Flower Nut
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7318160060 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318160085 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐ผ Flower Nut (Spring Washer / Lock Washer)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What a "Flower Nut" Is?
A Flower Nut, also known as a Spring Washer or Lock Washer, is a thin, split, or curved metal disc used under the head of a bolt or nut. Its primary function is to prevent loosening due to vibration and to distribute the load of the threaded fastener.
In international trade, it is classified not by its name ("Flower Nut"), but by its physical structure and material. It falls under the category of "Washers (including spring washers)" within the broader chapter of Iron or Steel fasteners.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction:
- If it is Stainless Steel: It falls under 7318.16.00.60.
- If it is Carbon Steel/Black Steel (Other): It falls under 7318.16.00.85.
- โ Misclassification Risk: Do NOT classify as "Nuts" (7318.15) or "Bolts" (7318.14). It is a Washer.
๐ฆ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7318.16.00.60 |
Nuts, Other: Of Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316) | Rust-resistant applications, outdoor, marine, food grade | 57.5% |
7318.16.00.85 |
Nuts, Other: Other (Carbon/Black Steel) | Carbon Steel, Iron, Alloy Steel | General industrial machinery, construction, automotive | 57.5% |
๐ Critical Note:
- Both codes fall under Chapter 73: Articles of Iron or Steel.
- The description "Nuts" in the HS code header is a historical grouping. It includes Spring Washers and Lock Washers as well as standard hex nuts.
- Why 57.5%? This rate is the sum of the Base Tariff (0%) + Section 301 Additional Tariff (7.5%) + Section 232 Steel/Aluminum Additional Tariff (50%).
๐ฐ Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Current rates apply (Section 232 & Section 301)
๐ฏ 1. 7318.16.00.60 โ Flower Nuts / Spring Washers (Stainless Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% (For "Other" stainless steel fasteners) |
| Section 232 Steel Additional Tariff | +50% (For steel articles of a kind used for bolts, screws, nuts, etc.) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 57.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 57.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | โ NO (Valued over $800? No. But even under $800, Section 232/301 often restricts exemption for specific steel categories. Check current CBP rulings.) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7318.16.00 โ Section 232: Steel Products โ Section 301: China-Origin Goods |
๐ Explanation:
- Section 232 (50%): Applies to "steel products" including fasteners like washers and nuts. This is a national security tariff.
- Section 301 (7.5%): A tariff imposed on Chinese goods under trade remedy laws.
- Total: 57.5%. This is a high-cost item. Profit margins must account for this.
๐ฏ 2. 7318.16.00.85 โ Flower Nuts / Spring Washers (Carbon/Other Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 232 Steel Additional Tariff | +50% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 57.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 57.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | โ NO (Same as above) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7318.16.00 โ Section 232: Steel Products โ Section 301: China-Origin Goods |
๐ Note:
- Even though it is "Other" steel, it is still subject to the same 50% Section 232 tariff.
- There is no differential tax benefit between Stainless (60) and Carbon (85) for these specific surcharges. Both are taxed at 57.5%.
๐ ๏ธ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state: "Spring Washer / Lock Washer", not just "Nuts". |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail the weight and quantity. Separate stainless from carbon if mixed. |
| โ Product Specifications | โ๏ธ | Include material grade (e.g., SS304, SS316, or C1022 Steel), diameter, thickness, and finish (zinc-plated, black oxide, etc.). |
| โ Material Certificate | โ๏ธ | Especially for Stainless Steel (60), prove it is not coated with base metal that might trigger different tariffs. |
| โ Country of Origin Label | โ๏ธ | Must be accurate. If assembled in China, origin is China. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Specify Material, Name as Washer, Avoid 'Nut' Ambiguity!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Spring Washer | HS: 7318.16.00.60 "Stainless Steel Spring Washer" |
"Stainless Steel Nut" โ May cause CBP scrutiny if shape is clearly washer. |
| Carbon Steel Spring Washer | HS: 7318.16.00.85 "Carbon Steel Lock Washer" |
"Iron Washer" โ Too vague. Use specific steel grade. |
| Mixed Lot (SS + CS) | Split Line Items | Combine into one line โ Risk of misclassification and penalties. |
โ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Coated Washers | If plated (e.g., zinc, nickel), it is still classified under 7318.16. Ensure the base material is declared correctly. |
| Small Quantities (De Minimis) | โ ๏ธ Caution: While the $800 de minimis rule exists, Section 232 steel tariffs have historically been applied strictly. Many carriers may still charge duty or reject. Verify with your freight forwarder. |
| Origin Labeling | If you have "China Assembly, US Components", the country of origin is determined by substantial transformation. For simple fasteners, assembly rarely changes origin. |
๐ Part 5: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 7318.16.00.60 / .85 |
57.5% | No specific certs required for hardware | High tariff. Consider sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico for 0% rate. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 7318.16.00 |
0-6% (Export Rebate applies) | CCC (if for specific safety gear) | Low import duty. Export tax rebates may apply. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 7318 15 90 / 7318 16 90 |
6.5% | CE (if part of machinery) | No Section 232 equivalent. Much lower cost. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 7318 15 90 / 7318 16 90 |
6.5% | UKCA | Similar to EU post-Brexit. |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico | 7318 15 90 / 7318 16 90 |
0% (USMCA) | N/A | Best alternative if manufactured in Mexico. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to the 50% Section 232 + 7.5% Section 301 tariffs.
- Total 57.5% significantly impacts profitability.
- Strategy: If exporting to the US, consider supply chain relocation to Mexico, Vietnam, or Thailand to avoid these tariffs.
๐ Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Nut" without specifying "Spring/Lock"
๐ Consequence: CBP may misclassify, leading to delays or audit.
โ
Fix: Always use "Spring Washer" or "Lock Washer" in the description.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 232 Steel Tariff
๐ Consequence: Unexpected 50% charge at customs.
โ
Fix: Budget for 57.5% total duty if sourcing from China.
โ Mistake 3: Mixing Stainless and Carbon Steel in One Declaration Line
๐ Consequence: Customs will separate them, assess different HTSUs, and potentially penalize for incomplete data.
โ
Fix: Split line items on the invoice.
โ Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies without checking Steel Rules
๐ Consequence: Package held at border, duties still assessed.
โ
Fix: Confirm with your broker if Section 232 applies to your specific washer type and quantity.
๐ฏ Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Material First, Washer Second, 57.5% Total Duty."
๐น "HS Code 7318.16, Steel Tariff 50%, Trade War 7.5%."
๐ Tips:
- If your Flower Nuts are sourced from Mexico, Vietnam, or India, check for free or lower tariff rates.
- Always request a Pre-Ruling from US CBP if you are unsure about the classification of coated or็นๆฎ-shaped washers.
- Document everything: Material certs, photos, and specs are your best defense.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact Your Customs Broker
๐ Provide Product Specs (Material, Diameter, Thickness)
๐ Optimize Your Supply Chain to Avoid High Tariffs!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Percent Matters in Fastener Trade!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.