Product classification
HS code for Retreaded bus tires: 4012.12
Retreaded tyres, of a kind used on motor buses or lorries.
Classification of retreaded bus tires under HS 4012.12
Retreaded bus tires are classified under HS code 4012.12. Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, with heading 4012 specifically addressing retreaded or used pneumatic tires, solid or cushion tires, tire treads, and tire flaps. Within this heading, the system differentiates between new tires and those that have undergone a retreading process. Subheading 4012.12 is dedicated to retreaded tires designed for use on motor buses or lorries (trucks). This classification is essential for distinguishing recycled or refurbished rubber products from brand-new manufacturing. The technical definition of a bus or lorry tire usually involves specific load indices and dimensions suitable for heavy-duty transport vehicles. Retreading involves replacing the worn-out tread of a used tire with a new tread, extending the life of the tire casing. This process is highly regulated for safety, and the HS code helps track the environmental and economic impact of the retreading industry. Proper classification ensures that safety standards for commercial vehicles are maintained during import and export.
- Covers
- Retreaded pneumatic tires for transit buses
- Recapped tires for heavy-duty lorries
- Remolded tires for commercial transport vehicles
- Retreaded tires for semi-truck trailers
- Cold-process retreaded tires for motor coaches
- Also under 4012.12
- Bandag (Bridgestone)
- Michelin Remix
- Goodyear UniCircle
- Marangoni Ringtread
- Continental ContiLifeCycle
Codes often confused with 4012.12
Common mistake. Retreaded bus tires are often misclassified under HS code 4011.20, which is for NEW pneumatic tires of a kind used on buses or lorries. Another common mistake is using 4012.11, which is specifically for retreaded tires for motor cars (passenger vehicles). If the tires are used but not retreaded, they should be classified under 4012.20. It is crucial to distinguish between the vehicle type and the state of the tire (new vs. retreaded vs. used).
Top exporters and importers of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded bus tires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded bus tires) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 401212, not only retreaded bus tires.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $221M 49% of world exports
- 2 Spain $84M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $39M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $450M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $151M 33% of world imports
- 2 Hungary $28M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $27M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $453M 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 retreaded bus tires
Brazil classifies retreaded bus tires under NCM 4012.12.00: HS 4012.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 retreaded bus tires
What is the HS code for Retreaded bus tires?
The HS code for Retreaded bus tires is 401212 (Retreaded tyres; of a kind used on motor buses or lorries). The specific HS code for retreaded pneumatic tires used on motor buses or lorries is 4012.12.
How do I classify Retreaded bus tires for customs?
Retreaded bus tires is classified under HS code 401212 — Retreaded tyres; of a kind used on motor buses or lorries. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use this code for retreaded aircraft tires?
No, retreaded aircraft tires have their own specific subheading, which is 4012.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of retreaded bus tires (HS 401212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded bus tires) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($221M, 49% of world exports), Spain ($84M) and France ($39M). World exports came to about $450M, 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 retreaded bus tires (HS 401212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded bus tires) in UN Comtrade data were France ($151M, 33% of world imports), Hungary ($28M) and Germany ($27M). World imports came to about $453M, 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.
Is the HS code for Retreaded bus tires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401212 for Retreaded bus tires is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for retreaded bus tires in Brazil?
In Brazil, retreaded bus tires (HS 401212) is classified under NCM 4012.12.00.