How to Import Rubber from China to the US
Importing Rubber Products, Tires & Rubber Articles from China
Importing rubber from China into the United States carries very high compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 25% Section 301 + MFN base + AD/CVD on tires = 30%–87%+ effective on tires. This corridor carries both Section 301 and Section 232 surcharges stacked on top of the base MFN rate, making it one of the highest-cost import corridors for US buyers. AD/CVD orders may apply to specific rubber sub-categories — verify against CBP's ADD/CVD portal before importing.
Rubber imported from China to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
Chinese rubber products face 25% Section 301 on List 3. Chinese passenger and light truck tires face separate AD/CVD orders with combined duty rates of 30%–87%+. Chinese off-the-road tires also face AD/CVD orders. The effective total duty on Chinese tires can exceed 100%.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Rubber from China
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Value (CIF) | $50,000.00 | Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) | $0.00 | ITA or preferential rate |
| Section 301 Additional Duty (25%) | $12,500.00 | USTR List 3/4A surcharge |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) | $173.20 | Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) | $62.50 | Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees | $12,735.70 | Effective rate: 25.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $62,735.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to rubber sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
HTS Codes for Rubber Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to rubber imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code | Product Description | MFN Base Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4011 | New Pneumatic Tires (rubber) for Motor Vehicles | 3.4%–4% MFN |
| 4002 | Synthetic Rubber in Primary Forms (SBR, NBR, EPDM) | 0% MFN (most synthetic rubbers) |
| 4010 | Conveyor or Transmission Belts of Rubber | 1.4%–8% MFN |
| 4016 | Other Articles of Vulcanized Rubber (gaskets, seals, hoses) | 2.5%–4.2% MFN |
| 4015 | Articles of Apparel & Clothing Accessories of Rubber | 0%–4% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
Total Tariff Cost for China-Origin Rubber
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All China-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 7.5%–25% additional | Most product categories from China |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% steel / 10% aluminum | Steel and aluminum imports from China |
Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate
Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.
US Compliance Requirements for Rubber Imports
Regardless of origin country, rubber imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- NHTSA FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) — mandatory for all pneumatic tires sold in the US; FMVSS No. 139 (passenger), No. 119 (commercial)
- DOT tire marking requirements — all tires must bear DOT serial number, manufacturer identification, tire size, and tread wear/traction/temperature ratings
- EPA restrictions on rubber products containing restricted substances; TSCA compliance for synthetic rubber chemical formulations
- CPSC safety requirements for consumer rubber products (toy balloons, rubber playground surfaces, baby products containing rubber)
Run an automated compliance check for your rubber import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs China.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Rubber from China
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs China. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Rubber from China
20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
FAQs — Importing Rubber from China
Free Tools for Rubber Importers
Run these tools before your next shipment from China — all free, no account required.
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.