How to export tyres from the UK to China

Choose the import route for your tyres

Tyres include new, retreaded and used pneumatic tyres, solid tyres, treads, flaps and inner tubes across these HS headings. Some car, commercial-vehicle and motorcycle tyres fall within the CCC reference table and need certification before import. Tyres are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Have the importer’s customs broker confirm the route for the exact product, particularly before offering used or retreaded stock.

The largest UK export line was under HS 401110, UK commodity code 40111000, new pneumatic tyres for motor cars, at £7.5m.

Under HS 4011-4013 (16 subheadings): HMRC recorded £7.8m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 16 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £8.7m, -10.9%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £155k. January to July 2026: £4.0m against £4.4m in the same months of 2025 (-8.2%).

Resolve CCC certification before shipment

The CCC reference table identifies car and commercial-vehicle tyres against 4011100000, 4011200090 and 4011909090, and motorcycle tyres against 4011400000 and 4011909090, using third-party certification. Match the tyre’s actual use to the catalogue entry rather than treating its commodity code alone as the answer. Where certification approval is required, allow months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides the outcome. Resolve the applicable certificate with the certification provider before committing stock.

Price against the Chinese tariff line

The 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff distinguishes vehicle use, tyre condition and inner tubes. Use the Chinese tariff line for the buyer’s costing rather than copying the UK export code. Aircraft retreads under 40121300 have a 20% MFN rate and a 4% provisional rate for 2026; confirm the applicable treatment before quoting.

Import VAT has a standard rate of 13%, subject to the VAT Law’s exceptions. Its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these tyres. Duty and VAT add to landed cost and therefore shape the price the importer can offer your brand.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For shipments from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify each tyre or tube under the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Keep the product description consistent with the specification used for the Chinese classification and CCC assessment.

Find and check a Chinese importer

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your tyre brand, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. Establish which tyre applications the buyer wants and whether its proposed import route accounts for the relevant CCC entry and tariff line.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China and check with those partners. The importer of record and other regulated roles stay with licensed partners in China, and the brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. Use our export-to-China service to arrange importer checks and preparation for the tyres you intend to supply.