HS Code 40.11 – New pneumatic tyres, of rubber

HS code 4011 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: New pneumatic tyres, of rubber. Heading 4011 encompasses new pneumatic tyres, exclusively of rubber, designed for a vast array of vehicles and equipment. This classification is crucial for international trade as it delineates brand-new, ready-for-use tires that rely on air pressure for support and cushioning. The scope includes tyres for passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, aircraft, agricultural machinery, and various industrial vehicles. It specifically excludes retreaded or used tyres (4012), solid or cushion tyres (4012), and inner tubes (4013), ensuring a clear distinction for customs purposes. Classification under 4011 is vital for determining applicable tariffs, import duties, anti-dumping measures, and adherence to safety and environmental regulations, such as tread depth standards, rolling resistance, and noise emissions, which vary significantly by country. The global tyre market is enormous, driven by the automotive industry's continuous demand for new vehicles and replacement parts. Historically, tyre manufacturing has been a cornerstone of industrial economies, with significant technological advancements in rubber compounds and tread design impacting performance and longevity. This heading sits within Chapter 40, 'Rubber and articles thereof,' highlighting its fundamental composition and distinguishing it from articles made of other materials, thereby providing a clear starting point for understanding its material-specific trade implications.

New radial car tires, new bias-ply truck tires, new motorcycle tires, new bicycle tires, new aircraft tires, new agricultural tractor tires, new off-road vehicle (ORV) tires, new industrial forklift tires, new bus tires, new SUV tires, new electric vehicle (EV) specific tires, new high-performance tires, new all-season tires, new winter tires, new run-flat tires, new light commercial vehicle (LCV) tires, new mining vehicle tires, new earthmover tires, new racing tires, new scooter tires, new ATV tires, new trailer tires, new golf cart tires, new lawn mower tires, new specialty vehicle tires

A common misclassification error involves confusing new pneumatic tyres (4011) with retreaded or used pneumatic tyres, or solid/cushion tyres (all under 4012). The key distinction is 'new' and 'pneumatic' for 4011. Traders might mistakenly classify a newly retreaded tyre as 'new' due to its appearance, overlooking its retreaded status. Another mistake is classifying inner tubes (4013) as part of a tyre, even though they are separate articles. Furthermore, some components like tyre flaps, which are distinct from complete tyres, also fall under 4012. Careful attention to the specific condition (new vs. retreaded/used) and type (pneumatic vs. solid/cushion) is crucial to avoid errors.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4011 in UN Comtrade data were China ($22.5B, 22% of world exports), Thailand ($7.6B) and Germany ($5.7B). World exports came to about $102.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4011 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($20.4B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($8.9B) and France ($5.1B). World imports came to about $105.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 4011 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (11) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.