How to Import Rubber from India to the US
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.
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.
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 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 |
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 India.
Run Compliance Check →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.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Rubber from India
20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
FAQs — Importing Rubber from India
Free Tools for Rubber Importers
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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.