Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, reclaimed rubber, and various rubber products. This chapter ranges from raw rubber to finished rubber products such as tires, hoses, belts, footwear, etc. HS code 4012 falls under rubber products in the tire category, specifically involving retreaded tires, solid tires, etc. Understanding Chapter 40 helps distinguish raw rubber from manufactured goods and the classification logic of different rubber products. Heading 4012 includes retreaded or used pneumatic tires, solid or semi-solid tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. This heading primarily targets non-new pneumatic tires or non-pneumatic tires, covering retreaded tires, solid tires, etc. Solid tires are commonly used in industrial vehicles, forklifts, and other low-speed high-load scenarios; interchangeable treads are used to extend tire life; tire flaps are used to protect inner tubes. The first 2 digits 40 represent Chapter 40, rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 12, represent heading 4012, i.e., retreaded or used pneumatic tires, solid or semi-solid tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. Digits 5-6, 90, are the subheading, specifically referring to solid or semi-solid rubber tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. Therefore, 401290 specifically refers to these non-pneumatic or semi-pneumatic rubber tires and related parts, distinguishing them from 4011 (new pneumatic tires) and 4013 (inner tubes). This commodity is a solid or semi-solid rubber tire with a non-pneumatic structure, so it is classified under 4012 rather than 4011 (new pneumatic tires). Interchangeable tire treads and tire flaps also fall within 4012 as they are tire components. 4013 covers rubber inner tubes and does not apply to solid tires. Therefore, 401290 accurately covers such commodities.
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 to finished rubber products such as tires, hoses, belts, footwear, etc. HS code 4012 falls under rubber products in the tire category, specifically involving retreaded tires, solid tires, etc. Understanding Chapter 40 helps distinguish raw rubber from manufactured goods and the classification logic of different rubber products.
Heading
Heading 4012 includes retreaded or used pneumatic tires, solid or semi-solid tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. This heading primarily targets non-new pneumatic tires or non-pneumatic tires, covering retreaded tires, solid tires, etc. Solid tires are commonly used in industrial vehicles, forklifts, and other low-speed high-load scenarios; interchangeable treads are used to extend tire life; tire flaps are used to protect inner tubes.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 40 represent Chapter 40, rubber and articles thereof. Digits 3-4, 12, represent heading 4012, i.e., retreaded or used pneumatic tires, solid or semi-solid tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. Digits 5-6, 90, are the subheading, specifically referring to solid or semi-solid rubber tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. Therefore, 401290 specifically refers to these non-pneumatic or semi-pneumatic rubber tires and related parts, distinguishing them from 4011 (new pneumatic tires) and 4013 (inner tubes).
Classification Basis
This commodity is a solid or semi-solid rubber tire with a non-pneumatic structure, so it is classified under 4012 rather than 4011 (new pneumatic tires). Interchangeable tire treads and tire flaps also fall within 4012 as they are tire components. 4013 covers rubber inner tubes and does not apply to solid tires. Therefore, 401290 accurately covers such commodities.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "solid rubber tire", "semi-solid tire", "interchangeable tread", etc. Use: Explain the usage scenario of the tire, such as "for forklifts", "for industrial vehicles", etc. Material: Indicate the type of rubber, such as "natural rubber", "synthetic rubber", or "mixed rubber". Brand: Fill in the tire brand or manufacturer name; if no brand, write "none". Specifications/Model: Provide tire dimensions, load index, etc., such as "23x10-12". Is It Solid: Clearly declare "solid" or "semi-solid"; semi-solid must be specified. Is It Interchangeable: If it is an interchangeable tread, declare "yes"; otherwise "no". Product Name: Solid rubber tire; Use: For forklifts; Material: Natural rubber; Brand: XX; Specifications/Model: 23x10-12; Is It Solid: Solid; Is It Interchangeable: No. Misclassifying solid tires under 4011 (pneumatic tires). Ignoring the "semi-solid" status, leading to classification errors. Interchangeable treads not declared separately, confused with tires.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "solid rubber tire", "semi-solid tire", "interchangeable tread", etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "pneumatic tire" or "inner tube".
Use
Explain the usage scenario of the tire, such as "for forklifts", "for industrial vehicles", etc.
⚠️ Omitting the use or describing it too vaguely.
Material
Indicate the type of rubber, such as "natural rubber", "synthetic rubber", or "mixed rubber".
⚠️ Writing only "rubber" without specifying the type.
Brand
Fill in the tire brand or manufacturer name; if no brand, write "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer.
Specifications/Model
Provide tire dimensions, load index, etc., such as "23x10-12".
⚠️ Incomplete specifications or inconsistent with the actual product.
Is It Solid
Clearly declare "solid" or "semi-solid"; semi-solid must be specified.
⚠️ Misreporting semi-solid as solid.
Is It Interchangeable
If it is an interchangeable tread, declare "yes"; otherwise "no".
⚠️ Misreporting interchangeable tread as an ordinary tire.
Example： Product Name: Solid rubber tire; Use: For forklifts; Material: Natural rubber; Brand: XX; Specifications/Model: 23x10-12; Is It Solid: Solid; Is It Interchangeable: No.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying solid tires under 4011 (pneumatic tires).
Ignoring the "semi-solid" status, leading to classification errors.
Interchangeable treads not declared separately, confused with tires.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the tire's structure (solid/semi-solid) and function (whether pneumatic). 401290 covers solid or semi-solid rubber tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. If the tire is pneumatic, even if used, it should be classified under the retreaded tire subheadings of 4012 (e.g., 401211-401219), not 401290. Solid tires, having no pneumatic structure, are classified under 401290. 401110 New pneumatic rubber tires for motor cars: 401110 is new pneumatic tires for passenger cars; 401290 is solid or semi-solid tires, non-pneumatic. 401120 New pneumatic rubber tires for buses or motor vehicles for the transport of goods: 401120 is new pneumatic tires for buses or trucks; 401290 is solid tires for industrial vehicles, etc. 401140 New pneumatic rubber tires for motorcycles: 401140 is pneumatic tires for motorcycles; 401290 is solid tires, not used for motorcycles. 401290 Solid or semi-solid rubber tires, interchangeable tire treads and tire flaps: This code itself; note the distinction from 4011 pneumatic tires. 401310 Rubber inner tubes for motor cars: 401310 is inner tubes for pneumatic tires; 401290 is solid tires, tubeless. Is the tire solid or semi-solid? Is it used for pneumatic tires? Is it an interchangeable tread or flap? Is it a retreaded tire? Is it confused with 4011 or 4013?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the tire's structure (solid/semi-solid) and function (whether pneumatic). 401290 covers solid or semi-solid rubber tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. If the tire is pneumatic, even if used, it should be classified under the retreaded tire subheadings of 4012 (e.g., 401211-401219), not 401290. Solid tires, having no pneumatic structure, are classified under 401290.
Confused Codes：
401110 - New pneumatic rubber tires for motor cars
401110 is new pneumatic tires for passenger cars; 401290 is solid or semi-solid tires, non-pneumatic.
401120 - New pneumatic rubber tires for buses or motor vehicles for the transport of goods
401120 is new pneumatic tires for buses or trucks; 401290 is solid tires for industrial vehicles, etc.
401140 - New pneumatic rubber tires for motorcycles
401140 is pneumatic tires for motorcycles; 401290 is solid tires, not used for motorcycles.
401290 - Solid or semi-solid rubber tires, interchangeable tire treads and tire flaps
This code itself; note the distinction from 4011 pneumatic tires.
401310 - Rubber inner tubes for motor cars
401310 is inner tubes for pneumatic tires; 401290 is solid tires, tubeless.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the tire solid or semi-solid?
✓ Is it used for pneumatic tires?
✓ Is it an interchangeable tread or flap?
✓ Is it a retreaded tire?
✓ Is it confused with 4011 or 4013?
❓ FAQ
How are solid tires and pneumatic tires distinguished in HS codes? Solid tires are classified under 401290, pneumatic tires under 4011. The key distinction is whether the tire is pneumatic: solid tires have no cavity and are not inflated; pneumatic tires require inflation. If semi-solid, they are also classified under 401290. Which code should interchangeable treads be classified under? Interchangeable treads belong to 401290, as they are tire components used for retreading or replacing treads. Note the distinction from retreaded tires under 4012: retreaded tires are fully retreaded, while interchangeable treads are separate components. Are tire flaps classified under 401290? Yes, tire flaps are used to protect inner tubes and fall within 401290. However, it must be confirmed that the material is rubber; if made of other materials, they may be classified under other chapters. Which code are used pneumatic tires classified under? If used pneumatic tires are retreaded, they are classified under the retreaded tire subheadings of 4012 (e.g., 401211-401219); if not retreaded, they may be classified under 401220. Solid tires, whether new or used, are classified under 401290. How should "semi-solid tires" be described when declaring? When declaring, clearly indicate "semi-solid" and provide a structural description, such as "partially filled". Avoid confusion with solid tires, as both are classified under 401290, but the elements must be accurate. How can the tariff rate for 401290 be checked? Tariff rates depend on the importing country and country of origin and can be checked in each country's customs tariff. For China's import rate, refer to the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" or check via the General Administration of Customs website. What certifications are needed to export solid tires to the United States? Exporting to the United States requires DOT certification, and some uses require EPA certification. Specific requirements depend on tire use and specifications; consulting a professional agency is recommended. What is the main difference between 401290 and 4011? 401290 covers solid or semi-solid tires and components; 4011 covers new pneumatic tires. The core difference is whether they are pneumatic and whether they are new. Solid tires are not pneumatic, so they are classified under 401290.
Q: How are solid tires and pneumatic tires distinguished in HS codes?
A: Solid tires are classified under 401290, pneumatic tires under 4011. The key distinction is whether the tire is pneumatic: solid tires have no cavity and are not inflated; pneumatic tires require inflation. If semi-solid, they are also classified under 401290.
Q: Which code should interchangeable treads be classified under?
A: Interchangeable treads belong to 401290, as they are tire components used for retreading or replacing treads. Note the distinction from retreaded tires under 4012: retreaded tires are fully retreaded, while interchangeable treads are separate components.
Q: Are tire flaps classified under 401290?
A: Yes, tire flaps are used to protect inner tubes and fall within 401290. However, it must be confirmed that the material is rubber; if made of other materials, they may be classified under other chapters.
Q: Which code are used pneumatic tires classified under?
A: If used pneumatic tires are retreaded, they are classified under the retreaded tire subheadings of 4012 (e.g., 401211-401219); if not retreaded, they may be classified under 401220. Solid tires, whether new or used, are classified under 401290.
Q: How should "semi-solid tires" be described when declaring?
A: When declaring, clearly indicate "semi-solid" and provide a structural description, such as "partially filled". Avoid confusion with solid tires, as both are classified under 401290, but the elements must be accurate.
Q: How can the tariff rate for 401290 be checked?
A: Tariff rates depend on the importing country and country of origin and can be checked in each country's customs tariff. For China's import rate, refer to the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" or check via the General Administration of Customs website.
Q: What certifications are needed to export solid tires to the United States?
A: Exporting to the United States requires DOT certification, and some uses require EPA certification. Specific requirements depend on tire use and specifications; consulting a professional agency is recommended.
Q: What is the main difference between 401290 and 4011?
A: 401290 covers solid or semi-solid tires and components; 4011 covers new pneumatic tires. The core difference is whether they are pneumatic and whether they are new. Solid tires are not pneumatic, so they are classified under 401290.
⚠️ 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.