Sourcing earthmover tyre inner tubes from China

Duty and classification

Heading 4013 covers rubber inner tubes. Earthmover tyre inner tubes fall within the other inner tubes line, 4013 90 00 00. Only this line is relevant to the product covered here. For wider inner-tube coverage, see our tractor inner-tube guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant line carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Give your broker the intended machine use, tyre size range, rubber description and valve drawing to confirm the commodity code. Describe the goods as inner tubes on the invoice rather than simply as tyres.

Specify the tyre, rim and valve together

Specify the machine application, tyre size and construction, rim profile and valve-hole position. Agree the tube's approved size range, rubber compound, wall thickness and tolerances, joint construction, valve stem shape, bend, length and attachment. Ask whether rim flaps are included, and approve a sample against the actual tyre and rim.

For workplace supply, HSE guidance includes providing safe-use information and its subsequent revisions, together with testing or examination necessary for compliance. Request fitting instructions, application limitations and batch test records. UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or condition substances placed on the market or used; ask for compound information and evidence addressing applicable restrictions.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Mixed-size earthmover tyre inner tubes for a plant tyre stockist (illustrative order) under 4013 90 00 00, invoiced at £5,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,000, so it is £1,400. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit and identification: compare tube markings, declared size range, valve drawing and batch identity with the approved sample and purchase specification.

Rubber and joints: inspect for cuts, embedded particles, cracks, thin patches and irregular joints; compare measured wall thickness and joint test results with the agreed specification.

Valve and air retention: check stem alignment, valve core sealing and the valve-to-rubber bond. Compare leak and air-retention results with the agreed test method and acceptance criteria.

Packing and arrival: check for trapped valves, sharp folds, abrasion and damaged cartons. HSE advises that tyre removal, replacement and inflation should only be undertaken by competent staff; use them for fitting trials.

What goes wrong

A tube can match the nominal tyre size yet have a valve that fouls the rim or sits under strain. An unsuitable size range can leave folds or overstretch the rubber. Weak joints, porous rubber and poor valve bonding can cause air loss after fitting.

Keep an approved sample and agree how substitutions are authorised. Separate suspect batches on arrival and record whether leaks originate at the core, valve bond, joint or tube body before discussing corrective action. Use our quality inspection guide to organise the checks.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.