Russia Flags Carcinogens in Chinese Tyres Raising Safety and Environmental Concerns
Russian authorities have reported elevated levels of carcinogens in Chinese tyres, prompting scrutiny of imported rubber products and adjustments in environmental taxation tied to tyre chemical content. According to research referenced by Russian news agency TASS, tests by Roskachestvo found that several Chinese tyre brands contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at levels well above accepted safety limits. By comparison, Russian-made tyres met the established standard for these harmful substances, which are linked to cancer risk when released during tyre wear or recycling. tyreandrubberrecycling.com
In the testing, PAH levels in some Chinese tyres exceeded the safe limit of 0.25 per cent by 3.2 to 7.7 times, with examples including models like the GoForm AT01 and Hifly HF201. These excess PAHs are believed to stem from cheaper aromatic oils used in production, increasing both health and environmental concerns.
PAHs are a well-documented class of carcinogenic compounds that can enter the air and environment through tyre abrasion and during the breakdown of waste tyres. Many nations, including those in Europe, Japan, and Brazil, have regulations limiting PAH content in tyre materials, reflecting growing international attention on harmful tyre chemicals.
As of January 1, 2026, Russia updated its tyre environmental tax system to more heavily penalise tyres with high carcinogenic substance content. Industry observers say this likely means higher tax rates, potentially nearly double, for imported tyres found to contain excessive PAHs. The shift reflects broader regulatory trends aimed at reducing toxic emissions from tyre wear and disposal.
The implications reach beyond Russia’s borders. With global tyre markets interconnected, concerns over chemical content in tyres may influence import policies, recycling practices, and consumer perceptions. Testing and regulation of tyre compounds is increasingly becoming an area where safety, environmental policy, and industry competitiveness intersect.
Editor’s View
The report on carcinogens in Chinese tyres highlights a critical yet often overlooked aspect of modern tyres, their chemical makeup. PAHs and other toxic substances are not just regulatory jargon but real hazards that can affect human health through wear particles and recycling by-products. For the tyre industry, this should be a wake-up call to strengthen quality assurance and transparency in compound formulation. Importers and brands must be prepared for tighter global standards and increased scrutiny, while regulators might look to harmonise limits to protect both consumers and the environment. With tyres being one of the most ubiquitous vehicle components, improving their chemical safety is not optional but essential for building trust and long-term sustainability.
