is not affected.
Confused Codes:
401130 - New pneumatic tires for aircraft
401130 is new aircraft tires, while 401213 is retreaded aircraft tires. The core difference is whether they have undergone retreading process; new tires have not been used or retreaded.
401220 - Used pneumatic tires
401220 covers all used pneumatic tires (including for aircraft), but retreaded tires have been restored to performance through retreading and do not fall under the category of "used tires", so they are classified under 4012.13.
401219 - Other retreaded tires
401219 applies to retreaded tires not for automobiles or aircraft, such as for construction machinery, agricultural machinery, etc. Retreaded tires for aircraft must be classified under 4012.13.
401211 - Retreaded tires for automobiles
401211 specifically refers to retreaded tires for automobiles (including passenger cars, buses, etc.). Retreaded tires for aircraft are not classified under this code.
401212 - Retreaded tires for buses or trucks
401212 applies to buses or trucks. Retreaded tires for aircraft, even if similar in size, are classified under 4012.13 due to different use.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm whether the tires are in retreaded condition, not new or used tires.
✓ Confirm whether the use is for aircraft, including civil aviation, military, etc.
✓ Check whether the retreading process changes the basic characteristics of the tires.
✓ Check whether documents such as airworthiness certification are attached.
✓ Confirm the tires are not solid or semi-solid (if solid, other classification should be considered).
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between retreaded aircraft tires and new aircraft tires? Retreaded aircraft tires are classified under 401213, and new aircraft tires under 401130. The conditions differ: retreaded tires are used tires restored to serviceability through retreading, while new tires have not been used. Accurate declaration based on actual condition is required for classification. How to determine whether aircraft tires are "retreaded"? Retreading usually refers to restoring used tires to serviceability by replacing the tread, sidewall, or full retreading, etc. Customs may require retreading process descriptions, test reports, etc. If only simple repairs, it may not be recognized as retreading, and judgment should be based on the actual process. What regulatory documents are required for importing retreaded tires for aircraft? May involve airworthiness certification (such as CAAC, FAA, EASA, etc.), CCC certification (if applicable), import licenses, etc. Specific requirements should be checked according to customs regulatory conditions, and it is advisable to consult a customs broker or customs in advance. If retreaded tires are used for aircraft but the use is not clearly declared, what are the consequences? May lead to classification errors, such as being classified under 401219 (other retreaded tires), affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions. Customs may require tax supplements, fines, or even determine false declaration. Therefore, accurate declaration of use is essential. What is the difference in HS codes between used aircraft tires and retreaded aircraft tires? Used aircraft tires are classified under 401220 (used pneumatic tires), while retreaded aircraft tires under 401213. The key difference is whether they have been restored to serviceability through retreading. Used tires generally refer to tires that have not been retreaded and can only be scrapped or recycled. How to inquire about the tariff rates and regulatory conditions for 401213? Through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code inquiry platforms, or consulting a customs broker. Tariff rates and regulatory conditions may be adjusted with policies, and the latest "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" should be consulted. In the declaration elements for retreaded tires for aircraft, are brand and model mandatory? Yes, brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs identify the goods. If no brand, indicate "no brand"; the model should be filled in complete specifications to avoid vague declaration. If retreaded tires can be used for both aircraft and other vehicles, how to classify? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, classification should be based on the principal use. If exclusively for aircraft, classified under 401213; if general purpose, may be classified under 401219. Proof of use, such as airworthiness certificates, should be provided.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between retreaded aircraft tires and new aircraft tires?
A: Retreaded aircraft tires are classified under 401213, and new aircraft tires under 401130. The conditions differ: retreaded tires are used tires restored to serviceability through retreading, while new tires have not been used. Accurate declaration based on actual condition is required for classification.
Q: How to determine whether aircraft tires are "retreaded"?
A: Retreading usually refers to restoring used tires to serviceability by replacing the tread, sidewall, or full retreading, etc. Customs may require retreading process descriptions, test reports, etc. If only simple repairs, it may not be recognized as retreading, and judgment should be based on the actual process.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing retreaded tires for aircraft?
A: May involve airworthiness certification (such as CAAC, FAA, EASA, etc.), CCC certification (if applicable), import licenses, etc. Specific requirements should be checked according to customs regulatory conditions, and it is advisable to consult a customs broker or customs in advance.
Q: If retreaded tires are used for aircraft but the use is not clearly declared, what are the consequences?
A: May lead to classification errors, such as being classified under 401219 (other retreaded tires), affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions. Customs may require tax supplements, fines, or even determine false declaration. Therefore, accurate declaration of use is essential.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between used aircraft tires and retreaded aircraft tires?
A: Used aircraft tires are classified under 401220 (used pneumatic tires), while retreaded aircraft tires under 401213. The key difference is whether they have been restored to serviceability through retreading. Used tires generally refer to tires that have not been retreaded and can only be scrapped or recycled.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff rates and regulatory conditions for 401213?
A: Through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code inquiry platforms, or consulting a customs broker. Tariff rates and regulatory conditions may be adjusted with policies, and the latest "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" should be consulted.
Q: In the declaration elements for retreaded tires for aircraft, are brand and model mandatory?
A: Yes, brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs identify the goods. If no brand, indicate "no brand"; the model should be filled in complete specifications to avoid vague declaration.
Q: If retreaded tires can be used for both aircraft and other vehicles, how to classify?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, classification should be based on the principal use. If exclusively for aircraft, classified under 401213; if general purpose, may be classified under 401219. Proof of use, such as airworthiness certificates, should be provided.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.