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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; no Section 301
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 Vietnam

Importing rubber from Vietnam into the United States carries medium compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 3.4%–4% MFN for tires; no Section 301. 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 Vietnam 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 — Vietnam Origin

Vietnam is a major natural rubber producer and growing tire manufacturer. No Section 301 surcharge. Anti-circumvention scrutiny for Chinese tire manufacturers operating in Vietnam. Bridgestone and Kumho have Vietnamese facilities.

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Estimated Landed Cost: Rubber from Vietnam

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 Vietnam-Origin Rubber

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

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Documentation Checklist for Rubber from Vietnam

Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Vietnam. 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 Vietnam

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 Vietnam

What is the effective US tariff rate for importing rubber from Vietnam?
The effective US tariff rate for rubber from Vietnam is: 3.4%–4% MFN for tires; no Section 301. Vietnam is a major natural rubber producer and growing tire manufacturer. No Section 301 surcharge. Anti-circumvention scrutiny for Chinese tire manufacturers operating in Vietnam. Bridgestone and Kumho have Vietnamese facilities.
What compliance agencies regulate rubber imports from Vietnam?
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 Vietnam?
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 Vietnam.
How long does customs clearance take for rubber from Vietnam?
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 Vietnam?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to Vietnam-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from Vietnam.
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 Vietnam have a free trade agreement with the United States?
No. The US and Vietnam do not have a bilateral FTA as of 2026. TPP, which would have provided preferential access, was withdrawn by the US in 2017. IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) includes Vietnam but does not provide tariff preferences. Vietnamese-origin goods pay standard MFN rates, which are high for textiles (17%–32%) and some manufactured goods.
Why is Vietnam a popular sourcing alternative despite high MFN tariff rates?
Vietnam's manufacturing costs are significantly lower than China's, and Vietnamese-origin goods face no Section 301 tariffs. Even at 17%–30% MFN for textiles, total landed costs from Vietnam are competitive with China's effective rates (often 35%–55% including Section 301). Vietnam is now the #2 apparel and electronics exporter to the US as supply chains diversify away from China.
What anti-circumvention risks should I be aware of when sourcing from Vietnam?
CBP actively investigates circumvention — cases where Chinese goods undergo minor processing in Vietnam to re-export under Vietnamese origin and avoid Section 301 tariffs. CBP requires genuine substantial transformation: a change of character, name, and use that would not be achieved by simple assembly, re-labeling, or minor finishing. Maintain full bills of materials and production records to defend origin claims under CBP scrutiny.

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Other Products from Vietnam?

Explore duty rates and compliance guides for other product categories imported from Vietnam.

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View full Vietnam 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.