Effective Duty Rate
0% KORUS FTA for qualifying rubber products
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
NHTSA, DOT, EPA, CPSC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Rubber Products, Tires & Rubber Articles from South Korea
Rubber imported from South Korea to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — South Korea Origin
KORUS FTA provides preferential access for Korean rubber products. Hankook and Kumho are major tire exporters to the US. Korean industrial rubber products also benefit from FTA rates.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Rubber Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to rubber imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 4011 |
New Pneumatic Tires (rubber) for Motor Vehicles |
3.4%–4% MFN |
| 4002 |
Synthetic Rubber in Primary Forms (SBR, NBR, EPDM) |
0% MFN (most synthetic rubbers) |
| 4010 |
Conveyor or Transmission Belts of Rubber |
1.4%–8% MFN |
| 4016 |
Other Articles of Vulcanized Rubber (gaskets, seals, hoses) |
2.5%–4.2% MFN |
| 4015 |
Articles of Apparel & Clothing Accessories of Rubber |
0%–4% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — SOUTH KOREA ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for South Korea-Origin Rubber
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All South Korea-origin goods (baseline) |
| KORUS Preferential Rate |
Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods) |
Goods meeting KORUS rules of origin |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
South Korea-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 TRQ |
0% within quota; 25%/10% above |
Steel/aluminum within agreed quota volumes |
COMPLIANCE — NHTSA / DOT / EPA / CPSC
US Compliance Requirements for Rubber Imports
Regardless of origin country, rubber imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- NHTSA FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) — mandatory for all pneumatic tires sold in the US; FMVSS No. 139 (passenger), No. 119 (commercial)
- DOT tire marking requirements — all tires must bear DOT serial number, manufacturer identification, tire size, and tread wear/traction/temperature ratings
- EPA restrictions on rubber products containing restricted substances; TSCA compliance for synthetic rubber chemical formulations
- CPSC safety requirements for consumer rubber products (toy balloons, rubber playground surfaces, baby products containing rubber)
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your rubber import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs South Korea.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Rubber from South Korea
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs South Korea. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with product description and rubber type/compound
4
NHTSA/DOT Compliance Declaration (for tires and safety-critical rubber parts)
5
Country of Origin Declaration
6
TSCA Import Certification (for synthetic rubber chemicals)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Rubber from South Korea
20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Rubber from South Korea
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing rubber from South Korea?
The effective US tariff rate for rubber from South Korea is: 0% KORUS FTA for qualifying rubber products. KORUS FTA provides preferential access for Korean rubber products. Hankook and Kumho are major tire exporters to the US. Korean industrial rubber products also benefit from FTA rates.
What compliance agencies regulate rubber imports from South Korea?
Rubber imports require compliance with: NHTSA, DOT, EPA, CPSC. Specific requirements include: NHTSA FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) — mandatory for all pneumatic tires sold in the US; FMVSS No. 139 (passenger), No. 119 (commercial) and DOT tire marking requirements — all tires must bear DOT serial number, manufacturer identification, tire size, and tread wear/traction/temperature ratings.
What documents are required to import rubber from South Korea?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with product description and rubber type/compound; Packing List; Bill of Lading; NHTSA/DOT Compliance Declaration (for tires and safety-critical rubber parts). Additional: Country of Origin Declaration; TSCA Import Certification (for synthetic rubber chemicals). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs South Korea.
How long does customs clearance take for rubber from South Korea?
Typical timeline: 20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 7–14 days (truck from Mexico/Canada). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on rubber from South Korea?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to South Korea-origin goods. Section 232 applies with a TRQ arrangement — steel within quota enters at reduced/zero Section 232; above quota faces 25%.
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RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Rubber From Other Countries?
Other Products from South Korea?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-06 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.