Rubber; used pneumatic tyres

HS code 401220 covers the import and export of used pneumatic tires, a critical component of the global transportation and logistics industry. These recycled tires play a vital role in the circular economy, providing a sustainable source of raw materials for various industries. The trade of used tires is an important economic activity, facilitating the reuse and repurposing of valuable resources.

The production of used pneumatic tires involves the collection, sorting, and processing of discarded tires. Tires are typically collected from various sources, such as automotive repair shops, tire retailers, and municipal waste management facilities. The collected tires are then sorted by size, type, and condition, ensuring that only suitable tires are processed further. The tires are then subjected to various techniques, such as shredding, grinding, or pyrolysis, to extract the valuable materials, such as rubber, steel, and textiles, for reuse in other industries.

The main inputs required for the used pneumatic tire industry include the discarded tires themselves, as well as the machinery and equipment necessary for the collection, sorting, and processing of the tires. This may include specialized vehicles for tire collection, sorting facilities, and processing equipment such as shredders, grinders, and pyrolysis units. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce to manage the various stages of the tire recycling process.

The primary output of the used pneumatic tire industry is the recycled materials extracted from the tires, such as rubber, steel, and textiles. These materials can be used as inputs for a variety of other industries, including 400122 Rubber; natural, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip, 720810 Iron and steel; flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, and 550320 Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning; of polyesters. The recycled materials can be used to manufacture new products, reducing the demand for virgin raw materials and contributing to a more sustainable economy.