Used tires can harbor standing water in their cavities, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus. This biosecurity risk has led the EPA, USDA APHIS, and many state agencies to impose permit requirements, treatment mandates (such as puncturing or shredding), or outright import bans on used tires. Importers should confirm applicable federal and state-level requirements before contracting for used tire shipments.

Yes. Used tires that have not undergone retreading are classified separately from retreaded tires. The key distinction is whether a new tread has been bonded to the casing: if so, the article is a retreaded tire; if the original tread remains (worn or otherwise), it is a used tire. Misclassifying retreaded tires as used — or vice versa — can result in incorrect duty assessment and potential trade-remedy liability.