Product classification
HS code for Rubber tires: 4012.90
Rubber, tyres n.e.c. in heading no. 4012.
Classification of rubber tires under HS 4012.90
HS code 4012.90 is a residual category within heading 4012, which covers retreaded or used pneumatic tires, solid or cushion tires, tire treads, and tire flaps. While 4012.11 through 4012.20 cover specific types of retreaded and used pneumatic tires for cars, buses, and aircraft, 4012.90 captures \"other\" items. This primarily includes solid rubber tires and cushion tires, which are not filled with air and are commonly used on industrial vehicles like forklifts, heavy-duty trailers, and airport ground support equipment. Additionally, this code includes tire flaps, which are rubber rings placed between the inner tube and the rim to prevent chafing. The classification is determined by the physical construction of the tire (solid vs. pneumatic) and its state (new vs. used/retreaded). Solid tires are preferred in environments where punctures are a high risk, and their classification under 4012.90 distinguishes them from the more common pneumatic tires found in heading 4011.
- Covers
- Solid rubber tires for forklifts and industrial carts
- Cushion tires (semi-pneumatic)
- Rubber tire flaps for tube-type tires
- Interchangeable tire treads
- Solid tires for agricultural machinery
- Non-pneumatic tires for specialized equipment
- Also under 4012.90
- Trelleborg (solid industrial tires)
- Continental (solid tires)
- Carlisle (specialty tires)
- Marathon (flat-free tires)
- Amerityre (non-pneumatic tires)
Codes often confused with 4012.90
Common mistake. A common error is classifying new pneumatic tires under this code. New pneumatic tires must be classified under heading 4011, with specific subheadings based on the vehicle type. Another mistake is placing used pneumatic tires here; those belong in 4012.20. Furthermore, if a solid tire is made of hard rubber (ebonite), it should be classified under 4017.00. Importers must also ensure that tire inner tubes are not placed here, as they have their own heading at 4013.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401290 (the code used for rubber tires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401290 (the code used for rubber tires) in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 401290, not only rubber tires.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sri Lanka $386M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $181M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $112M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $412M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $152M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $84M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 codes for rubber tires
Brazil splits HS 4012.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 4012.90.10Rubber tyre flaps
- 4012.90.90Solid or cushion tyres and tyre treads
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 rubber tires
What is the HS code for Rubber tires?
The HS code for Rubber tires is 401290 (Rubber; tyres n.e.c. in heading no. 4012).
How do I classify Rubber tires for customs?
Rubber tires is classified under HS code 401290 — Rubber; tyres n.e.c. in heading no. 4012. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for solid forklift tires?
Solid rubber tires for forklifts and other industrial vehicles are classified under HS code 4012.90.
Are tire inner tubes included in this code?
No, inner tubes for tires are classified separately under HS heading 4013.
Which countries are the top exporters of rubber tires (HS 401290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401290 (the code used for rubber tires) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($386M, 24% of world exports), China ($181M) and Germany ($112M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 rubber tires (HS 401290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401290 (the code used for rubber tires) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($412M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($152M) and Canada ($84M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Rubber tires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401290 for Rubber 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 rubber tires in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 401290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for rubber tires depends on the product's details: 4012.90.10 (Rubber tyre flaps), 4012.90.90 (Solid or cushion tyres and tyre treads).