HS Code 40.13 – Inner tubes, of rubber

HS code 4013 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Inner tubes, of rubber. Heading 4013 exclusively covers inner tubes made of rubber, designed to be inserted into pneumatic tyres to hold air pressure. This classification is vital for distinguishing these essential components from complete tyres (4011, 4012) and other rubber articles (4016). Inner tubes are primarily used in vehicles and equipment that utilize tube-type pneumatic tyres, including bicycles, motorcycles, certain cars, trucks, agricultural machinery, and aircraft. While tubeless tyre technology has become prevalent in many automotive applications, inner tubes remain indispensable for specific vehicle types, heavy-duty applications, and in regions where puncture repairs are common. The scope is narrow, focusing solely on the rubber inner tube itself, irrespective of the valve material, which is often a fitting. Proper classification under 4013 ensures accurate tariff assessment, compliance with safety standards, and tracking of trade in these critical replacement parts. Its relation to Chapter 40 underscores its material composition as rubber, and its specific delineation from complete tyres highlights its role as a distinct component in the pneumatic tyre system. This heading is a testament to the granular detail required for precise customs classification in the global supply chain.

Bicycle inner tubes, motorcycle inner tubes, car inner tubes, truck inner tubes, bus inner tubes, agricultural vehicle inner tubes, ATV inner tubes, aircraft inner tubes, industrial vehicle inner tubes, wheelbarrow inner tubes, tractor inner tubes, scooter inner tubes, heavy-duty inner tubes, butyl rubber inner tubes, natural rubber inner tubes, puncture-resistant inner tubes, inner tubes for trailers, inner tubes for golf carts, inner tubes for lawn mowers, inner tubes for utility vehicles, high-pressure inner tubes, low-pressure inner tubes, inner tubes with straight valves, inner tubes with angled valves, extra-thick inner tubes

A common misclassification involves confusing inner tubes (4013) with complete pneumatic tyres (4011 or 4012). While inner tubes are components of pneumatic tyres, they are distinct articles. Traders might mistakenly classify an inner tube as a 'tyre part' without realizing it has its own specific heading. Another error is classifying inner tubes as general rubber articles (4016) or even as rubber accessories if their primary function isn't recognized. It's crucial to remember that 4013 specifically covers 'inner tubes, of rubber,' clearly separating them from other rubber items or complete tyre assemblies. Tyre valves, often attached to inner tubes, might also be confused, but are typically classified elsewhere.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 4013 in UN Comtrade data were China ($691M, 54% of world exports), India ($93M) and South Korea ($79M). World exports came to about $1.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.7% of its exports here ($5.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 4013 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($82M, 7.4% of world imports), Brazil ($73M) and the Netherlands ($50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 4013 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (40) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.