Brake Caliper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8708305030 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708998105 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8431499044 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8431499095 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016995500 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016993550 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326902500 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908605 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Brake Calipers & Related Hardware (Automotive Parts)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Brake Calipers"?
A brake caliper is a critical component of a vehicle's disc braking system. In international trade, it is not classified as a single entity but rather broken down by material, function, and specific assembly (rotors, cables, rubber parts). Misclassification here can lead to severe tariff penalties due to the "Steel/Aluminum/Copper" surcharges and specific automotive parts duties.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If the product is a brake rotor (disc) only β It is considered a part of the braking system under 8708.30.
- If the product is a brake hose (plastic/rubber with fittings) β It falls under 8708.99.
- If the product is steel cable/inner wire for calipers (cantilever/linear-pull brakes) β It falls under 7326.90 (Steel Articles).
- If the product is rubber vibration control for the caliper assembly β It falls under 4016.99.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
The following HS Codes are strictly derived from the provided data for components associated with brake calipers and braking systems:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Type | Tax Rate (CNβUS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.25.00 |
Cable or inner wire for caliper and cantilever brakes and casing therefor (cut to length) | Inner brake cables, housing wires for bicycle/motorcycle calipers | Steel | 75.0% (0% Base + 25% Sec 301 + 50% Al/Steel Surcharge) |
7326.90.86.05 |
Other rods for electrical grounding | Note: Listed in data, but generally distinct from calipers unless used as ground straps. | Steel | 50.0% (0% Base + 0% Sec 301 + 50% Al/Steel Surcharge) |
8708.30.50.30 |
Brake rotors (discs) for motor vehicles (Headings 8701-8705) | Brake discs/rotors (often sold with calipers or as replacements) | Steel/Alloy | 27.5% (2.5% Base + 25% Sec 301) |
8708.99.81.05 |
Brake hoses of plastics, with attached fittings | Brake lines, flexible hoses connecting calipers to master cylinder | Plastic/Rubber | 27.5% (2.5% Base + 25% Sec 301) |
4016.99.55.00 |
Vibration control goods for vehicles (8701-8705) | Rubber mounts, bushings, or dampers attached to caliper assemblies | Vulcanized Rubber | 27.5% (2.5% Base + 25% Sec 301) |
4016.99.35.50 |
Other articles of vulcanized rubber (natural rubber) | General rubber components not specifically vibration control | Natural Rubber | 25.0% (0% Base + 25% Sec 301) |
8431.49.90.44 |
Parts of backhoes, shovels, etc. | Error in Data: Tax retrieval failed. Typically for construction machinery. | N/A | Error |
8431.49.90.95 |
Other parts for construction machinery | Error in Data: Tax retrieval failed. | N/A | Error |
π Critical Warning:
- Steel Components: Any steel part directly related to the caliper mechanism (like inner wires7326.90.25.00) is subject to the maximum penalty tier: 75%. This includes the base rate, Section 301 tariffs, and the specific 50% surcharge on steel, aluminum, and copper products.
- Automotive Parts: Brake rotors (8708.30) and hoses (8708.99) are subject to the standard 27.5% (2.5% MFN + 25% Section 301).
- Rubber Parts: Rubber vibration dampers (4016.99.55) and hoses are also 27.5%. Pure natural rubber articles (4016.99.35) are 25%.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply (Section 301 & Steel/Aluminum Surcharges)
π― 1. 7326.90.25.00 ββ Brake Caliper Inner Wire/Cable (Steel)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 75.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 75% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β None (High value risk) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7326.90.25.00 β Steel Surcharge: 50% β Sec 301: 25% |
π Explanation:
- This is the highest risk category. Even though it is a "wire," it is a functional part of the braking system.
- The 50% Steel Surcharge applies because it is an article of iron or steel.
- The 25% Section 301 applies to Chinese goods.
- Total 75% makes shipping this component directly to the US extremely cost-prohibitive for low-margin items.
π― 2. 8708.30.50.30 ββ Brake Rotors (Discs)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum Surcharge | 0% (Not listed as "Steel Article" in this specific subheading, but often scrutinized) |
| Total Effective Rate | 27.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.5% |
π Explanation:
- Brake rotors are classified under "Parts of Motor Vehicles."
- The base duty is 2.5%.
- Section 301 adds 25%.
- Note: Some customs brokers may attempt to classify rotors as "Steel Articles" to argue for the 50% surcharge, but the data provided lists8708.30.50.30with only base + 301. Verify with CBP ruling to avoid underpayment.
π― 3. 8708.99.81.05 ββ Brake Hoses (Plastic/Rubber with Fittings)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 27.5% |
π Explanation:
- Plastic brake hoses are considered "Other Parts and Accessories."
- Same rate structure as rotors.
π― 4. 4016.99.55.00 ββ Vibration Control Goods (Caliper Mounts)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 27.5% |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Material: Steel/Plastic/Rubber," "Function: Brake Caliper Component," "OE Number." |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Crucial for 7326 vs 8708 distinction. If steel, expect 75%. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS code exactly (e.g., "Brake Caliper Inner Cable" not just "Cable"). |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To prove CN origin and trigger/verify surcharges. |
| β Structure Diagram | βοΈ | For 7326.90.25.00: Show it is specifically for "caliper/cantilever brakes." |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Steel Wire is 75%, Auto Parts are 27.5%"
| Component | Correct HS Code | Risk Level | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner Cable/Wire | 7326.90.25.00 |
π¨ HIGH (75%) | Consider shipping as part of a larger assembly if possible, or absorb cost. Do not mislabel as general steel wire. |
| Brake Rotor | 8708.30.50.30 |
π‘ MED (27.5%) | Ensure it is clearly identified as a vehicle part, not just "steel disc." |
| Brake Hose | 8708.99.81.05 |
π‘ MED (27.5%) | Ensure fittings are attached; otherwise, it might be classified as plastic hose (different rate). |
| Rubber Mounts | 4016.99.55.00 |
π‘ MED (27.5%) | Specify "vibration control" to avoid being classified as general rubber goods (25% or higher depending on details). |
β 3. Special Situations
| Scenario | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Brake Calipers (Complete Unit) | NOT LISTED IN DATA. The provided data only lists parts (rotors, cables, hoses). If you are shipping complete calipers, they likely fall under 8708.30 (Parts of braking systems), but tax info is Error in the dataset. You must apply for a Pre-Ruling. |
| Mixed Containers | If a container has both steel cables (7326) and rubber hoses (4708), they are taxed separately. Do not bundle them to lower the overall average. |
| Recalibration/Aftermarket | If selling aftermarket calipers, ensure they meet DOT/FMVSS standards. Missing certifications can lead to seizure, regardless of HS code. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Example) | Tariff (CN Origin) | Key Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.25.00 / 8708.30.50.30 |
75% (Cable) / 27.5% (Rotor) | DOT, SAE | Highest penalties for steel components. |
| π¨π³ China | 7326.90.25.00 / 8708.30.50.30 |
0-10% | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7326.90.90 / 8708.30 |
0-4.5% | E-Mark | No 301 equivalent. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 7326.90 / 8708.30 |
0% (under USMCA) | NOM | Potential for 0% if qualifying for USMCA. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to the 50% Steel Surcharge on cables (7326.90.25.00) and 25% Section 301 on auto parts.
- Brake Rotor (8708.30.50.30) is more tariff-efficient than Brake Cable (7326.90.25.00) (27.5% vs 75%).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying "Brake Inner Wire" as "General Steel Wire" (7326.90.90)
π Consequence: Customs may reject it for being "specifically for calipers," forcing reclassification to 7326.90.25.00 β 75% Tariff.
β Mistake 2: Shipping "Brake Hoses" without fittings and calling them "Plastic Pipes"
π Consequence: HS code changes from 8708.99 (Auto Parts) to general plastic goods. May face different scrutiny or higher rates if misdeclared.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Steel Surcharge" on 7326.90.25.00
π Consequence: Budgeting for 25% tax, but actually owing 75%. Profit margin destroyed.
β Mistake 4: Assuming "Complete Calipers" follow the same rules as "Parts"
π Consequence: The data does not provide a tax rate for complete calipers. Risk of Error if classified incorrectly.
β Correct Action:
"Brake Caliper Inner Cable, Steel, Cut-to-Length, for Cantilever Brakes, Model XYZ, OE# 12345"
Use this precise description to justify7326.90.25.00and prepare for the 75% duty.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Steel Cable = 75% (High Risk), Auto Rotor = 27.5% (Medium), Rubber = 25-27.5%."
πΉ "Don't let 'Steel Surcharge' kill your profit. Verify material and function!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping steel brake components (7326) to the US, cost-benefit analysis is essential. Consider:
1. Local Assembly: Import raw materials (not finished steel parts) if possible to avoid the "article of steel" surcharge (complex).
2. Alternative Markets: Export to EU or Mexico where steel surcharges do not apply.
3. Pre-Ruling: Always file a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or US CBP Pre-Ruling for large shipments to confirm if the 50% steel surcharge applies to your specific product configuration.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker BEFORE shipping steel brake components to the US.
π Request a Pre-Ruling for7326.90.25.00and8708.30.50.30.
π Accurate HS Coding = Predictable Costs = Competitive Pricing!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar is Worth Calculating!
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.