USTRANSCOM issues guidance on the import of tires into the U.S.
Tires designed for use on passenger cars manufactured on or after Oct. 1,1972, must conform to the requirements of the Department of Transportation to be imported into the United States. This requirement was recently updated in Congressional Federal Register 1999.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 109, 117, 119 require size, content care, and certification information be molded into pneumatic tires and retreads.
Foreign made tires may meet the requirements of European and Japanese industrial standards but must have a DOT symbol mark on the sidewall to indicate meeting U.S. standards.
Tires, whether new or used, without the DOT symbol may not be imported into the United States.
The standard specifies performance requirements (strength, endurance, high speed, and resistance to heat), marking requirements (tread wear indicators and labeling information), and tire and rim matching information requirements that must be satisfied by each tire sold in the United States.
While U.S. Customs has not denied entry to privately owned vehicles without the DOT symbol, enforcement may begin at any time.
AAFES has stated it will replace non-DOT standard tires purchased in its overseas stores with DOT stamped tires. The only cost to the customer being pro-rated based on the wear of the non-standard tire.
Service members are advised to research tire purchases to ensure they comply with custom regulations. In addition, service members are advised to insure vehicles purchased overseas for return to the United States comply with this tire requirement.
USTRANSCOM's point of contact is Army Lt. Col. Bob Boyko, Customs Branch, TCJ4-LTC, DSN 779-1985, or commercial (618) 229-1985, email: robert.boyko@hq.transcom.mil.
Follow Us On:
