| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8512102000 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8512104000 | Doc | 40.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8539100010 | Doc | 57.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8539520091 | Doc | 32.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8531809051 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8531809005 | Doc | 37.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9013809100 | Doc | 42.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 9013802000 | Doc | 61.6% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Side Marker
A side marker is a lighting device mounted on the sides of a road vehicle to indicate its presence and position to other drivers, particularly in low visibility conditions. They are a crucial safety feature, enhancing vehicle visibility and reducing the risk of collisions.
Purpose:
- Visibility: To make the vehicle more visible from the side, especially during nighttime, fog, rain, or dust storms.
- Dimension Indication: To help other drivers accurately perceive the size and shape of the vehicle, particularly for larger vehicles like trucks and trailers.
- Legal Requirement: Mandatory safety equipment in many jurisdictions, often dictated by vehicle type and size.
Function:
Side markers emit a steady, visible light, typically in amber for the sides and red for the rear. They do not function as turn signals or brake lights; their purpose is solely to indicate the vehicle's presence. They operate independently of other vehicle lighting systems.
Usage Scenarios:
- Commercial Vehicles: Essential for trucks, buses, trailers, and other large vehicles operating on public roads.
- Agricultural Equipment: Used on tractors, combines, and other farm machinery.
- Construction Vehicles: Required on heavy equipment operating on or near roadways.
- Trailers: All trailers, regardless of size, typically require side markers.
- Low-Visibility Conditions: Particularly important when driving in fog, rain, snow, or darkness.
Common Types:
- Incandescent: Traditional type using a filament to produce light. Becoming less common due to lower efficiency and shorter lifespan.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode): Most prevalent type due to their high efficiency, long lifespan, and durability. Available in various sizes and shapes.
- Reflective: Use retroreflective material to reflect light from headlights back towards the source. Often used in conjunction with incandescent or LED markers for enhanced visibility.
- Clearance Markers: Similar to side markers, but mounted on the upper edges of vehicles to indicate overall height and width.
- Magnetic Mount Markers: Used for temporary mounting on trailers and equipment.
- Flush Mount Markers: Integrated into the vehicle body for a streamlined appearance.
Side marker lights fall under the category of electrical signaling equipment used for vehicles. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:
- 8512.10.20.00: This HS code covers electrical lighting or signaling equipment (excluding articles of heading 8539), windshield wipers, defrosters and demisters, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles; parts thereof: Lighting or visual signaling equipment of a kind used on bicycles: Lighting equipment. This would apply if the side marker is specifically for bicycles. The total tax rate is 37.5%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
- 8512.10.40.00: This HS code covers electrical lighting or signaling equipment (excluding articles of heading 8539), windshield wipers, defrosters and demisters, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles; parts thereof: Lighting or visual signaling equipment of a kind used on bicycles: Visual signaling equipment. This would apply if the side marker is specifically for bicycles and functions as a visual signal. The total tax rate is 40.2%, comprised of a 2.7% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
- 8531.80.90.51: This HS code covers electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof: Other apparatus: Other. This could apply if the side marker is considered a general visual signaling apparatus for vehicles, but not specifically for bicycles. The total tax rate is 37.5%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
- 8531.80.90.05: This HS code covers electric sound or visual signaling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 8512 or 8530; parts thereof: Other apparatus: Other Indicator panels: Incorporating electric discharge (fluorescent) devices. This could apply if the side marker is an indicator panel incorporating fluorescent devices. The total tax rate is 37.5%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
Chapter 85 generally covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8512 specifically covers electrical lighting or signaling equipment for vehicles. Heading 8531 covers electric signaling apparatus, excluding those specifically covered under 8512 or 8530.
It is important to determine whether the side marker is specifically for bicycles or for other vehicles to select the correct HS code. If it is for other vehicles, codes under 8531 may be more appropriate.