The 6 Steps You Need to Take to Import Tires Into the U.S.

When a business looks to import tires into the U.S. they must be aware of a number of factors. From regulations to determining duties and submitting proper documentation, there are several steps involved in importing tires into the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Most tires intended for on-road use are classified under chapters 4011 and 4012 of the harmonized schedule.
• Tires must be marked with information such as load rating and maximum PSI to conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
• Rates of duty for tires usually range from 3.7% to 4%.
• Top suppliers of tires to the United States include Mexico, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Our guide below outlines six simple steps you can take to successfully import tires into the U.S.

1. Determine Whether You or Your Supplier Will be the Importer of Record

The Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible for all tasks associated with custom clearance in the United States, including making sure that the imported goods comply with all relevant laws. The Importer of Record could be the shipper, receiver, or a third party. 

This means that the U.S.-based importer is most often responsible, but in some cases, the foreign supplier is instead. 

Many inexperienced importers assume that the foreign supplier handles every aspect of the importing. As a result, they’re taken by surprise upon discovering they have to handle every task. 

One way to determine if you or your supplier will be the IOR is to verify the Incoterms® of the shipment. Incoterms, short for international commerce terms, outline who is responsible for tasks and responsibilities related to shipping and clearing customs.

Related: What Are Incoterms?

2. Confirm Your Imported Tires Comply With NHTSA Requirements

Ensuring your imported tires comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements is essential. Tires found to be non-compliant at the time of the import will lead to additional inspections, delays in clearance, and possible seizure of goods. 

Tires comply with various standards, depending on the vehicle the tire is for. For example, brand-new tires intended for use on four-wheeled passenger vehicles have different requirements than tires designed for motorcycles. 

Also, the tires must display markings containing important operating information, such as:

• The Department of Transportation (DOT) symbol, which signifies that the marked tire meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Maximum tire inflation pressure
• Maximum load rating
• Width, section height, and rim diameter
• The number of sidewall plies and plies in the tread

While the NHTSA does not license or register tire manufacturers, they do randomly test tires on the market to ensure they’re marked with the correct DOT codes and meet NHTSA standards. 

3. Verify the HTSUS Code of Your Tires

Every product imported into the U.S. is required to be labeled with the correct ten-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) code. This code is derived from the Harmonized Schedule (HS) number, which serves as an internationally-used method of identifying products for trade. 

The resulting HTSUS code is used to determine how much duty you’ll owe when your shipment arrives.

In the table below, I’ve listed HS codes for some of the most commonly imported types of tires, as well as associated general rates of duty.

It is crucial to have the correct classification when you are importing tires. Shipments using incorrect HTS codes may attract unwanted scrutiny at the border from CBP, resulting in additional inspections at the importer’s cost.

4. Find Out if Your Tires Are Subject to Antidumping and/or Countervailing Duties

Dumping happens when a foreign exporter or producer sells a product in the United States below fair market value.  For instance, in 2021, investigations were opened by the U.S. Commerce Department into tires imported from certain countries to determine if they were being sold at less-than-fair value. 

This investigation lead to AD/CVD orders on tires produced in Vietnam and Malaysia. Similar orders exist for many light truck and passenger tires made in China, and a final determination will be made in September 2024 regarding certain tires made in Thailand. 

AD/CVD orders can tack on up to an additional 500% of the value stated on the commercial invoice. With that being said, even with this additional expense, it may still be lucrative to import.

Importing products that are subject to AD/CVD duties means paying extra fees at the port or border, but it’s not impossible or illegal. In fact, the previously mentioned countries are among the top suppliers of passenger car and truck tires to the U.S.

If they can still be sold for profit, they are still worth importing.

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5. Arrange For Transportation and Warehousing

Once you’ve selected a supplier, you’ll need to arrange for transportation and warehousing details to ensure there are no delays in the process. Your supplier might include these arrangements in their price, but it’s not guaranteed for every transaction.

Sometimes, you’ll need to use more than one mode of transport. These modes are broken down into the following four categories.

• Over the road
• Air/Cargo Jet 
• Cargo trains/rail
• Ocean container

Importers of almost any commodity traveling via ocean freight should stay up-to-date with the Red Sea Crisis and congestion at the Port of Singapore, which serves as a vital transshipment hub for international trade.  

Warehousing

Finding the right warehousing supplier plays an important role in the long-term quality of your tires. Choosing a warehouse with the appropriate racking and a cool, dry environment is crucial for ensuring longevity in rubber products. 

Tires require a particular storage setup. They need to be stored free of compression and tension, ideally at a room temperature between 59ºF and 77ºF. The storage area should not allow the tires to come into direct contact with volatile substances, such as lubricants and fuels. 

6. Secure a Customs Bond and Compile the Required Paperwork

A customs bond is required for any imported shipment valued over $2,500. They are also required when importing goods subject to other federal agencies’ requirements. 

In addition to the customs bond, there are other documents that you will need to fill out and submit to clear customs. These include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of Lading (BoL)
• Arrival notice

Proper documentation can be one of the most confusing and frustrating aspects of customs clearance for inexperienced importers. This is why many businesses choose to have a licensed customs broker handle the paperwork. Doing so can free importers up to focus on growing their business without the attendant stress of filling out complex documents. 

Related: What Documents Do I need to Import and Export?

Importing Tires With USA Customs Clearance

As you can see, the steps required to import tires into the U.S. can be overwhelming! The most obvious way to handle the complications of this task is to partner with experts in clearing U.S. customs. That’s where we come in.

At USA Customs Clearance, our CBP-licensed team members and can help you with every stage, from securing your customs bond to arranging transportation, as well as conducting the appropriate research into duties, warehousing options, and regulations.

Our other services include:

• Import consulting services
• Secure customs clearance
• Success bundles for new importers
• And more

Don’t let the process of importing tires leave you feeling flat. Give us a call at (855) 912-0406 or submit a contact form online. We’ll help you pave the road to success.