If you’re importing car covers from China to the US, one of the first things you need is the right HS code. Getting this wrong can lead to delayed shipments, unexpected fees, or even penalties. To save you time, we’ve compiled the most up-to-date HS codes, tariff rates, and key insights for car covers—so you can classify your products correctly and plan your costs.
What Are HS Codes for Car Covers?
HS codes (Harmonized System codes) are 10-digit numbers that classify products for international trade. For car covers, classification depends on materials, use, and design. Below are the 5 key HS codes for car covers exported from China to the US, effective as of May 12, 2025.
1. HS Code 6306905000: Waterproof Textile Car Covers
- Product Description: Car covers made of waterproof textile materials.
- Tariff Breakdown:
- Base Tariff: 4.5%
- Additional Tariff (post-April 11, 2025): 30.0%
- Total: 34.5%
- Key Notes: No anti-dumping duties apply here. Ensure your product is made of textile (not plastic or metal) to use this code.
2. HS Code 3926909989: Plastic Car Covers or Sunshades
- Product Description: Car covers or sunshades made of plastic.
- Tariff Breakdown:
- Base Tariff: 5.3%
- Additional Tariff: 7.5%
- Additional Tariff (post-April 11, 2025): 30.0%
- Total: 42.8%
- Key Notes: Higher tariffs due to plastic materials. Check if environmental or safety certifications are required for your plastic car covers.
3. HS Code 6306120000: Synthetic Fiber Car Covers
- Product Description: Car covers or sunshades made of synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon).
- Tariff Breakdown:
- Base Tariff: 8.8%
- Additional Tariff (post-April 11, 2025): 30.0%
- Total: 38.8%
- Key Notes: Synthetic fiber covers have a higher base tariff than basic textile covers.
4. HS Code 8708295160: Vehicle Shell Protection Covers
- Product Description: Covers designed to protect a vehicle’s shell, often with metal components (e.g., steel, aluminum).
- Tariff Breakdown:
- Pre-April 11, 2025: 2.5% (base) + 25.0% (additional) = 27.5%
- Post-April 11, 2025: 2.5% (base) + 30.0% (additional) + 50.0% (steel/aluminum special tariff) = 82.5%*
- Key Notes: Metal components trigger a 50% special tariff—verify if your product contains steel or aluminum.
5. HS Code 8708998180: Car Light Protection Covers
- Product Description: Covers specifically designed to protect car lights.
- Tariff Breakdown:
- Base Tariff: 2.5%
- Additional Tariff (post-April 11, 2025): 30.0%
- Total: 57.5%
- Key Notes: High tariffs due to specialized use. Confirm if your product is custom-made or mass-produced for accurate classification.
Critical Tips for Importers
- Material Matters: The biggest factor in HS code classification is material (textile, plastic, synthetic fiber, metal). Double-check compositions to avoid misclassification.
- Watch Tariff Changes: After April 11, 2025, most car cover tariffs will increase—plan your import timeline to mitigate costs.
- Certifications: Plastic or metal car covers may require safety or environmental certifications. Check US Customs requirements early.
- Anti-Dumping Risks: Steel/aluminum components can add 50% to your tariff—assess material choices if possible.
Getting your car cover’s HS code right is key to smooth imports and predictable costs. Use this guide to verify classifications, and always cross-check with the latest US Customs updates.
Need help with specific products? Let us know in the comments!