Bicycle Brake Oil Needle Olive Head
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908610 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🚲 Bicycle Brake Oil Needle Olive Head (Compression Fitting Nuts)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 1. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly Is an "Olive Head"?
The Bicycle Brake Oil Needle Olive Head (also known as a Compression Fitting Nut, Banjo Bolt Olive, or Brake Hose Connector Nut) is a critical hydraulic component in disc brake systems. It creates a metal-to-metal seal between the brake hose and the caliper or lever.
In international trade, these are classified based on their material composition and function:
Steel/Iron Fittings: The vast majority of high-performance bicycle brake fittings are made of stainless steel or carbon steel for strength and corrosion resistance. Other Materials: Aluminum or brass fittings exist but are less common in high-pressure hydraulic brake lines due to durability concerns.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is made of iron or steel and is a general-purpose fastener or article → It falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
- If it is considered a "part of a vehicle," it might seem like Chapter 87, but parts of bicycles that are generic fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers) are typically classified under Chapter 73, not Chapter 87, unless specifically designed as a unique, non-generic part. The provided data points to Chapter 73.
📦 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided <DATA>, the product is classified under Chapter 73: Articles of Iron or Steel. Specifically, it falls under Heading 7326: Other articles of iron or steel.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7326.90.86.10 | Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Laminated goods... (See Note Below) | Iron/Steel | Note: The description in the data is generic. In practice, this code is often used for small, complex steel fittings that don't fit other specific subheadings. |
| 7326.90.86.88 | Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other | Iron/Steel | This is the "catch-all" code for small steel articles/fittings not specified elsewhere. |
🔍 Critical Interpretation:
- Both codes 7326.90.86.10 and 7326.90.86.88 are "Other" categories for steel articles.
- 7326.90.86.10 description mentions "Laminated goods... with adhesive or non-metallic core," which seems irrelevant to a simple steel olive head. However, in customs systems, if a specific code for "nuts/bolts" (7318) is not chosen or applicable due to specific design features, it may default to 7326.
- 7326.90.86.88 is the most likely "residual" code for small, generic steel hydraulic fitting nuts/olives that are not classified as standard fasteners (7318) or other specific steel articles.
- Both codes carry the exact same tariff structure in the provided data.
💰 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current tariff structure applies (Steel/Aluminum/Copper Section 232 & 301 tariffs).
🎯 1. 7326.90.86.10 & 7326.90.86.88 —— Bicycle Brake Fittings (Steel/Iron)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff (China) | +25.0% (Standard 301 List 3/4) |
| Section 232 Tariff (Steel/Aluminum) | +50.0% (Specific to steel articles under certain conditions, as noted in data: "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surtax 50%") |
| Total Tariff Rate | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 77.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 9903.88.01 → Section 232: Steel Articles → USITC: 7326.90.86.xx → FOOTNOTE: Steel Surtax |
📌 Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 2.9%": The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for "Other articles of iron or steel."
- "Section 301 Surcharge 25%": Applies to most Chinese-manufactured goods under US Trade Act Section 301.
- "Steel/Aluminum Surtax 50%": The provided data explicitly states "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surtax 50%." This likely refers to Section 232 tariffs or additional administrative surcharges on steel products imported from China.
- Total 77.9%: This is an extremely high effective tariff rate. It makes importing small steel fittings from China to the US very costly.
🛠️ 4. Practical Clearance Advice (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must clearly state Material: e.g., "Stainless Steel 304/316" or "Carbon Steel." |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must describe item as "Steel Hydraulic Fitting Nut" or "Brake Hose Olive Head." Avoid vague terms like "Bike Part." |
| ✅ HS Code Justification | ✔️ | Explain why it is classified under 7326 (e.g., "Complex shaped steel fitting, not a standard fastener per 7318"). |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Essential for proving Chinese origin (to calculate correct 301/232 tariffs). |
| ✅ Material Test Report | ✔️ | Proves it is steel/iron (not plastic or aluminum) to justify Chapter 73. |
✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
🔥 "Material is Key, Fastener vs. Article, Section 232 is the Trap!"
| Scenario | Correct Approach | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Material Misdeclared | If declared as "Aluminum" but is Steel → Section 232 may not apply, but fraud penalties apply. | Severe Penalties |
| HS Code Misdeclared | Declared as 7318 (Nuts/Bolts) → May have lower tax, but if not a standard fastener, customs may reclassify to 7326. | Reassessment + Interest |
| Origin Misdeclared | Declared as Vietnam/Thailand to avoid 301/232 → Anti-Circumvention Check. | Goods Seized |
📌 Critical Warning:
- Section 232 Tariffs (50%) apply to steel articles. Ensure your product is correctly identified as steel.
- If your "olive heads" are aluminum, they may fall under a different tariff line (not in the provided data), potentially with different surcharges.
- Do not split shipments to hide value; de minimis (Section 321) does not apply to steel articles from China under current enforcement.
✅ 3. Special Circumstances
| Scenario | Advice |
|---|---|
| High-End Carbon Fiber Brakes | If the "olive head" is made of carbon fiber or titanium, it is NOT Chapter 73. It may fall under Chapter 87 (Parts of Vehicles) or Chapter 85 (Electrical). This would drastically change the tariff. |
| Plastic Olive Heads | Rare, but if made of plastic, classify under Chapter 39 (Plastics). No Section 232/301 steel surcharges. |
| Kit Sales (Brake Levers + Hoses + Fittings) | If shipped as a complete brake system kit, the entire kit may be classified as a part of a bicycle (8714) or brake assembly, potentially changing the tariff base. Consult a broker for kit classification. |
🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 7326.90.86.88 |
77.9% (2.9% Base + 25% 301 + 50% Steel Surtax) | Highest Cost. Section 232/301 combo. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 7326.90.86.88 |
Low/0% (Imported into China) | N/A for export |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 7318.15.00 (Nuts) or 7326.90.98 |
0% - 1.7% | Generally lower tariffs. No broad steel surcharge like US. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 7326.90.98 |
0% - 2% | Post-Brexit tariffs generally favorable for steel goods. |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 7326.90.98.00 |
0% (CUSMA eligible if Canadian/Mexican origin) | High duty for Chinese origin. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The USA is uniquely expensive for steel brake fittings due to the 77.9% combined rate.
- European and Asian markets are significantly more cost-effective for imports from China.
📌 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Classifying as "Bicycle Part (8714)"
👉 Risk: Customs may reject because "olives/nuts" are generic steel articles, not unique bicycle parts. Reclassification to 7326 may occur after delay.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Steel" Surtax
👉 Risk: Assuming only 2.9% base + 25% 301 = 27.9%. Missing the 50% steel surtax leads to massive underpayment and penalties.
❌ Mistake 3: Mislabeling Material as "Alloy" or "Other"
👉 Risk: If customs tests and finds it is steel, they apply Section 232. If you declared it as non-steel, it's fraud.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"Steel Compression Fitting Nuts for Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Material: Stainless Steel 304, HS Code: 7326.90.86.88, Origin: China."
🎯 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Steel Brakes, Steel Code, 77.9% Tax Hit!"
🔹 "Check Material, Check Surcharge, Don't Guess the HS!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your bicycle brake fittings are made of Aluminum or Titanium, they are NOT subject to the 50% Steel Surtax. Re-evaluate your material supply chain. For steel, consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) if possible to mitigate Section 301 and 232 risks, but ensure no circumvention.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a US Customs Broker to confirm if your specific "olive head" design qualifies for any exemptions under 7326.
🚀 Audit your Bill of Lading to ensure "Steel" is clearly declared.
💼 Calculate Landed Cost with 77.9% tariff to ensure profitability.
✨ Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance!
💼 Every Steel Olive Head Counts — Make Sure You Pay the Right Tax!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.