Find HS Code and trade information for freewheel

Freewheel

A freewheel is a mechanical device that allows an attached load to rotate independently of the power source, enabling coasting or backpedaling without resistance. It is a crucial component in various applications, primarily bicycles, but also found in machinery and other rotating systems.

Material

Freewheels are typically constructed from hardened steel alloys for durability and resistance to wear. Common materials include:

• Chrome-moly steel: Offers high strength and toughness, frequently used for the ratchet mechanism and body.
• Tool steel: Employed for pawls and ratchet teeth due to its ability to withstand high stress and friction.
• Stainless steel: Utilized in corrosion-resistant applications or higher-end models.
• Aluminum alloys: Sometimes used for the body to reduce weight, particularly in modern bicycle freewheels.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a freewheel is to decouple the drivetrain from the wheels when the rider stops pedaling. This allows for:

• Coasting: Maintaining momentum without continuous pedaling effort.
• Backpedaling: Allowing the rider to stop the pedals without forcing the wheel to rotate, facilitating easier starting and stopping.
• Simplified Drive System: In some applications, it eliminates the need for a complex clutch system.

Function

The freewheel operates using a ratchet and pawl mechanism.

• Ratchet: A circular component with angled teeth.
• Pawls: Small, spring-loaded levers that engage with the ratchet teeth when pedaling forward, transmitting power to the wheel.
• Springs: Provide the force to keep the pawls engaged.

When the pedals are rotated forward, the pawls lock onto the ratchet teeth, driving the wheel. When pedaling stops or reverses, the pawls disengage, allowing the wheel to spin freely.

Usage Scenarios

• Bicycles: The most common application. Freewheels are found on single-speed bikes, geared bikes (with freewheel hubs), and BMX bikes.
• Motorcycles: Some older motorcycle designs incorporated freewheels.
• Winches: Used to allow the cable to be pulled out without needing to crank the handle in reverse.
• Conveyor Systems: Enable backrolling without stopping the entire system.
• Starters: Found in some starter mechanisms to allow for controlled engagement.

Common Types

• Threaded Freewheel: Older design, screwed onto the hub. Prone to loosening and requires specific tools for removal.
• Freewheel Hub: More modern design, the freewheel mechanism is integrated into the hub. Offers improved reliability and ease of maintenance.
• Cassette: Similar to a freewheel hub, but uses a splined interface and multiple sprockets for geared bicycles. While functionally similar, a cassette is not a freewheel.
• Coaster Brake Freewheel: Combines the freewheel function with an internal drum brake activated by backpedaling. Common on cruiser bikes and some children's bikes.
• Single-Speed Freewheel: Contains a single sprocket for fixed-gear or single-speed bikes.
• Multi-Speed Freewheel: Contains multiple sprockets, providing different gear ratios.

Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant to “freewheel”:

• 8712004800: Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorized: Other bicycles. This code covers bicycles and similar non-motorized cycles, potentially including those equipped with a freewheel mechanism.

  • 87: Chapter 87 – Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof.
  • 12: Heading 8712 – Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorized.
  • 004800: Subheading 8712.00.48.00 – Other bicycles.

• 8712005000: Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorized: Other cycles. Similar to the above, this code also encompasses non-motorized cycles that may include freewheels.

  • 87: Chapter 87 – Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof.
  • 12: Heading 8712 – Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorized.
  • 005000: Subheading 8712.00.50.00 – Other cycles.

Regarding HS code 8712004800 and 8712005000, the total tax rate is 66.0% and 3.7%+55.0% respectively. Please note that the addtional tax rate will be 30% after 2025.4.2.