Find HS Code and trade information for keel support

Keel Support

Keel support refers to structural elements used in various applications to provide central stability and load-bearing capacity, analogous to the keel of a ship. The specific design and materials vary widely depending on the intended purpose.

Materials

• Steel: Commonly used in larger structures and applications requiring high strength, such as shipbuilding, bridge construction, and heavy machinery. Offers excellent load-bearing capabilities but is susceptible to corrosion.
• Aluminum: Lighter than steel, making it suitable for applications where weight is a concern, such as aerospace, automotive, and certain types of boat construction. Offers good corrosion resistance.
• Wood: Historically used extensively in shipbuilding, particularly for smaller vessels. Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and decay. Still used in classic boat restoration and some smaller craft.
• Composites (Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber): Increasingly popular due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Used in modern boat construction, aerospace, and high-performance applications.
• Concrete: Used in large-scale civil engineering projects, providing a robust and durable support structure.
• Polymers: Certain high-strength polymers are used in specialized applications where corrosion resistance and specific flexibility are required.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a keel support is to resist lateral forces and provide stability. This prevents overturning or excessive movement. Secondary purposes can include:

• Load Distribution: Evenly distributing weight and stress across the structure.
• Attachment Point: Serving as a secure anchor point for other components.
• Hydrodynamic Efficiency: In marine applications, the keel shape can reduce drag and improve steering.

Function

Keel supports function by:

• Counteracting Lateral Movement: The keel's shape and weight create a restoring force when the structure is tilted.
• Providing a Low Center of Gravity: A lower center of gravity increases stability.
• Resisting Bending Moments: The support structure distributes bending forces, preventing failure.
• Damping Oscillations: The keel can absorb energy from waves or external forces, reducing movement.

Usage Scenarios

• Marine Vessels (Boats, Ships, Submarines): The most common application, providing stability against wind and waves.
• Aircraft: Used as a central structural component in some aircraft designs, providing rigidity and load-bearing capacity.
• Bridges: Used as central supports for bridge decks, resisting lateral forces from wind and traffic.
• Heavy Machinery: Used in cranes, excavators, and other heavy equipment to provide a stable base.
• Buildings: In some specialized building designs, a central keel-like structure can provide additional stability.
• Robotics: Used in robotic systems to provide a stable platform for sensors and actuators.

Common Types

• Fin Keel: A single, vertical blade extending downward from the hull of a boat. Offers excellent stability and hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Full Keel: A long, continuous keel running the length of the hull. Provides maximum stability but lower hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Wing Keel: A fin keel with horizontal extensions (wings) on either side. Offers a compromise between stability and hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Bulb Keel: A fin keel with a weighted bulb at the bottom. Lowers the center of gravity, increasing stability.
• Box Keel: A hollow keel structure, often used in multihull vessels. Provides buoyancy and stability.
• Center Keel: A keel located centrally within the hull, providing stability and load-bearing capacity in various applications.
• Internal Keel: A keel structure integrated within the body of the object, commonly found in aircraft and robotics.

Keel support, based on the provided information, falls under structures or parts of structures of iron or steel, or other articles of iron or steel. Here's a breakdown of potentially relevant HS codes:

• 7308903000: Structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading 9406) and parts of structures (for example, bridges and bridge sections, lock gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns) of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of iron or steel: Other: Columns, pillars, posts, beams, girders and similar structural units: Not in part of alloy steel.

  • 73: Iron or steel articles. This chapter covers a wide range of products made from iron or steel.
  • 08: Structures. This heading specifically covers structures and parts of structures.
  • 903000: Other: Columns, pillars, posts, beams, girders and similar structural units: Not in part of alloy steel. This subheading narrows down the scope to specific structural components not made of alloy steel.

• 7308906000: Structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading 9406) and parts of structures (for example, bridges and bridge sections, lock gates, towers, lattice masts, roofs, roofing frameworks, doors and windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, shutters, balustrades, pillars and columns) of iron or steel; plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes and the like, prepared for use in structures, of iron or steel: Other: Columns, pillars, posts, beams, girders and similar structural units: Other.

  • 73: Iron or steel articles.
  • 08: Structures.
  • 906000: Other: Columns, pillars, posts, beams, girders and similar structural units: Other. This subheading covers structural components, with no specific alloy steel restriction.

• 7326908630: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other Hangers and similar supports for tubes and pipes.

  • 73: Iron or steel articles.
  • 26: Other articles of iron or steel. This heading covers a diverse range of iron or steel products not classified elsewhere.
  • 908630: Other: Other: Other Hangers and similar supports for tubes and pipes. This subheading specifically covers hangers and supports.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'keel support' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

Regarding HS codes 7308903000 and 7308906000, these relate to structural components. It is important to determine if the keel support qualifies as a column, pillar, post, beam, or girder. Both codes have a base tariff of 0.0%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a 30% surcharge on steel and aluminum products starting April 2, 2025. The total tariff rate is 80.0%.

HS code 7326908630 covers hangers and similar supports. This code has a base tariff of 2.9%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a 30% surcharge on steel and aluminum products starting April 2, 2025. The total tariff rate is 82.9%.