HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 4012.20 – Rubber; used pneumatic tyres

HS code 4012.20 is the 6-digit subheading for rubber, used pneumatic tyres. It is used for scrap tires, end-of-life tires (ELT), shredded tires, tire chips and whole used tires.

What HS 4012.20 covers

This HS code covers used pneumatic tires, which are no longer suitable for their original purpose but retain value for recycling, energy recovery, or potential re-export for retreading in other markets. International trade in used tires is a complex global issue, driven by environmental regulations, raw material costs, and demand for secondary uses. Importers are often recycling plants, cement kilns (for use as tire-derived fuel), or companies involved in manufacturing tire-derived products like playground surfaces or asphalt additives. Exporters are typically waste management companies, tire retailers, or collection centers. Key aspects include the condition of the used tires (e.g., whole, shredded), environmental compliance for transport and disposal, and the fluctuating market for recycled rubber and tire-derived fuel. This trade is under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns.

Covers
  • Scrap tires
  • End-of-life tires (ELT)
  • Shredded tires
  • Tire chips
  • Whole used tires
  • Tire bales
Examples
  • Michelin (tire recycling programs)
  • Bridgestone (tire recycling programs)
  • Liberty Tire Recycling
  • Genan
  • Ecore International

Codes often confused with 4012.20

Common mistake. Can be confused with retreadable casings (which might fall under other codes if specifically for retreading) or with new/retreaded tires if their "used" status is not accurately declared, leading to significant regulatory issues.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 401220, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 401220 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $109M
  2. 2 Netherlands $55M
  3. 3 Spain $44M

World total: $516M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Thailand $109M
  2. 2 Germany $41M
  3. 3 France $37M

World total: $561M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 4012.20

Brazil does not split HS 4012.20: its NCM code is 4012.20.00.

  1. 4012.20.00 Used pneumatic tyresPneumáticos usados

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 40.12 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about HS 4012.20

What is HS code 401220?

HS code 401220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rubber; used pneumatic tyres. This HS code covers used pneumatic tires, which are no longer suitable for their original purpose but retain value for recycling, energy recovery, or potential re-export for retreading in other markets. International trade in used tires is a complex global issue, driven by environmental regulations, raw material costs, and demand for secondary uses. Importers are often recycling plants, cement kilns (for use as tire-derived fuel), or companies involved in manufacturing tire-derived products like playground surfaces or asphalt additives. Exporters are typically waste management companies, tire retailers, or collection centers. Key aspects include the condition of the used tires (e.g., whole, shredded), environmental compliance for transport and disposal, and the fluctuating market for recycled rubber and tire-derived fuel. This trade is under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns.

What products fall under HS code 401220?

Scrap tires, end-of-life tires (ELT), shredded tires, tire chips, whole used tires, tire bales

What are common misclassifications for HS code 401220?

Can be confused with retreadable casings (which might fall under other codes if specifically for retreading) or with new/retreaded tires if their "used" status is not accurately declared, leading to significant regulatory issues.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 401220?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 401220 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($109M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($55M) and Spain ($44M). World exports came to about $516M, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 401220?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 401220 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($109M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($41M) and France ($37M). World imports came to about $561M, 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.

How is HS code 401220 structured?

HS code 401220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 401220?

In Brazil, HS code 401220 is NCM 4012.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.