Sourcing pneumatic forestry tyres from China
New pneumatic forestry tyres from China carry a flat 4% UK duty under 4011 70 00 00, with no listed trade remedy or suspension. HSE advises that tyre removal, replacement and inflation should only be tackled by competent staff. Specify the machine, rim and loaded working conditions before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources pneumatic forestry tyres.
Forestry tyre duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 4011 covers new pneumatic rubber tyres. Tyres of a kind used on agricultural or forestry vehicles and machines fall under 4011 70 00 00. Duty for goods from China is 4%, with no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension listed for this line. The table shows forestry applications sharing that code.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. Ask the Environment Agency to confirm the material's waste status and whether waste shipment controls apply to imports into England. For imports from China into England subject to notification controls, the exporter applies for consent to the competent authority in China. Ask your customs broker to confirm the attached control's requirements and any uncertainty about waste status before dispatch.
Confirm the construction and intended machine with your broker using finding your commodity code. For agricultural applications and the wider heading context, see agricultural tractor tyres.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| New pneumatic tyres for forestry harvesters | 4011 70 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify forestry loads, rim fit and track clearance
Give the factory the machine model, wheel position, tyre size, rim profile, radial or cross-ply construction and tube-type or tubeless requirement. Match the load and speed ratings and inflation guidance to the machine manufacturer's specification, including loaded travel and work on slopes.
Describe exposure to stumps, sharp branches, rocks and soft ground. Agree tread pattern, tread depth, sidewall protection and supporting test reports for the supplied model. If using chains or bogie tracks, provide their specifications and confirm compatibility and clearance with the equipment supplier.
For intended road use, ask a vehicle approval specialist to confirm the applicable approvals and sidewall markings before ordering. Match supporting documents to the exact specification. Agree manufacturing dates and batch identification. HSE advises using competent staff for removal, replacement and inflation, so arrange fitting and air-retention checks with a competent tyre fitter.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 30 pneumatic forestry tyres; illustrative order, FOB value and freight under 4011 70 00 00, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £65,000. Duty at 4% is £2,600. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £67,600, so it is £13,520. Import taxes total £16,120; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,600 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: compare sidewall size, construction, load and speed markings, manufacturing date and batch identification with the order and supporting documents.
Condition: inspect beads, sidewalls and tread joins for cuts, cracks, bulges, distortion, exposed reinforcement and shipping damage.
Dimensions: compare tread depth, section width and bead dimensions with the agreed drawing and sample; check the agreed chain or track clearance.
Fit and air retention: have a competent fitter check rim compatibility, seating and leakage using the agreed procedure. Record results before releasing the batch.
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What goes wrong
A matching size marking can conceal a different carcass, load capability or overall width. A replacement may fit the rim but interfere with bogie tracks or provide unsuitable traction for the working ground. Tie acceptance to the agreed specification and model-specific reports, and investigate substitutions before fitting.
Compressed packing can distort beads, while unloading checks can miss sidewall cuts or older stock. Photograph defects, retain batch identification and hold suspect tyres apart while the supplier investigates. Arrange quality inspection before shipment and repeat condition checks on arrival.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on forestry tyres from China?
New pneumatic forestry tyres under 4011 70 00 00 carry 4% duty in the supplied tariff reading. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension is listed for that line.
Can forestry tyres be used with bogie tracks?
Confirm compatibility with the track supplier for the exact tyre model. Check width, tread profile, loaded dimensions and clearance against the machine and track specifications before ordering.
What should I send a forestry tyre factory?
Send the machine model, wheel position, rim details, tyre size, construction, loaded operating conditions and tube requirement. Include chain or track details and ask for reports covering the offered model.
Why does the tariff show waste controls on new forestry tyres?
The code carries a waste-control flag. Ask the Environment Agency to confirm the material's waste status and whether waste shipment controls apply. Ask your broker to confirm the requirements for your shipment from China.