Product classification
HS code for Specialty tires: 4012.90
Rubber, tyres n.e.c. in heading no. 4012.
Classification of specialty tires under HS 4012.90
Specialty tires are classified under HS code 4012.90, a subheading that covers rubber tires not elsewhere specified, including solid or cushion tires, interchangeable tire treads, and tire flaps. Unlike standard pneumatic tires found under heading 4011, specialty tires in 4012.90 are often non-pneumatic or represent components of a tire system. Solid tires are critical for industrial machinery like forklifts, where the risk of punctures is high and air-cushioning is not required. Tire flaps, also included here, are protective rubber strips used in tube-type tires to prevent the tube from being damaged by the rim. The classification logic follows the physical structure of the tire; if it is not designed to be inflated with compressed air, or if it is a specific accessory like a flap or tread, it falls into this residual category of heading 4012.
- Covers
- Solid rubber tires for forklifts
- Cushion tires for industrial equipment
- Rubber tire flaps
- Interchangeable tire treads
- Non-pneumatic agricultural tires
- Solid tires for airport ground support
- 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. Specialty tires are most commonly misclassified under 4011.90 (other new pneumatic tires). The key difference is whether the tire is pneumatic (air-filled) or solid. Additionally, retreaded tires are often confused with this code but should be classified under 4012.11 through 4012.19 depending on the vehicle type.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401290 (the code used for specialty tires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401290 (the code used for specialty 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 specialty 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 specialty 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 specialty tires
What is the HS code for Specialty tires?
The HS code for Specialty tires is 401290 (Rubber; tyres n.e.c. in heading no. 4012). Solid tires and tire accessories like flaps are classified under HS code 4012.90.
How do I classify Specialty tires for customs?
Specialty tires is classified under HS code 401290 — Rubber; tyres n.e.c. in heading no. 4012. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are forklift tires always 4012.90?
Only if they are solid or cushion tires. If the forklift uses standard air-filled pneumatic tires, they are classified under heading 4011.
Which countries are the top exporters of specialty tires (HS 401290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401290 (the code used for specialty 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 specialty tires (HS 401290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401290 (the code used for specialty 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 Specialty tires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401290 for Specialty 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 specialty tires in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 401290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for specialty tires depends on the product's details: 4012.90.10 (Rubber tyre flaps), 4012.90.90 (Solid or cushion tyres and tyre treads).