Product classification
HS code for Used tires: 4012.20
Rubber, used pneumatic tyres.
Classification of used tires under HS 4012.20
Used tires are classified under HS code 401220. This code falls under Chapter 40, which covers rubber and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 4012 is dedicated to retreaded or used pneumatic tires of rubber. Subheading 401220 is reserved for used pneumatic tires that have not been retreaded but are still in a condition that allows for further use, either as-is or after minor repair. This classification is critical for environmental and safety regulations, as many countries have specific import restrictions on used rubber products. The tires must retain their basic structure and tread to be classified here; if they are completely worn down to the point of being scrap, they move to a different classification. This code is used by importers of second-hand casings for the retreading industry as well as by those selling used tires for budget-conscious consumers.
- Covers
- Used pneumatic tires for passenger cars
- Used truck and bus tires
- Used aircraft tires
- Used motorcycle tires
- Used agricultural and construction vehicle tires
- Also under 4012.20
- Michelin (tire recycling programs)
- Bridgestone (tire recycling programs)
- Liberty Tire Recycling
- Genan
- Ecore International
Codes often confused with 4012.20
Common mistake. Used tires are frequently confused with retreaded tires, which are classified under 401211 through 401219 depending on the vehicle type. Retreaded tires have had a new tread applied, whereas 401220 tires are simply used. Another common misclassification is HS code 400400, which covers waste, parings, and scrap of rubber. If the tires are punctured, cut, or worn to the extent that they are only suitable for rubber recovery or fuel, they must be classified as scrap under 400400 rather than used tires under 401220.
Top exporters and importers of HS 401220 (the code used for used tires), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 401220 (the code used for used tires) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 19% 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 401220, not only used tires.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $109M 21% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $55M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $44M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $516M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $109M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $41M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 France $37M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $561M 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 used tires
Brazil classifies used tires under NCM 4012.20.00: HS 4012.20 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 used tires
What is the HS code for Used tires?
The HS code for Used tires is 401220 (Rubber; used pneumatic tyres). The HS code for used pneumatic tires is 401220.
How do I classify Used tires for customs?
Used tires is classified under HS code 401220 — Rubber; used pneumatic tyres. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are used solid tires included in this code?
No, HS code 401220 is specifically for pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Solid or cushion tires, even if used, are typically classified under 401290.
Which countries are the top exporters of used tires (HS 401220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 401220 (the code used for used tires) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($109M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($55M) and Spain ($44M). World exports came to about $516M, 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 used tires (HS 401220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 401220 (the code used for used tires) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($109M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($41M) and France ($37M). World imports came to about $561M, 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 Used tires the same in all countries?
The base HS code 401220 for Used 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 used tires in Brazil?
In Brazil, used tires (HS 401220) is classified under NCM 4012.20.00.