Chinese tire imports face the most layered duty regime in US trade: AD/CVD orders on passenger/light-truck and truck/bus tires, Section 301 tariffs, plus mandatory DOT and EPA compliance. Get any of them wrong and your container sits at the port. We handle the whole stack under DDP.
Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck (PVLT) tires from China carry AD/CVD orders with producer-specific deposit rates. "All-others" rates can exceed 100%.
Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tires from China have separate AD/CVD orders. Different rate structure than PVLT.
Section 301 List 3 / List 4A tariffs apply to most Chinese tire categories β an additional 7.5β25% on top of regular duty and AD/CVD.
Tires require DOT marking, manufacturer ID (TIN code), and proper labeling. Non-compliant tires can be refused entry by CBP.
For typical Chinese PVLT tires, combined duties (AD + CVD + Section 301 + base) can reach 80β150% of cargo value. For TBR tires, similar magnitude. The producer rate makes a massive difference β and using the wrong rate either leaves money on the table or sets you up for liquidation debits.
Pneumatic tires of rubber for passenger cars and light trucks. Major AD/CVD order covers most Chinese-origin PVLT. Brand-specific producer rates apply.
Commercial truck and bus tires. Separate AD/CVD order from PVLT. Producer rates vary significantly. Often higher single-shipment cargo value.
Construction, mining, agricultural, industrial tires. AD/CVD scope varies by tire type and load index. Some sub-categories outside current AD orders.
Trailer tires, ATV/UTV tires, bias-ply tires. Scope coverage varies. Producer-specific rates apply where in scope.
A US tire distributor was considering switching suppliers but hesitant because their last shipment had been examined for 3 weeks by CBP over DOT marking concerns. They came to us before the new supplier's first shipment.
Our pre-shipment work: We verified the supplier's DOT TIN registration was valid, requested sample sidewall photos to confirm marking compliance, cross-checked the supplier's registered Chinese name against DOC's producer rate list (their rate was favorable), and helped the supplier produce a clean commercial invoice with proper HTS and tire specifications.
Result: Container shipped clean, ISF filed accurately, entry filed with producer-specific rate. CBP did a routine exam (common for tire shipments) and released within 2 business days. No further inquiries. The importer has shipped 14 containers with this supplier through us since, no exam delays.
The DOT TIN (Tire Identification Number) is a code on the tire sidewall identifying the manufacturer and plant. The first two characters identify the producing plant β NHTSA assigns this code only to registered plants. Without a valid DOT TIN, the tire is illegal to sell in the US and CBP can refuse entry.
No. DOT TIN is a federal requirement. Importing tires without a TIN exposes you to forfeiture, civil penalties, and product safety liability. We will not ship tires lacking valid DOT TIN.
Producer-specific rates vary widely β some investigated producers have rates around 20β40%, while the "all-others" rate is much higher. Section 301 adds another 7.5β25% on top. Total effective duty depends on cargo value, producer, and current rate publication.
Yes, but each is filed under its own HTS/AD-CVD on the entry. We separate them on the commercial invoice and entry to ensure correct rates apply per category.
Specialty trailer tires (ST tires) have a different scope analysis than passenger and light-truck tires. Some ST tires fall within AD/CVD, others don't. We check current scope rulings at quote time.
Commercial invoice with detailed tire specs, packing list, supplier registration, manufacturer's certificate (showing DOT TIN), DOT marking sample photos, and certificate of origin. We help your supplier prepare these correctly.
Send your supplier, DOT TIN, and tire specs. We'll do a free pre-quote analysis: applicable AD rate, Section 301, total landed cost.