HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8708305090 | Doc | 2.5% <u></u>+55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
8708998105 | Doc | 57.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
8714943080 | Doc | 55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
4009120020 | Doc | 40.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
4009220020 | Doc | 57.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
4016931010 | Doc | 57.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
4016935010 | Doc | 57.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Brake Line
A brake line is a critical component of a vehicle’s braking system, responsible for transmitting the force applied by the brake pedal to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, ultimately causing the brakes to engage.
Material
Brake lines are typically constructed from one of the following materials:
- Steel: Traditionally, brake lines were made of steel. Steel lines are durable and cost-effective but are susceptible to corrosion, particularly in regions with road salt exposure. They are often coated with a protective layer (e.g., zinc plating) to mitigate corrosion.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel brake lines offer superior corrosion resistance compared to standard steel lines. They are often braided for increased strength and flexibility. The braiding helps prevent expansion under pressure, providing a firmer pedal feel.
- Rubber (Reinforced): Rubber brake lines are reinforced with multiple layers of fabric and/or steel wire to withstand the high pressures generated by the braking system. They are more flexible than steel lines but are prone to degradation over time due to exposure to heat, chemicals, and the elements.
- Fluoropolymer (PTFE/Teflon): These lines feature a PTFE inner tube surrounded by a stainless steel braiding. They offer excellent chemical resistance, low permeability, and minimal expansion, resulting in a very firm pedal feel. They are often used in high-performance applications.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a brake line is to:
- Transmit Hydraulic Pressure: To safely and efficiently convey the force from the master cylinder to the brake components at each wheel.
- Contain Brake Fluid: To prevent leakage of brake fluid, which is essential for proper braking function.
- Flexibility: To allow for suspension movement and wheel turning without compromising brake function.
Function
Brake lines function by:
- Fluid Dynamics: When the brake pedal is depressed, the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure. This pressure is transmitted through the brake lines to the calipers (disc brakes) or wheel cylinders (drum brakes).
- Force Multiplication: The hydraulic pressure forces the pistons in the calipers or wheel cylinders to clamp the brake pads against the rotors (discs) or brake shoes against the drums, creating friction and slowing or stopping the vehicle.
- Maintaining Pressure: The lines must maintain consistent pressure throughout the braking process to ensure even and reliable braking performance.
Usage Scenarios
Brake lines are integral to all hydraulically actuated braking systems found in:
- Passenger Vehicles: Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
- Motorcycles: Essential for front and rear brake operation.
- Commercial Vehicles: Heavy-duty trucks, buses, and trailers.
- Performance Vehicles: Often upgraded to stainless steel braided lines for improved braking response and feel.
- Off-Road Vehicles: Reinforced lines are used to withstand the stresses of rugged terrain.
Common Types
- Solid Steel Lines: Rigid lines used in straight sections of the brake system.
- Pre-Flared Lines: Lines that come pre-bent and flared, simplifying installation.
- Braided Stainless Steel Lines: Offer improved performance and durability.
- Rubber Brake Hoses: Connect flexible sections between the chassis and wheels.
- DOT-Approved Lines: Lines meeting the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
- High-Performance Lines: PTFE-lined stainless steel lines designed for racing and high-stress applications.
Brake lines, based on the provided information, refer to tubing used to transmit hydraulic pressure to the brakes of vehicles. Several HS codes may be applicable depending on the material and construction of the brake line.
Here are the relevant HS codes:
- 4009120020: Tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, with or without their fittings. Specifically, this code covers Not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials brake hoses for vehicles of various headings (8701.21, 8701.22, 8701.23, 8701.24, 8701.29, 8702, 8703, 8704, 8705, or 8711). The base tariff is 2.5%, with an additional tariff of 7.5%, resulting in a total tariff of 40.0%. This code applies to brake hoses that are solely made of vulcanized rubber without any additional reinforcement.
- 4009220020: Tubes, pipes and hoses, of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, with or without their fittings. This code covers Reinforced or otherwise combined only with metal brake hoses for vehicles of various headings (8701.21, 8701.22, 8701.23, 8701.24, 8701.29, 8702, 8703, 8704, 8705, or 8711). The base tariff is 2.5%, with an additional tariff of 25.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 57.5%. This code applies to brake hoses that are reinforced with metal.
- 8708305090: Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705: Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof: For other vehicles Other. The base tariff is 2.5%, with an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a further additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
- 8708998105: Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705: Other parts and accessories: Other: Other: Other: Other Brake hoses of plastics, with attached fittings. The total tariff is 57.5%.
Regarding HS code 4009120020 and 4009220020, it is important to verify whether the brake hose is reinforced with metal or not. If the hose is reinforced with metal, HS code 4009220020 should be used. Otherwise, HS code 4009120020 should be used.