TIA asks NHTSA to spare retreads from labeling rule

Jan. 3, 2003

Passenger and light truck tire retreads should be exempt from new tire labeling rules, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The purpose of NHTSA's recently released labeling requirements "is to assist customers in identifying tires that may be the subject of a recall," say TIA officials. "Retreaded tires have never been part of a recall."

TIA believes NHTSA's final labeling rule "could be the death of the passenger retread industry" due to estimated re-labeling costs that could reach the $10,000 mark and, in turn, boost retread prices.

"Bringing the cost of passenger and light truck retreads closer to that of new tires will cause many retreaders to lose business and ultimately close their shops."