Find HS Code and trade information for caster wheels

Caster Wheels

Caster wheels are unidirectional wheels mounted on a frame, typically used to facilitate easier movement of an object or platform. They are commonly found on furniture, carts, and industrial equipment.

Material

Caster wheels are manufactured from a diverse range of materials, selected based on load capacity, floor surface, environmental conditions, and cost. Common materials include:

• Polyurethane: Offers high load capacity, abrasion resistance, and quiet operation. Suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Rubber: Provides good cushioning and grip, minimizing noise and protecting floors. Often used on furniture and lighter-duty applications.
• Nylon: Resistant to wear, impact, and chemicals. Suitable for applications where cleanliness and resistance to harsh environments are important.
• Polypropylene: Lightweight and cost-effective, suitable for lighter loads and general-purpose use.
• Metal (Steel, Stainless Steel): High strength and durability, used for heavy-duty applications and harsh environments. Often coated for corrosion resistance.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, used in applications where weight reduction is critical.

Purpose

The primary purpose of caster wheels is to enable easy and controlled movement of objects. They distribute weight over a larger area, reducing rolling resistance and allowing for maneuverability in various directions.

Function

Caster wheels function by utilizing a wheel and axle mechanism within a mounting frame. The frame allows the wheel to rotate freely, typically around a kingpin, enabling 360-degree rotation. This allows the object to move in any direction with minimal effort. Some casters include locking mechanisms to prevent movement.

Usage Scenarios

• Furniture: Chairs, tables, desks, and cabinets are commonly fitted with casters for easy repositioning and cleaning.
• Shopping Carts: Enable customers to move items around a store.
• Medical Equipment: Hospital beds, IV stands, and surgical carts utilize casters for mobility and maneuverability.
• Industrial Applications: Material handling carts, dollies, and platforms rely on heavy-duty casters for transporting goods.
• Skateboards/Rollerblades: Smaller versions are used in these recreational applications.
• Robotics: Used for mobile robot platforms.

Common Types

• Rigid Casters: Wheels are fixed in a straight line, providing directional stability.
• Swivel Casters: Wheels rotate 360 degrees, allowing for greater maneuverability.
• Stem Casters: Feature a threaded stem for easy insertion into furniture or equipment.
• Plate Casters: Feature a mounting plate with bolt holes for secure attachment.
• Spring Casters: Incorporate springs to absorb shocks and vibrations.
• Ball Casters: Utilize ball bearings for smooth and quiet operation, typically used for lighter loads.
• Dual Wheel Casters: Feature two wheels per caster for increased load capacity and stability.
• Phenolic Casters: Durable and resistant to chemicals and moisture, often used in harsh environments.
• Polyolefin Casters: Lightweight and cost-effective, suitable for lighter loads and general-purpose use.

Caster wheels are not explicitly defined within the provided reference material. However, based on potential material composition and application, the following HS codes may be relevant:

• 8205517500: This code covers “Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Household tools, and parts thereof: Other”. Caster wheels, if considered parts of household tools, could fall under this classification. The base duty is 3.7%, with an additional 25.0% duty, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 58.7%.
• 8479899599: This code covers “Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof: Other machines and mechanical appliances: Other: Other”. If caster wheels are considered parts of a larger machine or appliance, this code may apply. The base duty is 2.5%, with a total tariff of 57.5%. Note that steel or aluminum products may be subject to an additional 25% duty.
• 7326908688: This code covers “Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other Other”. If the caster wheels are made of iron or steel and do not fall into more specific categories, this code could be applicable. The base duty is 2.9%, with an additional 25.0% duty, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 82.9%. Steel or aluminum products are subject to an additional 25% duty.
• 7326908605: This code covers “Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other Rods for electrical grounding (potentially if the wheel's axle is a rod-like component)”. If the caster wheel axle is a rod-like component, this code may apply. The base duty is 2.9%, with an additional 25.0% duty, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 82.9%. Steel or aluminum products are subject to an additional 25% duty.

Regarding HS codes 7326908688 and 7326908605, please note the need to verify the material composition (steel or aluminum) and may require documentation confirming the material. Additionally, steel or aluminum products are subject to an additional 25% duty.