Product classification
HS code for Retreaded car tires: 4012.11
Retreaded tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars).
Classification of retreaded car tires under HS 4012.11
Retreaded car tires are classified under HS code 4012.11. This classification is determined by the specific application of the tire and its manufacturing status. Under Chapter 40 of the Harmonized System, which covers rubber and articles thereof, heading 4012 is dedicated to retreaded or used pneumatic tires. Subheading 4012.11 specifically identifies retreaded tires of a kind used on motor cars, including station wagons and racing cars. The classification process follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the product is first identified as a retreaded tire (as opposed to new or simply used) and then categorized by the vehicle type it is designed for. Retreading involves taking a used tire casing, inspecting it for structural integrity, and applying a new layer of tread rubber through a vulcanization process. Because these tires are specifically engineered for the dimensions, speed ratings, and load requirements of passenger vehicles, they are isolated from truck or aircraft tires within the tariff schedule. This specificity helps customs authorities track the trade of refurbished automotive components and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Retreaded tires for passenger sedans
- Retreaded tires for station wagons
- Retreaded tires for racing cars
- Retreaded tires for sport utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Also under 4012.11
- Bandag (retreaded car tires)
- Marangoni (car retreads)
- Recamic (car retreads)
- local retreading services
Codes often confused with 4012.11
Common mistake. Retreaded car tires are often misclassified under HS code 4011.10, which is the code for new pneumatic tires for motor cars. This error usually occurs when the refurbished nature of the product is overlooked. Another common mistake is using HS code 4012.12, which is specifically for retreaded tires used on buses or lorries (trucks). While some SUV tires may appear similar to light truck tires, the intended vehicle type defined in the manufacturer's specifications dictates the choice between 4012.11 and 4012.12. Finally, 4012.19 is sometimes used incorrectly as a catch-all, but it is only applicable if the tire is not for a car, truck, or aircraft.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401211 (the code used for retreaded car tires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401211 (the code used for retreaded car tires) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 17% 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 401211, not only retreaded car tires.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $6.8M 18% of world exports
- 2 Romania $4.7M 12% of world exports
- 3 Spain $4.4M 12% of world exports
World total: $37M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $6.8M 17% of world imports
- 2 Austria $5.8M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $3.4M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $40M 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 car tires
Brazil classifies retreaded car tires under NCM 4012.11.00: HS 4012.11 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 car tires
What is the HS code for Retreaded car tires?
The HS code for Retreaded car tires is 401211 (Retreaded tyres; of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)). The HS code for retreaded tires used on motor cars, station wagons, and racing cars is 4012.11.
How do I classify Retreaded car tires for customs?
Retreaded car tires is classified under HS code 401211 — Retreaded tyres; of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the retreaded tire is for a racing car?
No, HS code 4012.11 specifically includes tires for racing cars along with standard motor cars and station wagons.
Which countries are the top exporters of retreaded car tires (HS 401211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401211 (the code used for retreaded car tires) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.8M, 18% of world exports), Romania ($4.7M) and Spain ($4.4M). World exports came to about $37M, 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 car tires (HS 401211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401211 (the code used for retreaded car tires) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($6.8M, 17% of world imports), Austria ($5.8M) and France ($3.4M). World imports came to about $40M, 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 car tires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401211 for Retreaded car 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 car tires in Brazil?
In Brazil, retreaded car tires (HS 401211) is classified under NCM 4012.11.00.