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Real-time tariff data updated daily from USITC & Federal Register — Try the HTS Classifier →
Effective Duty Rate
3.4%–4% MFN for tires; some AD/CVD investigations
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Medium
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
NHTSA, DOT, EPA, CPSC
Primary oversight bodies

Importing Rubber Products, Tires & Rubber Articles from India

Importing rubber from India into the United States carries medium compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 3.4%–4% MFN for tires; some AD/CVD investigations. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant rubber sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry. AD/CVD orders may apply to specific rubber sub-categories — verify against CBP's ADD/CVD portal before importing.

Rubber imported from India 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.

⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — India Origin

India exports tires (Apollo, MRF, CEAT) and industrial rubber products. Standard MFN rates apply. Some AD/CVD investigations on Indian tire products. India is the world's 4th-largest natural rubber producer.

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Estimated Landed Cost: Rubber from India

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 (3.4%) $1,700.00 MFN column, Schedule B
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 $1,935.70 Effective rate: 3.9%
Estimated Landed Cost $51,935.70 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 India-Origin Rubber

Duty Layer Rate / Status Applies To
MFN Base Rate Varies by HTS code All India-origin goods (baseline)
Section 301 Not applicable India-origin goods are not subject to Section 301
Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) 25% steel / 10% aluminum Steel and aluminum imports from India
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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)
Compliance Check Tool

Run an automated compliance check for your rubber import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs India.

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Documentation Checklist for Rubber from India

Prepare all documents before the shipment departs India. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.

1
Commercial Invoice with product description and rubber type/compound
2
Packing List
3
Bill of Lading
4
NHTSA/DOT Compliance Declaration (for tires and safety-critical rubber parts)
5
Country of Origin Declaration
6
TSCA Import Certification (for synthetic rubber chemicals)
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Import Timeline — Rubber from India

20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)

Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required

FAQs — Importing Rubber from India

What is the effective US tariff rate for importing rubber from India?
The effective US tariff rate for rubber from India is: 3.4%–4% MFN for tires; some AD/CVD investigations. India exports tires (Apollo, MRF, CEAT) and industrial rubber products. Standard MFN rates apply. Some AD/CVD investigations on Indian tire products. India is the world's 4th-largest natural rubber producer.
What compliance agencies regulate rubber imports from India?
Rubber imports require compliance with: NHTSA, DOT, EPA, CPSC. Specific requirements include: NHTSA FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) — mandatory for all pneumatic tires sold in the US; FMVSS No. 139 (passenger), No. 119 (commercial) and DOT tire marking requirements — all tires must bear DOT serial number, manufacturer identification, tire size, and tread wear/traction/temperature ratings.
What documents are required to import rubber from India?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with product description and rubber type/compound; Packing List; Bill of Lading; NHTSA/DOT Compliance Declaration (for tires and safety-critical rubber parts). Additional: Country of Origin Declaration; TSCA Import Certification (for synthetic rubber chemicals). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs India.
How long does customs clearance take for rubber from India?
Typical timeline: 20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on rubber from India?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to India-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from India.
What HTS codes and duty rates apply to rubber product imports?
Rubber products are classified under HTS Chapter 40. Natural rubber (4001): 0% MFN. Synthetic rubber compounds (4002): 0%–4.2% MFN. Rubber tires (4011): 3.4%–25% MFN depending on vehicle type — passenger car tires face significant AD/CVD orders from China. Rubber hoses and belts (4009–4010): 2.5%–3.4% MFN. Vulcanized rubber articles (4016): 2.5%–3.4% MFN. China-origin rubber products typically add 25% Section 301 under Lists 3 and 4A. Major AD/CVD orders exist on Chinese passenger vehicle and light truck tires.
Are there active antidumping or countervailing duty orders on rubber tires from China?
Yes. Active AD/CVD orders on Chinese passenger vehicle and light truck tires (Cases A-570-912/C-570-913) impose substantial additional duties — combined rates can exceed 68% for some producers. Section 301 stacks on top. This has largely redirected US tire imports from China to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and India. Run your Chinese tire supplier through CBP's ADD/CVD search tool before importing — producer-specific rates vary widely and using an incorrect rate results in significant back-duty liability at final liquidation.
What CPSC and DOT regulations apply to imported rubber tires and consumer rubber products?
Tires must meet DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS No. 109 (passenger tires) or 119 (light truck tires), including load ratings, speed ratings, and treadwear grades marked on the sidewall. Non-DOT-compliant tires cannot legally be sold or used on US public roads. CPSC governs consumer rubber products — toys and children's products containing rubber must meet applicable CPSC standards and require Children's Product Certificate. Latex rubber products (gloves, balloons) require FDA 510(k) if used as medical devices. Request full US compliance documentation from suppliers before first import.
How did the 2019 GSP suspension affect Indian imports and does GSP still apply?
The US suspended India's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits in June 2019. GSP has not been reinstated as of 2026 — Indian goods that previously entered at 0% under GSP now pay full MFN rates. Key affected sectors include textiles, chemicals, plastics, and light manufacturing. Despite higher duties, India remains competitive due to low production costs and a growing manufacturing base.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on goods imported from India?
India is not subject to Section 301 tariffs (which are China-specific). Section 232 applies to Indian steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) imports unless an exemption or TRQ arrangement is in place. Check the most current Section 232 proclamation annexes for India's current status — arrangements have changed over time and may change again.
What is the trade outlook for US-India tariffs given ongoing negotiations?
The US and India have held bilateral trade discussions under the US-India Trade Policy Forum since 2020. As of 2026, no comprehensive FTA has been concluded. Limited sectoral trade packages have been discussed but not finalized. Importers sourcing from India should monitor negotiations closely — a US-India trade deal could materially reduce duties across key categories including textiles, chemicals, and automotive components.

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View full India tariff profile → Browse all import guides → Calculate landed cost →

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.