Effective Duty Rate
3.4%–4% MFN; no additional surcharges
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
NHTSA, DOT, EPA, CPSC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Rubber Products, Tires & Rubber Articles from Taiwan
Importing rubber from Taiwan into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 3.4%–4% MFN; no additional surcharges. 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.
Rubber imported from Taiwan 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 — Taiwan Origin
Taiwan exports specialty tires (Maxxis/Cheng Shin) and industrial rubber components. Standard MFN rates apply. No Section 301 or other surcharges. Maxxis is a well-known brand in the US bicycle and motorcycle tire market.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Rubber from Taiwan
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.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
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.
DUTY STACK — TAIWAN ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Taiwan-Origin Rubber
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Taiwan-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Taiwan-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from Taiwan |
COMPLIANCE — NHTSA / DOT / EPA / CPSC
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 Taiwan.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Rubber from Taiwan
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Taiwan. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with product description and rubber type/compound
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)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Rubber from Taiwan
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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Rubber from Taiwan
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing rubber from Taiwan?
The effective US tariff rate for rubber from Taiwan is: 3.4%–4% MFN; no additional surcharges. Taiwan exports specialty tires (Maxxis/Cheng Shin) and industrial rubber components. Standard MFN rates apply. No Section 301 or other surcharges. Maxxis is a well-known brand in the US bicycle and motorcycle tire market.
What compliance agencies regulate rubber imports from Taiwan?
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 Taiwan?
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 Taiwan.
How long does customs clearance take for rubber from Taiwan?
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 Taiwan?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to Taiwan-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from Taiwan.
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.
Does Taiwan have a free trade agreement with the United States?
No. Taiwan and the US do not have a formal FTA. The US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade (launched 2022) covers trade facilitation, digital trade, and labor standards but does not provide tariff preferences. Taiwanese goods pay standard MFN rates. Despite no FTA, Taiwan is a top-10 US trading partner — ITA zero rates cover most semiconductor and electronics trade, offsetting the absence of FTA access.
Are Taiwanese semiconductors and electronics subject to any additional US tariffs?
Taiwan is not subject to Section 301 tariffs. Section 232 applies to Taiwanese steel and aluminum. Semiconductors and most electronics from Taiwan benefit from ITA zero rates. The US CHIPS Act incentivizes US domestic semiconductor manufacturing but does not create tariff restrictions on Taiwanese imports — the strategic US-Taiwan trade relationship remains strong and tariff conditions stable as of 2026.
What compliance documentation is required to import semiconductors from Taiwan?
TSMC and other Taiwan-origin semiconductors require: correct Schedule B/HTS classification (HTS 8542.31–8542.39 for ICs), EAR classification for advanced chips with potential dual-use applications, FCC Part 15 compliance for finished electronic devices, and end-use/end-user certifications for advanced AI chips or high-bandwidth memory subject to export control. Maintain full technical specifications for CBP classification review.
TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
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.