Find HS Code and trade information for number plate

A number plate, also known as a license plate or registration plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle for official identification purposes.

Material

Traditionally constructed from stamped metal (steel or aluminum), modern number plates increasingly utilize acrylic plastic or aluminum composite materials for durability and reflectivity. Reflective sheeting is a key component, enhancing visibility at night and in low-light conditions. Some jurisdictions employ high-security plates with features like embedded microchips or watermarks to deter theft and counterfeiting.

Purpose

The primary function of a number plate is to uniquely identify a vehicle registered with a governing authority, such as a department of motor vehicles (DMV) or equivalent. This facilitates vehicle registration, tracking, and law enforcement. They are essential for linking a vehicle to its owner and maintaining a public record of vehicle ownership.

Function

• Vehicle Identification: Provides a unique alphanumeric code for each registered vehicle.
• Law Enforcement: Assists police in identifying stolen vehicles, tracking vehicles involved in crimes, and enforcing traffic laws.
• Parking Management: Used in automated parking systems and for parking enforcement.
• Toll Collection: Facilitates electronic toll collection through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.
• Traffic Monitoring: Used in traffic management systems for data collection and analysis.

Usage Scenarios

• Road Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles operating on public roads.
• Parking Facilities: Used for entry and exit control, payment verification, and parking enforcement.
• Border Crossings: Used for vehicle identification and tracking at international borders.
• Law Enforcement Checkpoints: Used for vehicle verification and identification during traffic stops.
• Automated Toll Roads: Used for electronic toll collection without manual intervention.

Common Types

• Standard Plates: The most common type, issued by the governing authority with a unique alphanumeric code.
• Personalized Plates: Allow vehicle owners to choose a custom alphanumeric code, subject to availability and regulations.
• Vanity Plates: A subset of personalized plates, often with specific requirements or restrictions.
• Dealer Plates: Used by vehicle dealerships for temporary identification of vehicles.
• Temporary Plates: Issued for short-term vehicle registration or permits.
• Diplomatic Plates: Issued to diplomatic vehicles and personnel.
• Commercial Plates: Used by commercial vehicles, often with specific markings or restrictions.
• Motorcycle Plates: Smaller plates designed for motorcycles.
• Trailer Plates: Used for trailers and other non-powered vehicles.
• High-Security Plates: Incorporate advanced security features to deter theft and counterfeiting.
• Eco/Electric Vehicle Plates: Some regions offer distinct plates for environmentally friendly vehicles, often with associated benefits.

Based on the provided information, “number plate” can be classified under the following HS codes:

• 7326908688: This HS code falls under Chapter 73, which covers articles of iron or steel. Specifically, it covers “Other articles of iron or steel”, with further specification as “Other: Other: Other Other”. The total tax rate is 82.9%, comprising a 2.9% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff applicable after April 2, 2025, with a 25% additional tariff for steel and aluminum products.
• 7326908605: This HS code also falls under Chapter 73, covering “Other articles of iron or steel”. It is specifically defined as “Other: Other: Other: Other Rods for electrical grounding (potentially if the number plate is affixed using rods)”. The total tax rate is 82.9%, with the same tariff structure as HS code 7326908688.
• 8310000000: This HS code is categorized under Chapter 83, which covers sign plates, name plates, address plates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols, and parts thereof, of base metal, excluding those of heading 9405. The total tax rate is 55.0%, consisting of a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

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

Please note that regarding HS code 8310000000, the classification excludes plates covered under heading 9405.