The term "Used Tyres" simply refers to those tyres which have been previously used on vehicles and are no longer suitable for their primary use. This might be due to wear or other damage that can't be repaired. Cars, trucks, bikes, heavy machinery, and others are some of the major sources of used tyres. A lot of synthetic/natural rubber and carbon black, along with silicon oxide, are found in used tyres. Therefore, it makes ecological sense to recycle these used tyres, considering their large volume. Not just that, the components present in tyres (zinc, copper, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc) are environmentally problematic. All of these conditions are the reason why used tyres need to be put to use through recycling or for recovering energy and materials. Various things can be made after a used tyre is recycled, such as:
Used tyres come in different types, such as tube and tubeless tyres, which in turn come in radial and bias designs. Recycling these used tyres is a more cost-effective option and also a great, environmentally friendly measure.
Old or used tyres can be brought back to use by returning them to specialist tyre dealers, used tyre dealers, and garages. However, recycling any used tyre is not that easy. In India, any dealer or garage that wants to recycle used tyres will need an Extended Producer Responsibility certificate to do so. You will be shocked to know that the world produces around 1.5 million waste tyres every year. These can then end up in landfill sites, resulting in mixing the atmosphere with methane gases. Tyres can also catch fire. Therefore, used tyres have now become a valuable commodity in the global trade industry. This is because used tyres go through a secondary recycling process (recycled into entirely different materials), unlike glass or metal, and hence is a more lengthy process.
What the future innovations of tire recycling looks like and what it means for the exporters:
While different countries have varying documentation requirements and quality standards for used tyres, there are a few basic ones. As an exporter, you should adhere to these requirements to connect with used tyres buyers quickly:\
Once you know what types of used tyres are high in global demand, you can now add different types of used tyres to your exporting business, along with other related commodities as well. This opens up opportunities in recycling and innovative sectors, such as the medical field. Here is the list of products you can add:
As you step into the export business of used tyres, it is really important to understand the global demand and the countries leading in fulfilling those demands. Some of the crucial ones are as follows:
Global Market Size
Source: Market Research Future
Top Importing Countries for Used Tyres (2024):
Source: Volza
If you’re looking to connect with used tyres importers, here are some of the effective ways to build a strong network and connect with reliable buyers:
1. Use B2B platforms: You can sign up on B2B platforms, such as go4WorldBusiness. This platform will open the doors for you to connect with a lot of verified used tyre buyers, such as used car tyres buyers/old tyres buyers, truck tyre buyers, and others.
2. Attend trade shows: Start being an active participant in various trade shows like Tire Technology Expo, THE TIRE COLOGNE, Automechanika, and others. A lot of international buyers (scrap tyre buyers, old tyre buyers, and others) want to buy used tyres to resell, retread, or recycle.
3. Increase your online presence: Create a professional website for your exporting business and also start being active on LinkedIn. Upload pictures, videos, and post about some recent happenings in your exporting business. Buyers usually tend to search for suppliers online.
4. Make the most out of your local market: Reach out to local tyre shops, retreading units, and recyclers in your local market. If you do not know how to start, you can simply search for “second-hand tyres near me” and a lot of recycling units will come up on the screen.
5. Join Trade Groups: Become a member of trade community channels on Facebook, as a lot of active buyers come in search of used tyre suppliers on these channels.
1. Can we sell used tyres?
Yes, you can sell your used tyres to both your local and international markets.
2. Are second-hand tyres illegal?
No, second-hand tyres are not illegal. You can easily sell them to international markets by finding a reliable buyer on any B2B platforms (such as go4WorldBusiness).
3. How long do tyres last?
A tyre can last up to 3 to 4 years.
4. How is the quality of used tires assessed for export?
The quality of used tyres is assessed on several factors, including tread depth, visual inspection, age, and origin.
5. What are the common export destinations for used tires?
Mexico, the US, and Kenya are some of the common destinations for exporting used tires.
6. How can I find reliable buyers for used tires?
There are multiple platforms where you will be able to connect with a lot of reliable used tyre buyers, those are:
7. What types of used tyres are commonly exported?
Whole used, shredded tyres, and tyres derived from rubber crumb or mulch are some of the most exported types of used tyres.
8. Are there countries that prohibit the import of used tyres?
Yes, countries like Brazil prohibit the import of used tyres.
9. What international regulations govern the export of used tyres?
The Basel Convention is the central international law governing the cross-border export of used tyres.
10. What is the used tyre price per kg?
The old tyre price per kg depends on the type and condition of the used tyre. However, the price usually ranges from INR 14 to 19.
11. What is the used tyre HSN code?
401220 is the HSN code for used tyres.
As per the data of the Ministry of Commerce, India's exports of tyres grew 9% year-on-year in 2025. It reached INR 25,051 crore from INR 23,073 crore previously. (Full story: Business Standard)
