Product classification
HS code for Retreaded truck tires: 4012.12
Retreaded tyres, of a kind used on motor buses or lorries.
Classification of retreaded truck tires under HS 4012.12
Retreaded truck tires are classified under HS code 4012.12. This classification is based on the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure where heading 4012 covers retreaded or used pneumatic tires. Subheading 4012.12 is specifically designated for retreaded tires of a kind used on motor buses or lorries (trucks). The classification is determined by the tire's design, size, and load index, which must correspond to vehicles intended for the transport of goods or more than ten persons. Retreading is a significant industry for the trucking sector, as the high-quality casings of commercial truck tires are designed to be retreaded multiple times, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to new tires. The classification process follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the terms of the subheadings. Because the product is a retreaded tire and its application is for buses or lorries, 4012.12 is the legally required code. This distinction is vital for trade statistics and the application of specific duties or environmental fees that may apply to commercial vehicle components.
- Covers
- Retreaded tires for heavy-duty semi-trucks and trailers
- Retreaded tires for city and intercity motor buses
- Retreaded tires for delivery lorries and box trucks
- Retreaded tires for refuse collection vehicles
- Also under 4012.12
- Bandag (Bridgestone)
- Michelin Remix
- Goodyear UniCircle
- Marangoni Ringtread
- Continental ContiLifeCycle
Codes often confused with 4012.12
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 4011.20, which applies to new pneumatic tires for buses or lorries. Importers must distinguish between new and retreaded stock to avoid this error. Another frequent mistake is using 4012.11, which is for car tires. This often happens with light commercial vehicles or vans where the distinction between a 'car' and a 'lorry' can be narrow; however, if the vehicle is primarily for the transport of goods (a lorry), 4012.12 is correct. Finally, 4012.20 is sometimes used, but this code is only for used tires that have not been retreaded.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded truck tires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded truck 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 truck 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 truck tires
Brazil classifies retreaded truck 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 truck tires
What is the HS code for Retreaded truck tires?
The HS code for Retreaded truck tires is 401212 (Retreaded tyres; of a kind used on motor buses or lorries). The HS code for retreaded tires used on motor buses or lorries is 4012.12.
How do I classify Retreaded truck tires for customs?
Retreaded truck 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.
Does this code include tires for delivery vans?
Yes, if the delivery van is classified as a lorry (a vehicle for the transport of goods), its retreaded tires fall under 4012.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of retreaded truck tires (HS 401212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded truck 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 truck tires (HS 401212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401212 (the code used for retreaded truck 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 truck tires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401212 for Retreaded truck 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 truck tires in Brazil?
In Brazil, retreaded truck tires (HS 401212) is classified under NCM 4012.12.00.