Brake
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8708305030 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708305040 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996010 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016993000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708305030 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Brake Components (Automotive Brake System Parts)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy for Chinese Imports to US
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding "Brakes"
Brake components are critical safety parts for automotive systems. In international trade, they are categorized based on their function (braking vs. friction material) and composition (metallic/rubber composite). Misclassification here leads to severe tariff penalties due to specific trade remedies.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Mechanical Parts (Rotors, Calipers, Housings): Metal components forming the braking mechanism β HS 8708.30
- Friction Consumables (Pads, Linings): Materials that create friction β HS 8708.30 or 4016.99 depending on material
- Rubber-Composite Components: If heavily rubberized or classified as general rubber parts β HS 4016.99
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Rules)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
8708.30.50.30 |
Brake System Parts: Brake Rotors (Discs) | Mechanical braking components, rotors, drums | Metal alloy (Iron/Steel/Aluminum) |
8708.30.50.40 |
Brake System Parts: Brake Pads/Linings | Friction consumables for braking system | Composite (Non-asbestos organic, semi-metallic, ceramic) |
4016.99.60.10 |
Other Rubber Articles: Automotive Parts | Rubber-heavy brake components or seals | η‘«εζ©‘θΆ (Vulcanized Rubber) or Rubber-based friction material |
4016.99.30.00 |
Other Rubber Articles: Shock Absorbers/Brake Parts | Rubber-metal composite parts, general vehicle accessories | Rubber/Metal Composite |
π Critical Note:
- HS 8708 is the primary chapter for "Parts and Accessories of Motor Vehicles."
- HS 4016 is a "catch-all" for rubber articles. Customs may redirect brake parts here if they appear primarily as rubber products rather than mechanical parts.
- Trade Remedies: All listed HS codes for Chinese origin face Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) additional tariffs.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Ongoing (2025-2026)
π― 1. 8708.30.50.30 & 8708.30.50.40 (Brake System Mechanical Parts & Pads)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% (List 3 / List 4A) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (Specific China-related provision) |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis applies to high-value auto parts under scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTS:8708.30.50 β USITC:301_Footnote β IEEPA:122_Provision |
π Explanation:
- These codes fall under 8708.30 (Brakes and Servo-Brakes).
- The 2.5% base rate is standard for vehicle parts.
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff for most Chinese manufactured goods.
- The 10% is an additional specific levy under Section 122, targeting Chinese automotive-related imports.
- Total: 37.5%. This is a high-cost category.
π― 2. 4016.99.60.10 (Rubber-Composite Brake Components)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTS:4016.99.60 β USITC:301_Footnote β IEEPA:122_Provision |
π Note:
- Although classified under Rubber (4016), the additional tariffs remain identical (25% + 10%).
- Customs may inspect material composition. If it's >50% rubber by weight/volume, it might be forced into this code, but the tax burden is the same.
π― 3. 4016.99.30.00 (Rubber-Metal Composite Parts)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Some rubber parts have lower base rates) |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTS:4016.99.30 β USITC:301_Footnote β IEEPA:122_Provision |
π Note:
- This code offers a slightly lower base rate (0%), resulting in a 35% total instead of 37.5%.
- Risk: High scrutiny on "Rubber vs. Mechanical Part" classification. If deemed a mechanical brake part, customs will reclassify to 8708.30 and charge 37.5%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Detail material (e.g., "Cast Iron Rotor," "Ceramic Pad") |
| β Material Composition Report | βοΈ | Prove % of rubber vs. metal to justify HS Code |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show branding, model numbers, and physical form |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Brake System Parts" or "Brake Pads" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions for valuation |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Confirm China origin (triggers tariffs) |
β 2. Declaration Strategy
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Be Precise: 'Brake Rotor' not 'Car Part'; 'Brake Pad' not 'Rubber Sheet'."
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Rotors/Drums | 8708.30.50.30 |
Low (Clear mechanical part) |
| Brake Pads/Linings | 8708.30.50.40 |
Medium (Material debate: Composite vs. Rubber) |
| Rubber Brake Hoses/Seals | 4016.99.30.00 or 4016.99.60.10 |
Medium (Depends on rubber content) |
| Mixed Box (Rotors + Pads) | Split Declaration | High (Must separate items) |
β 3. Common Pitfalls & Avoidance
β Error 1: Declaring all brake components as "Other Vehicle Parts" (8708.99)
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify to specific codes (8708.30) and add duties + penalties.
β
Fix: Use specific 10-digit codes (e.g., .50.30).
β Error 2: Misclassifying Brake Pads as generic Rubber Goods (4016) to "hide" function
π Consequence: If customs tests and finds high metal content, they will revert to 8708.30 and assess 37.5%.
β
Fix: If >50% rubber, use 4016.99.60.10 (37.5%) or 4016.99.30.00 (35%). If mixed, use 8708.30.50.40 (37.5%).
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10%)
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% leads to audits, liens, and seizure.
β
Fix: Always include 10% in cost calculation for Chinese auto parts.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8708.30.50.30/40 |
37.5% | Includes 25% (Sec 301) + 10% (Sec 122) |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4016.99.30.00 |
35.0% | Slightly lower base rate (0%) |
| π¨π³ China | 8708.30.50 |
5-10% | Standard import duty, no US penalties |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8708.30 |
4.5% | No Section 122 equivalent, but check for anti-dumping |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8708.30 |
0% | CUSMA (USMCA) may apply if origin shifts |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for Chinese brake parts due to 37.5% effective rate.
- Vietnam/Mexico Origin: Can bypass Section 301/122 if substantial transformation occurs.
π VI. Final Recommendations
- Verify Material Composition: For brake pads, ensure the label matches the HS code (Metallic = 8708.30.50.40; Rubber-heavy = 4016.99.60.10).
- Budget for 35-37.5% Duty: Do not underestimate the total landed cost.
- Consider Section 122 Exclusions: Check if any specific product lines are excluded from the 10% Section 122 duty (rare for brakes).
- Pre-Ruling: For large shipments, apply for a Binding Ruling with US CBP to confirm HS Code and tariff liability.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker to verify the specific material makeup of your brake components.
π Calculate Landed Cost: CIF + 37.5% Duty + Freight + Insurance.
β¨ Accurate Classification = Cost Control.
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) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β 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 β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β 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.