4 inch socket adapter
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7307193040 | 40.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7307199040 | 41.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐ 4-Inch Socket Adapter (Iron or Steel Fittings)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Entry Strategy
๐ 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Grooved Fittings"?
A 4-inch Socket Adapter made of iron or steel falls under the category of pipe fittings. In international trade, specifically within the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), these are classified as Cast Fittings. The critical distinction lies in the end configuration:
Grooved-End Fittings: These fittings have grooves cut or cast into their ends to accommodate mechanical coupling gaskets (such as Victaulic-style couplings). This is a specific manufacturing process that dictates the HS code.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the fitting is Ductile Iron (a specific type of cast iron with high ductility) AND has grooved ends โ It falls under 7307.19.30.40.
- If the fitting is General Cast Iron/Steel (Non-ductile or unspecified) AND has grooved ends โ It falls under 7307.19.90.40.๐ Why the Split?
The US ITA (International Trade Administration) distinguishes between "Ductile Fittings" (often higher quality, used in pressurized water/sewer systems) and "Other Cast Fittings." Misclassifying a ductile fitting as "other" or vice versa can trigger audits.
๐ฆ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Type | Grooved End? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7307.19.30.40 |
Cast fittings, other: Ductile fittings: Grooved-end fittings (including grooved couplings) | Ductile iron pipes, waterworks, high-pressure systems | โ Ductile Iron | โ Yes |
7307.19.90.40 |
Cast fittings, other: Other: Grooved-end fittings (including grooved couplings) | Standard cast iron/steel pipes, general industrial use | โ Non-Ductile / Other Cast Iron | โ Yes |
๐ Important Reminder:
- Both codes require the fitting to be Cast (not malleable, not forged, not wrought).
- Both codes require Grooved Ends. If itโs a threaded or plain-end socket, these codes are INCORRECT.
- Mandatory Disclosure: You must specify if the material is "Ductile Iron" in your commercial invoice and packing list.
๐ฐ 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on typical context for such high-duty items; if from elsewhere, check FTAs)
โ Effective Time: Current 2026 Rates (Reflecting ongoing Section 301 and IEEPA surtaxes)
๐ฏ 1. 7307.19.30.40 โโ Ductile Cast Fittings (Grooved-End)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (Exempted for specific ductile fittings in some rulings, but verify specific product type) |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No (Section 321 de minimis is generally excluded for steel/iron products under Section 301/307 scrutiny, even if base rate is 0%) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTS:7307.19.30.40 โ USITC:7307.19.30.40 |
๐ Explanation:
- This is a low-duty classification.
- However, be cautious: Some "Ductile Fittings" might still be subject to anti-dumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD) if specific investigations are active for your supplierโs region. Always check the AD/CVD database for the specific manufacturer.
- Base rate is 0%, meaning no standard import duty.
๐ฏ 2. 7307.19.90.40 โโ Other Cast Fittings (Grooved-End)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 6.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 / Section 301 List 4) |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0.0% (Assumed not applicable to this specific sub-heading or capped) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 31.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 31.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No (High combined rate often triggers stricter scrutiny for small shipments) |
| Legal Authority Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:7307.19.90.40 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- "Other Cast Fittings" attract a 6.2% base duty.
- Critical Surcharge: A 25% Section 301 tariff is applied to most steel/iron pipe fittings from China.
- Total Effective Rate: 31.2%. This is a HIGH TARIFF.
- Example: For a $10,000 shipment, you pay $3,120 in duties alone.
๐ ๏ธ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (No Missing Items)
| Material | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Material Certificate | โ๏ธ | Must explicitly state "Ductile Iron" or "Cast Iron". If it says "Ductile," use ...30.40. If generic "Cast," use ...90.40. |
| โ Product Specs | โ๏ธ | Size (4-inch), Connection Type (Grooved), Standard (e.g., AWWA C110, MSS SP-83). |
| โ Photos | โ๏ธ | Clear shots of the grooved ends and the casting mark (often includes "DI" for Ductile Iron). |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must describe as "4-inch Ductile Iron Grooved Socket Adapter" or "4-inch Cast Iron Grooved Socket." Do not just say "Pipe Fitting." |
| โ Country of Origin | โ๏ธ | Crucial for determining surtaxes. If made in Vietnam, check for evasion rules. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
๐ฅ "Groove Determines Code, Ductile Defines Rate, Description Must Be Precise!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Iron + Grooved | 7307.19.30.40 |
Use 7307.19.90.40 โ You might be flagged for under-declaring if audited, or over-paying if reversed. |
| Steel/Other Cast + Grooved | 7307.19.90.40 |
Use 7307.19.30.40 โ Customs will assess 31.2% + penalties for misclassification. |
| Threaded End | Wrong Code Entirely | Do NOT use grooved codes. Use threaded fittings codes (e.g., 7307.29...). |
| Wrought Steel | Wrong Code Entirely | Do NOT use cast codes. Use wrought fittings codes. |
โ 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Handling Suggestion |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the casting mark on the product matches the invoice description. If the product says "DI" but invoice says "Cast Steel," expect a delay. |
| Mixed Container | If 4-inch sockets are mixed with threaded elbows, separate them. Ductile grooved fittings (0%) vs. Other cast threaded fittings (25%) require different codes. Mixing them complicates clearance. |
| Anti-Dumping (AD/CVD) | Check if the specific manufacturer is on the AD/CVD list for Cast Iron Pipe Fittings. Even if the base tariff is 0%, an AD rate of 100%+ can apply. |
๐ 5. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 7307.19.30.40 (Ductile) or 7307.19.90.40 (Other) |
0% or 31.2% | None specific, but AWWA standards often required | Highest Duty Risk for non-ductile. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 7307.19.30.40 or 7307.19.90.40 |
Low/Medium (Export) | ISO, GB | Export duties may apply depending on policy. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 7307.19.10 (Sockets, of iron or steel) |
~2.7% (Standard) | CE (if mechanical equipment) | Grooved ends don't change HS much in EU, but description matters. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 7307.19.10 |
~2.7% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 7307.19.10 |
5% | SAA Standards | Free Trade Agreement with China may reduce to 0%. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market is the most challenging due to the 31.2% effective rate for non-ductile cast fittings.
- Ductile iron fittings (0% base) offer significant cost savings, but verify material authenticity.
- Europe/Australia have lower, more predictable tariffs.
๐ 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood-and-Tears Lessons)
โ Error 1: Describing the item as "Steel Pipe Fitting" without specifying "Cast" or "Grooved."
๐ Consequence: Customs may classify it under a generic steel fitting code with 25% Section 301 + 8.5% base = 33.5%+.
โ Error 2: Using 7307.19.90.40 for Ductile Iron fittings.
๐ Consequence: You overpay taxes (31.2% instead of 0%). Customs rarely refunds small differences easily.
โ Error 3: Ignoring Anti-Dumping (AD) checks.
๐ Consequence: If the manufacturer is on the AD list, you could face 100%+ additional duties, even if the HS code base is 0%.
โ Correct Practice:
"4-inch Ductile Iron Grooved-End Socket Adapter, AWWA C110 Certified, Origin: China"
OR
"4-inch Cast Iron Grooved-End Socket Adapter, Standard Industrial Grade, Origin: China"
๐ฏ 7. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Save Money!
๐ฏ Remember the Mnemonic:
๐น "Ductile = Grooved = 0% (Check AD)"
๐น "Other Cast = Grooved = 31.2%"
๐น "Wrong Material = Wrong Code = Big Fine!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are shipping to the US, strictly verify if your fittings are Ductile Iron. If they are, ensure the casting mark "DI" is visible. If they are standard cast iron, budget for 31.2%.
For small shipments, remember that Section 321 De Minimis ($800) is often not available for iron/steel products subject to Section 301, regardless of the base rate.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact your customs broker with the Material Certificate.
๐ Apply for a Binding Ruling if the shipment value is high.
๐ผ Your cost per fitting depends entirely on this classification!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Every Penny Counts in Steel Fittings!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.