We are a Japanese exporter shipping used tires by the container. India restricts used tire imports through its own permit system, distinct from the AP model Malaysia uses but with a similar effect: it is not open to a first-time importer with no track record.
Chennai
Kolkata
India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) lists used tires as “Restricted,” requiring an Import Authorisation before the shipment moves. The conditions are specific: only sizes not manufactured domestically qualify, the import quantity is capped at 40% of your average import volume over the past three years, and you must submit those three years of import records with the application. In effect, the scheme favours an importer who already has a track record over a first-time buyer.
Where waste rules and tire rules diverge
Separately, tires classified as waste fall under India’s Hazardous Waste Rules (Schedule III, category B-3140) and need environment ministry (MoEFCC) clearance, generally only granted to registered end-users such as retreaders. There is a secondary claim, which we could not confirm from a primary source, that tires with the bead cut can enter under HS 4004 (rubber waste) without DGFT authorisation — treat that as unverified rather than a guaranteed workaround.
The ocean route
Mundra is India’s largest container port, handling about a third of national container volume. Chennai and Kolkata are the other two we quote to; Kolkata reportedly sees the most used-tire import filings by count.
We load from thirteen Japanese ports — Ishikari, Tomakomai, Hachinohe, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Kashiwazaki, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Moji. Which one we use depends on where the stock is collected, not on where you are.
We do not publish transit times, because they depend on the carrier and the routing on the day. Ask us when you enquire and we will give you the schedule we are actually being quoted.
What fits in a container
- Passenger car tires (PCR), 12–17 inch — about 3,500 pieces in a 40ft, loaded 2-in-1 or 3-in-1
- Truck and bus tires (TBR), 11R22.5 single size — 288 pieces in a 40ft
- Mixed PCR and light truck — roughly 2,200 PCR plus 500–550 LT pieces
Full size lists and grading are on the category pages: passenger car tires, truck & bus tires, light truck tires and casings for retreading.
Terms and payment
We quote CIF to your discharge port. Marine insurance is included on every shipment. Freight is normally prepaid in Japan; collect at your end can be arranged if that suits your bank better.
Most customers pay by T/T. For a yearly contract we also work with L/C at sight.
FAQ — importing used tires from Japan to India
Do I need a permit to import used tires into India?
Yes. DGFT lists used tires as Restricted, requiring an Import Authorisation before shipment. You need to show three years of prior import records, and the quantity is capped at 40% of your average import volume over that period.
I have no prior import history. Can I still get authorised?
The scheme is built around an existing track record, so a first-time importer faces a real hurdle. Talk to a DGFT-registered customs consultant about your specific situation before ordering.
What about tires classified as waste rather than reusable?
Those fall under the Hazardous Waste Rules (Schedule III, B-3140) and need environment ministry clearance, generally limited to registered end-users like retreaders. That is a separate, stricter track from the ordinary DGFT authorisation.
Which port should I use?
Mundra, Chennai or Kolkata — whichever suits your distribution. We quote CIF to any of the three.
What is the minimum order?
One 40ft container.
Request an offer for India
Send us your discharge port, the sizes you want and the rough quantity. We reply with a CIF price and the loading schedule.
How the buying process works — from the first enquiry through inspection, loading and documents.
