Carburetor Kit
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8421230000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421310000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8409915081 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8409911040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
βοΈ Carburetor Kit (Parts for Spark-Ignition Internal Combustion Engines)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Carburetor Kit"?
A Carburetor Kit typically refers to a set of parts used for the maintenance, repair, or rebuild of carburetors in internal combustion engines. Unlike complete carburetors (which are classified under Chapter 84), a kit consists of discrete components such as jets, diaphragms, gaskets, screws, and needles.
In international trade and customs classification, the critical distinction lies in whether the item is a complete assembly or individual parts. Under the Harmonized System (HS), "parts suitable for use solely or principally with engines" fall under Heading 8409.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a complete, assembled carburetor β It is classified under 8408/8407 (Engines) or specifically as an engine part/assembly depending on jurisdiction interpretation, but often misclassified. Note: The provided data focuses on Parts (Heading 8409).
- If the product is a Kit of Parts (disassembled components) β It is strictly classified as a Part under Heading 8409.
- Specific Engine Type Matters: The tax rate differs significantly between Spark-Ignition Engines (e.g., gas engines, motorcycles, small cars) and Compression-Ignition Engines (diesel). Most "Carburetor Kits" are for Spark-Ignition (Gasoline) engines.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The provided data contains four distinct HS Codes. For a Carburetor Kit, the most relevant classification is 8409.91 (Parts for Spark-Ignition Engines). The other codes relate to Filters (8421) or Cast-Iron Parts (8409.91.10), which are not typical "kits" but specific raw or semi-finished components.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability to Carburetor Kit | Tax Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
8409.91.50.81 |
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with engines of heading 8407 or 8408: Suitable for spark-ignition engines: Steel forgings | β MOST RELEVANT if the kit contains forged steel components (e.g., main body, precision machined jets). This is the standard classification for finished steel parts kits for gasoline engines. | Total Tax: 27.5% |
8409.91.10.40 |
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with engines of heading 8407 or 8408: Cast-iron parts, not advanced beyond cleaning, and machined only for removal of fins/gates... | β οΈ PARTIAL MATCH Only if the "kit" consists solely of unprocessed cast iron blocks (rare for a consumer "kit"). Unlikely for standard carburetor kits which include precision jets/diaphragms. | Total Tax: 25.0% |
8421.23.00.00 |
Filtering or purifying machinery for liquids: Oil or fuel filters for internal combustion engines | β IRRELEVANT unless the kit contains only filters. A carburetor kit is not a fuel filter. | Total Tax: 0.0% |
8421.31.00.00 |
Filtering or purifying machinery for gases: Intake air filters for internal combustion engines | β IRRELEVANT unless the kit contains only air filters. A carburetor kit is not an air filter. | Total Tax: 0.0% |
π Critical Note:
- The vast majority of Carburetor Kits for small engines (lawnmowers, motorcycles, ATVs) are classified under8409.91.50.81because they contain precision steel parts intended for spark-ignition engines.
- The filters (8421) are NOT carburetor kits. Do not misclassify a carburetor kit as a filter to avoid penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Analysis)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current trade policies apply (2025-2026)
π― 1. 8409.91.50.81 β Carburetor/Engine Parts (Steel Forgings for Spark-Ignition Engines)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (Most Favored Nation / Standard) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Retaliatory tariff on Chinese goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 27.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT APPLICABLE (Section 321 de minimis does not apply to goods subject to Section 301 tariffs above $800 if specifically listed, or more importantly, commercial shipments are always taxed). |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 8409.91.50.81 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (Section 301) |
π Explanation:
- Why 27.5%? The base rate for engine parts is low (2.5%), but the 25% Section 301 tariff is the dominant cost driver for Chinese-origin goods.
- No Exemption: Unlike some consumer electronics, engine parts for vehicles are generally not exempt from Section 301 tariffs unless specifically carved out (check USTR exclusions list, but generally, they are included).
- Comparison: If you mistakenly classify this as a Filter (8421.23.00.00), the tax is 0%, but this is illegal misclassification and carries severe penalties.
π― 2. 8409.91.10.40 β Cast-Iron Engine Parts
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Applicability | Only for crude cast iron blocks, not complete kits with precision parts. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Carburetor Rebuild Kit β Steel Parts" not just "Auto Parts". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail the contents: e.g., "10x Jets, 2x Diaphragms, 5x Gaskets". |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the kit contents clearly to prove it is a "Kit of Parts" and not a complete engine or filter. |
| β HS Code Pre-ruling | βοΈ | Highly recommended to confirm 8409.91.50.81 vs 8409.91.10.40. |
| β Country of Origin | βοΈ | Must declare China (CN) if manufactured there to apply the correct 25% additional duty. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Kit is Part, Not Filter, Steel for Gas, 27.5% Clear!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carburetor Kit (Steel Parts) | 8409.91.50.81 |
8421.23.00.00 (Filter) |
Penalty: Misclassification, potential seizure, back taxes + fines. |
| Carburetor Kit (Cast Iron Block) | 8409.91.10.40 |
8409.91.50.81 |
Risk: Overpayment or Underpayment depending on actual value/weight. |
| Complete Carburetor (Assembled) | 8409.91.50.81 (as part) or 8408 (as engine part) |
8421.31.00.00 (Air Filter) |
High Risk:ζ΅·ε ³ will reject as it is not an air filter. |
| Air Filter Only | 8421.31.00.00 |
8409.91.50.81 |
Underpayment: Tax should be 0%, but declared as 27.5% (harmless but inefficient). |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Kit contains both Steel & Plastic Parts | Classify as Steel Parts (8409.91.50.81) because steel is the principal material/value driver in precision carburetor jets. |
| Kit includes Gaskets/Diaphragms | Do not split the shipment. A "kit" is considered a single unit for classification. |
| Importing for OEM Repair | Provide OEM Contract and Repair Order. Prove it is a "part for use" to avoid being classified as "Used Goods" (which may have different restrictions). |
| Origin: Vietnam/Malaysia | If the kit is assembled in these countries with sufficient transformation, you may avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff, resulting in only 2.5% base duty. Critical for cost savings! |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8409.91.50.81 |
27.5% (2.5% + 25%) | No special cert | High tariff due to Section 301. |
| π¨π³ China | 8409.91.50.81 |
0% (Import Duty) | N/A | China imports parts duty-free or low rate. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8409.91.00 |
4.5% (Standard) | CE (if applicable) | No retaliatory tariffs like US. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8409.91.00 |
4.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit tariff. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 8409.91.00 |
0% (Under USMCA if qualified) | N/A | If produced in NA region, duty-free. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for Carburetor Kits from China due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- EU and UK tariffs are significantly lower (~4.5%).
- Supply Chain Strategy: Consider assembling kits in Vietnam, Malaysia, or Mexico to qualify for preferential rates or avoid Section 301 duties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears)
β Error 1: Classifying Carburetor Kit as Fuel Filter (8421.23.00.00)
π Consequence: 0% Tax initially, but Customs will audit, find misclassification, and assess 27.5% back taxes + 20% penalty.
π Reason: A carburetor kit is not a filter; it controls fuel mixture, not filters fuel.
β Error 2: Classifying as Air Filter (8421.31.00.00)
π Consequence: Same as above. Customs experts easily distinguish between air filters and carburetor parts.
β Error 3: Declaring "Auto Parts" Generic
π Consequence: Customs may assign the highest possible duty rate for ambiguity, which could be higher than 27.5% if interpreted as a complete engine part assembly under a different subheading.
β Correct Practice:
"Carburetor Rebuild Kit, Model XYZ, for Spark-Ignition Engine, Steel Jets & Diaphragms, HS Code 8409.91.50.81"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Kit is Part, Not Filter, Steel for Gas, 27.5% Clear!"
πΉ "Misclassify as Filter, 27.5% Back Tax + Penalty!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Carburetor Kits are manufactured in Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, ensure you have a Certificate of Origin to prove they are not Chinese-made. This can reduce your tariff from 27.5% to 2.5% (Base Rate).
For US imports, pre-ruling is highly recommended to confirm 8409.91.50.81 is appropriate for your specific kit composition.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker + Provide Kit Contents List + Apply for HS Code Pre-ruling
π Ensure accurate declaration to avoid 27.5% surprises and seizure risks!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tariff saved is profit earned!
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.