Grease Fitting
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8487900040 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8487900080 | 88.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
🔧 Grease Fittings (Zerk Fittings / Lubrication Nipples)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition and Classification: What is a "Grease Fitting"?
Grease fittings, commonly known as Zerk fittings or lubrication nipples, are small mechanical components used to inject lubricating grease into the bearings and joints of machinery. They are essential maintenance parts for automobiles, industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, and construction vehicles.
In international trade, they are strictly classified as "Parts of Machinery" because they serve a specific mechanical function (lubrication) within a larger system. They are not electrical components, nor are they simple fasteners like screws (unless specifically designed as such, but standard grease fittings fall under machinery parts).
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a standalone lubrication nipple (metal, with a check valve, no electrical features) → It falls under Chapter 84 (Machinery).
- If it is part of an electrical connector assembly → It might fall under Chapter 85.
- Standard industrial/automotive grease fittings are classified under 8487.90.00.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise classification for Grease Fittings (Machinery parts, non-electrical):
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Tax Rate (China Origin → USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
8487.90.00.40 |
Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors... Other: Other Oil seals, other than those of chapter 40 | Note: While the description says "Oil seals," this subheading is often used in specific tariff schedules for general non-electrical machinery parts not specified elsewhere. However, for standard grease fittings, the broader "Other" category is often more accurate if "Oil seals" is too narrow. See below. | 28.9% |
8487.90.00.80 |
Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors... Other: Other | Recommended for standard Grease Fittings. This covers general machinery parts not specified elsewhere (like oil seals). | 28.9% or 78.9% (See Tax Detail Below) |
🔍 Critical Classification Note:
- Grease fittings are not oil seals (which are sealing rings). Therefore,8487.90.00.40's description ("Other Oil seals") may be technically inaccurate for a literal interpretation, but in many customs databases,8487.90.00.80("Other") is the correct catch-all for non-electrical machinery parts like grease fittings.
- We recommend8487.90.00.80as the primary code for standard steel/brass grease fittings, as they are "other" machinery parts not specified elsewhere.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Enforcement)
🎯 1. HS Code 8487.90.00.80 —— "Other" Machinery Parts (Standard Grease Fittings)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% (Standard MFN rate) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% (On all Chinese machinery parts not exempted) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (IF the fitting is made of Steel, Aluminum, or Copper) |
| Total Tax Rate | Case A: 28.9% (If base + 301 only, no material surcharge) Case B: 78.9% (If 25% + 50% Steel/Al/Cu surcharge applies) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ NOT Available (Deny De Minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Authority | USITC:8487.90.00.80 → Section 301: 25% + Section 232 (Steel/Al): 50% |
📌 Interpretation:
- Why 78.9%? Most grease fittings are made of Steel (chrome-plated) or Brass/Copper.
- If classified as Steel product: Base 3.9% + 301 Surtax 25% + Steel Surcharge 50% = 78.9%.
- If classified as Non-Steel (e.g., Plastic/Nylon grease guns, but fittings are metal): Base 3.9% + 301 Surtax 25% = 28.9%.
- CRITICAL: Since most grease fittings are steel, you must prepare for the 78.9% rate unless you can prove they are not "steel articles" under Section 232 (which is difficult for metal fittings).
🎯 2. HS Code 8487.90.00.40 —— "Other Oil Seals" (Alternative/Incorrect?)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge | Not explicitly listed in the provided snippet for this subheading, but generally applies to steel goods. Assuming 28.9% per the provided data. |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.9% |
| Risk | High Risk of Misclassification. Customs may reject this if the item is not an "oil seal." |
📌 Recommendation: Avoid
8487.90.00.40unless you are importing rubber oil seals. For metal grease nipples,8487.90.00.80is the correct general category.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specifications | ✔️ | Material (Steel/Brass), Size (1/8", 1/4"), Thread Type (Metric/UNC) |
| ✅ Material Certificate | ✔️ | Crucial: Prove if it is Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel. This determines the 50% surcharge. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: "Grease Fitting (Zerk Fitting), Machinery Part, Non-Electrical" |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Detail weight and quantity. Avoid "Mixture" without breakdown. |
| ✅ HS Code Ruling (Optional) | ✔️ | Pre-existing CBP Ruling is recommended to avoid the 78.9% rate if possible. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Be Precise: 'Grease Fitting' not 'General Part'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Steel Fitting | 8487.90.00.80 - "Grease Fitting, Steel" |
Vague: "Machine Parts" → Audit risk |
| Plastic/Nylon Fitting | 8487.90.00.80 - "Grease Fitting, Plastic" |
Claiming it's steel to avoid... wait, plastic avoids 50% surcharge! |
| Electrical Connector | 8536.xxxx |
Misclassifying as 8487 → Penalty |
💡 Strategy to Reduce Tax:
- If you can source Plastic or Brass (non-steel/aluminum critical components) grease fittings, you may avoid the 50% Steel/Aluminum surcharge, bringing the rate down to 28.9%.
- However, most industrial fittings are Steel. Be honest about material.
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Fittings | Still subject to 50% Steel Surcharge? Yes, Section 232 covers "Steel Articles." Unless it's a specific alloy exempted, assume 78.9%. |
| Brass Fittings | Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. Copper Surcharge (50%) may apply. Check specific HTSUS exclusions. |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk imports (boxes of 1000) are standard. Ensure packaging does not include tools (grease guns) unless declared separately. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8487.90.00.80 |
28.9% - 78.9% | Material Certificate | High risk due to Steel/Al/Cu surcharges |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8487.90.00.80 |
3.9% (Export Duty) | CE/RoHS (if EU bound) | Low tax for export |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 8487.90.00 |
0% - 3.7% | CE Marking | Lower tariffs, no Section 301 |
| 🇮🇳 India | 8487.90.00 |
~7.5% - 10% | BIS Certification | Moderate tariffs |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US is the most challenging market for grease fittings due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 232 (50% Steel/Al/Cu) surcharges.
- Total tax can exceed 75% for steel fittings.
- Mitigation: Consider third-country assembly (Vietnam/Mexico) if feasible, or negotiate DDP terms with buyers.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring as "Fastener" (Chapter 73)
👉 Consequence: Wrong classification. Grease fittings are parts of machinery (Chapter 84), not general fasteners.
👉 Result: Misclassification penalty.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring Material Composition
👉 Consequence: Assuming 28.9% for steel fittings.
👉 Result: Customs audits will apply the 50% steel surcharge, leading to back taxes + interest.
❌ Error 3: Vague Description "Lubrication Part"
👉 Consequence: Customs delay for further investigation.
👉 Result: Storage fees at port.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Grease Fitting, Zerk Type, 1/8"-27 NPT, Chrome Plated Steel, Model GF-100, HS Code 8487.90.00.80"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Steel Fittings: 78.9% (3.9% + 25% + 50%)"
🔹 "Non-Steel: 28.9% (3.9% + 25%)"
🔹 "Material Proof is Key!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your grease fittings are made of Stainless Steel, consult a customs broker to check if specific stainless alloys are exempt from Section 232. Some exclusions exist.
Always request a Material Test Report (MTR) from your supplier to verify the exact alloy composition.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker to confirm if your specific steel alloy qualifies for any surcharge exclusions.
📄 Prepare Material Certificates for all shipments to avoid the 78.9% rate if eligible.
🚀 Optimize Supply Chain: Consider sourcing from non-China origins if volume is high, to avoid all US surcharges.
✨ Precision in Classification, Savings in Cost!
💼 Every percentage point matters in global trade!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.