Sourcing solid wheel loader tyres from China

UK duty on solid wheel loader tyres

Heading 4012 covers retreaded or used pneumatic rubber tyres, solid or cushion tyres, tyre treads and tyre flaps. This guide covers solid rubber wheel loader tyres. The table shows product variants within the same solid or cushion tyre commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, solid or cushion tyres under 4012 90 20 00 carried 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, suspension or import control for this line. Rates elsewhere in the heading should not be applied to these solid tyres.

Give your customs broker photographs, the rubber construction, fitting details and intended loader application to confirm the commodity code. For related industrial solid tyre sourcing within this heading, see the solid skid steer tyre guide.

Specify the loader, rim and working cycle

Send the factory the loader model, rim drawing, existing tyre designation and available clearance. Specify outside diameter, width, fitting diameter, tread pattern, compound and whether cushioning holes are wanted. Ask for load capacity at the intended operating speed and for the tyre's mass. Have the loader manufacturer assess the proposed fit and suitability, especially when replacing pneumatic tyres.

Describe the site surface, sharp debris, travel distance, loaded operation and repeated turning. Ask how the proposed compound and cushioning design suit that work. Agree dimensional and hardness tolerances, fitting instructions and the evidence supporting the load and speed ratings before approving a sample.

Suppliers must supply safe work equipment. Workplace product supply duties include safe-use information and instructions, updates to that information, and testing or examination needed for compliance. Request fitting, use and maintenance information for the actual tyre supplied, alongside its test records.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size stock order of solid rubber wheel loader tyres for a plant tyre dealer under 4012 90 20 00, invoiced at £42,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £45,500. Duty at 2% is £910. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £46,410, so it is £9,282. Import taxes total £10,192; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £910 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: measure outside diameter, width and fitting diameter against the approved drawing; check the rim interface and mounting surfaces for damage.

Rubber: compare hardness with the agreed specification; inspect tread roots, sidewalls and cushioning holes for cracks, voids and separation.

Identity: match moulded size details and batch identification to the order, packing list and load and speed data; check that the fitting instructions match the supplied construction.

Trial: have a tyre fitter mount the approved sample on the buyer's rim; assess clearance, seating, movement on the rim and performance during the intended loaded working cycle. Record findings through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A familiar size designation can hide a different outside diameter or rim interface. The tyre may foul the loader, seat poorly or move on the rim. A compound selected without considering repeated loaded travel can also give unacceptable heat build-up, chunking or cracking. Compare the production batch with the approved sample and investigate defects before fitting further stock.

Replacing a pneumatic tyre with a solid tyre changes mass and cushioning. Buying by size alone leaves those changes unchecked. Obtain the loader manufacturer's assessment and agree an application trial before committing to stock. Keep the tyre specification and approval records with the purchase order.

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.