Sourcing rubber tyre flaps from China
Rubber tyre flaps from China pay 4% UK duty; the comparison lines shown range from 2% to 4%. Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Specify the rim fit and valve opening before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources rubber tyre flaps.
Duty on rubber tyre flaps
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, rubber tyre flaps under 4012 90 90 00 carry 4% duty for goods from China. This line lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or import control.
Heading 4012 also covers retreaded and used pneumatic tyres, solid or cushion tyres and tyre treads. The other table rows are classification comparisons, not flap variants. The retreaded car tyre line has a waste import control attached; confirm its application to any shipment from China with your customs broker. For notified waste entering England, shipment requires consent from the destination, dispatch and transit authorities.
Give your broker the product drawing, material description and intended use to confirm the code using finding your commodity code. For the other products in this heading, see solid and retreaded tyres.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber tyre flaps | 4012 90 90 00 | 4% | None |
| Comparison: rubber tyre treads | 4012 90 30 00 | 2% | None |
| Comparison: solid or cushion tyres | 4012 90 20 00 | 2% | None |
| Comparison: retreaded motor car tyres | 4012 11 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the rim fit and valve opening
A tyre flap protects the inner tube from contact with the rim in a tube-type wheel assembly. Specify the tyre and rim combination, flap circumference, width, thickness profile and valve opening position and shape. Send a drawing and an approved sample rather than relying on a tyre-size description alone.
Agree the rubber compound, hardness, flexibility and resistance to heat and ageing for the intended application. Ask for test results tied to the proposed compound and retain an approved sample. UK REACH applies to chemical substances in articles as well as substances and mixtures; review the compound information for applicable chemical obligations.
Where flaps are supplied as consumer products in Great Britain, they must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Ask a tyre fitter to trial the sample with the intended rim, tube and valve before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 1,200 rubber tyre flaps under 4012 90 90 00, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £910 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,410. Duty at 4% is £176.40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,586.40, so it is £917.28. Import taxes total £1,093.68; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £176.40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure circumference, width and thickness against the drawing; check that the flap sits evenly without folds or excessive stretch.
Valve opening: check position, shape and edge finish with the intended valve; reject openings that pull sideways or have sharp moulding flash.
Rubber condition: look for cracks, voids, embedded particles and rough edges; compare flexibility and measured hardness with the approved specification.
Batch identity: match size descriptions and batch references to the packing list, retain samples and record results using quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
A flap can match the tyre-size description yet fit the rim badly. Excess width creates folds, insufficient coverage leaves the tube exposed, and a misplaced valve opening strains the valve base. Check the complete assembly rather than accepting a loose sample by appearance.
Compound changes can make flaps stiff or prone to cracking, while rough edges and moulding flash can abrade the tube. Keep the approved drawing and sample with the inspection instructions, and separate suspect batches before fitting or resale.
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 rubber tyre flaps from China?
The supplied tariff reading shows 4% duty under 4012 90 90 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control.
Which commodity code covers rubber tyre flaps?
The supplied tariff lists tyre flaps under 4012 90 90 00. Give your broker the drawing and material description to confirm that your product matches this line.
What should I specify when ordering tyre flaps?
Specify the tyre and rim combination, circumference, width, thickness profile, valve opening and rubber properties. Approve a fitted sample before production.
How do I inspect tyre flaps on arrival?
Check dimensions, valve opening alignment, smooth edges, cracks and compound consistency. Trial samples with the intended rim and tube, and keep batch records.