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HS Code for Car Tyres in India: Radial vs Bias, Import Licence and BIS
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
Usual HS code for car tyres (import)
4011 10
New pneumatic rubber tyres for motor cars. Radial and non-radial take different last two digits.
Car tyres are one of the few everyday products where the HS code is the easy part. The hard part is that India restricts tyre imports, so getting the code right only matters if you also have the permission to bring them in.
Here's what I'd check before anyone places an order.
The usual HS code: 4011 10
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 40 | Rubber and articles thereof |
| Heading | 4011 | New pneumatic tyres, of rubber |
| Subheading | 4011 10 | Of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars) |
| Tariff item | 4011 10 10 / 4011 10 90 | Radial / other |
Almost all modern car tyres are radial, so 4011 10 10 is the line most importers use. Bias-ply car tyres go under 4011 10 90. The sidewall marking tells you: an "R" in the size (205/55 R16) means radial.
Why not 4012 or 4011 20?
Three mix-ups I see:
- Retreaded and used tyres go under heading 4012, not 4011. Used tyres are also tightly controlled under waste rules, so treat them as a separate project altogether.
- Light truck and van tyres (LT sizes, or "C" commercial sizes) often belong under 4011 20 (buses and lorries) rather than 4011 10. Check the load rating and intended vehicle.
- SUV tyres are usually still car tyres under 4011 10 if they're passenger car sizes.
Motorcycle tyres (4011 40) and bicycle tyres (4011 50) have their own lines too.
Not sure which line your car tyres falls under?
Describe it or snap a photo. EximSetu asks the 2–4 questions that change the code, then gives the 8-digit HS code with reasoning, the duty in rupees and the compliance checklist.
Check my car tyres →What decides the final code
- Construction: radial (4011 10 10) or bias/other (4011 10 90).
- Vehicle type: car (4011 10), bus and truck (4011 20), motorcycle (4011 40), bicycle (4011 50).
- New or used: new tyres are 4011; retreaded or used tyres are 4012.
- Tyre with rim: a tyre fitted on a wheel is usually classified as a wheel under 8708 70, not as a tyre.
How import duty is worked out
Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Tyres have also seen anti-dumping duties on some types and origins in the past. Rates change by notification, so check the current position for your tariff item and origin.
Once you have your licence sorted, run your tyre through a lookup or the free landed cost calculator to see the full cost per piece.
Compliance checklist for car tyres
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| DGFT import licence | 🔴 Mandatory | New pneumatic tyres for cars (4011 10) were moved to "Restricted" import policy in June 2020. You need an import authorisation from DGFT before shipping. |
| BIS certification (IS 15633) | 🔴 Mandatory | Passenger car tyres must carry the ISI mark under a BIS licence held by the manufacturer for that plant. |
| EPR for waste tyres | 🔴 Mandatory | Importers of new tyres count as producers under the waste tyre EPR rules and must register with CPCB. |
| Legal Metrology | 🟠 Check | Applies to pre-packaged retail sales. Check labelling with your consultant. |
| Anti-dumping duty | 🟠 Check | Depends on tyre type and origin. Check current notifications. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- Shipping before the DGFT licence is in hand. Restricted goods without authorisation can be held or confiscated.
- Assuming the factory's BIS licence covers every size. Check each size and plant.
- Calling LT tyres car tyres to keep them under 4011 10.
- Importing part-worn tyres as "new".
My advice
With car tyres, start with the licence, not the code. If the DGFT authorisation and BIS licence aren't sorted, nothing else matters. Once they are, keep a size-wise list with tariff items and BIS details for your CHA so every container clears the same way.
Get the exact code and duty for your car tyres
Every variant is different. Answer 2–4 questions and get the 8-digit code with reasoning, duty in rupees and the compliance checklist in minutes.
Check my car tyres free →Written by
16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the HS code for car tyres in India?
New rubber tyres for motor cars fall under 4011 10: 4011 10 10 for radial tyres and 4011 10 90 for other (bias) tyres.
▸Is tyre import restricted in India?
Yes. Since June 2020, new pneumatic tyres for cars and several other vehicles are under Restricted import policy and need a DGFT import authorisation.
▸Do imported car tyres need BIS certification?
Yes. Passenger car tyres must conform to IS 15633 and carry the ISI mark under a BIS licence held by the manufacturer.
▸What is the HS code for used or retreaded tyres?
Retreaded and used tyres fall under heading 4012, not 4011. Used tyres also face strict import controls under waste rules.
Related HS codes
🧭 Full guide: How to Find the Correct HS Code for Your Product in India →This page is general information, not legal advice. The usual code can change with the exact product, and rates and rules change by notification. Always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.