The reduction behaviour of Ce-Sn mixed oxides has been studied by a temperature-programmed hydrogen reduction technique and compared with that of pure SnO2 and CeO2. The mixed oxides were found to reduce at lower temperature as compared to that of individual oxides. Carbon monoxide oxidation studies showed that mixed oxides have better activity for CO oxidation reaction than the constituent oxides, which is in conformity with their surface reduction behaviour. The improved oxidation activity is attributed to a synergetic effect existing in these mixed oxides.