Brake Light Base
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7616995170 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926301000 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405994020 | 91.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405994090 | 91.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926305000 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Brake Light Base (Lamp Base for Lighting)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Logistics Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know Your "Brake Light Base"?
A Brake Light Base is the structural housing or mounting component of an automotive lighting assembly, designed to hold the bulb, reflector, and lens, and to integrate with the vehicle's electrical system. It is not the complete light assembly but a critical component (part).
In international trade, its classification depends strictly on the material and function:
- All-Metal Base (e.g., Aluminum): Classified as a metal part of a lamp β HS Code 7616.99.51.70.
- Plastic Base: Classified as a plastic fitting of a lamp β HS Code 3926.30.10.00 (General) or 3926.30.50.00 (Specific support/connector parts).
- Aluminum Lamp Parts (Specialized): If defined strictly as a part of an aluminum lamp (9405 series) β HS Code 9405.99.40.20.
- Other Materials (Non-Cast Iron, Non-Aluminum): If made of steel or other non-aluminum metals β HS Code 9405.99.40.90.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Material is Key: Aluminum vs. Plastic vs. Steel changes the HS Code and tax rate drastically.
- Function: Is it a standalone "metal part" (7616) or a "lamp part" (9405)?
- Tax Impact: Rates range from 22.8% to 91.0% depending on the code!
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here is the breakdown for Brake Light Bases:
| HS Code | Material Composition | Product Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7616.99.51.70 | Metal (e.g., Aluminum) | Brake Light Base classified under Metal Parts | Aluminum housing, casting, or machining parts not classified elsewhere. |
| 3926.30.10.00 | Plastic | Brake Light Base classified under Plastic Fittings | General plastic housing for brake lights. |
| 3926.30.50.00 | Plastic | Plastic Lamp Connector/Support Parts | Plastic bases acting specifically as connectors or structural supports. |
| 9405.99.40.20 | Aluminum (Lamp Part) | Aluminum Lamp Parts | Specific parts of aluminum lamps (high tariff risk). |
| 9405.99.40.90 | Non-Cast Iron, Non-Aluminum | Other Lamp Parts | Bases made of steel or other non-ferrous metals (excluding cast iron/aluminum). |
π Key Takeaway:
- Metal (Aluminum) vs. Lamp Part: If the base is just a raw metal part, it goes to 7616 (2.5% base). If it is deemed a "part of an aluminum lamp," it jumps to 9405 (6.0% base + 50% steel/aluminum surcharge!).
- Plastic: Generally lower risk, 3926 series (5.3% - 6.5% base).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (USA / China Origin)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Applicable Rules: Base Tariff + Section 301 (Additional) + Section 122 (2026 Specific)
π― 1. 7616.99.51.70 β Metal (Aluminum) Brake Light Base
The "Lowest Risk" for Aluminum parts (if not classified as 9405).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Additional | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| Legal Reference | Section 122 (10%) + Section 301 (25%) + HTSUS Base |
π Explanation:
- This code is for metal parts (like aluminum castings).
- Total 37.5% is high but much lower than the "Lamp Part" codes (91%).
- Crucial: Ensure the product is declared as a "Metal Part" (7616), NOT a "Lamp Part" (9405).
π― 2. 3926.30.10.00 β Plastic Brake Light Base (General)
Standard plastic housing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Additional | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
| Legal Reference | Section 122 (10%) + Section 301 (7.5%) + HTSUS Base |
π Explanation:
- Lowest total tax (24%) if the material is plastic.
- Ideal for cost optimization if the design allows plastic.
π― 3. 3926.30.50.00 β Plastic Connector/Support Parts
Specific plastic support or connection components.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Additional | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
π Explanation:
- Lowest Tax (22.8%) if the part is strictly a "connector" or "support" made of plastic.
- Strategy: If the base has a specific connector function, try to classify under 3926.30.50.
π― 4. 9405.99.40.20 β Aluminum Lamp Parts
The "High Risk" Trap for Aluminum Bases.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Additional | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% (Specific to Steel/Aluminum/Copper products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 91.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 91.0% |
π Explanation:
- π¨ EXTREME TAX ALERT: 91.0%!
- This applies if the base is classified as a "part of a lamp" (Chapter 94) AND made of Aluminum.
- Why? The "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products" surcharge of 50% kicks in on top of the 301/122 taxes.
- Avoid: Do NOT declare an aluminum base as a "Lamp Part" if it can be declared as a "Metal Part" (7616).
π― 5. 9405.99.40.90 β Other Lamp Parts (Non-Cast Iron, Non-Aluminum)
Steel or other metal bases classified as Lamp Parts.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Additional | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 91.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 91.0% |
π Explanation:
- Even if made of Steel (not aluminum), if classified as a "Lamp Part" (9405), it still attracts the 50% surcharge.
- Result: 91.0% total tax.
- Strategy: For steel bases, try to find a classification under 7326 (Other articles of iron/steel) or 9405 only if unavoidable. If 9405 is required, tax is catastrophic.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid the 91% Pitfall)
β 1. Material Declaration Strategy
- Aluminum Bases: Declare as "Metal Part" β HS 7616.99.51.70 (37.5%).
- β DO NOT declare as "Lamp Part" β HS 9405.99.40.20 (91%).
- Why? The difference is 53.5%!
- Plastic Bases: Declare as "Plastic Fitting" β HS 3926.30.10.00 (24.0%) or 3926.30.50.00 (22.8%).
- Steel Bases: Harder to avoid 9405 if it's clearly a lamp part, but verify if it can be a "General Metal Part" first.
β 2. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) | Must specify material % (Aluminum vs. Plastic) | Prove material for correct HS Code. |
| Technical Drawing | Show dimensions and function (Base only, not whole lamp) | Distinguish "Part" vs. "Finished Product". |
| Product Photos | Close-ups of material texture and markings | Visual proof of material type. |
| Declaration of Origin | Confirm CN (China) origin | Trigger Section 122 & 301. |
| Function Description | "Support/Holder for Brake Light Bulb" | Clarify it is a component, not a complete lamp. |
β 3. Common Errors & Fixes
| β Mistake | π« Consequence | β Correct Action |
|---|---|---|
| Declaring Aluminum Base as "Lamp Part" | 91.0% Tax (Disaster) | Declare as "Metal Part" (7616) β 37.5% |
| Declaring Plastic Base as "Metal Part" | 37.5% Tax (Overpayment) | Declare as "Plastic Part" (3926) β 22.8% |
| Mixing Plastic & Aluminum in one SKU | Ambiguity | Split shipments or declare the dominant material. |
| Calling it "Brake Light" instead of "Base" | Wrong Classification | Be specific: "Brake Light Base" or "Lamp Housing Part". |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tax Rate | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7616.99.51.70 (Alum) | 37.5% | 9405 trap (91%) is the biggest risk. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.30.10.00 (Plastic) | 24.0% | Verify "Connector" status for 22.8%. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7616 / 3926 | ~10-15% | No Section 301/122 surcharges. |
| π¨π³ China | 7616 / 3926 | ~5-10% | Standard import duties. |
π VI. Conclusion: Smart Shipping, Zero Surprises
π₯ Golden Rule for Brake Light Bases:
"Aluminum Base = 37.5% (7616), NOT 91% (9405)!"
"Plastic Base = 22.8% - 24% (3926)!"
Action Plan: 1. Audit your inventory: Separate Aluminum and Plastic bases immediately. 2. Update Incoterms & HS Codes: Ensure your shipping documents explicitly state "Base" and "Metal Part". 3. Consult Customs Broker: Submit a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) request or Pre-Ruling for the 7616.99.51.70 code to lock in the 37.5% rate and avoid the 91% trap.
β¨ Pro Tip: If your brake light base is a complex assembly of plastic and metal, consider the dominant material rule. If it's >50% metal, you might still face the 9405 risk. Split the materials if possible to optimize tax!
π Let your Brake Light Bases pass smoothly, save 68.5% in tax, and maximize profit!
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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.