Hex Head Screw

🔩 Hex Head Screws & Bolts (Iron or Steel)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Hex Head Screws"?

Hex head screws and bolts are essential fasteners in construction, machinery, automotive, and industrial applications. In international trade, they are broadly categorized under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel). The critical distinction lies in the diameter of the shank/thread and whether they are imported/exported with their nuts/washers.

⚠️ Key Classification Distinction:
- HS Code 7318.15.20.65: For bolts/bolts with nuts/washers in the same shipment, with a diameter ≥ 6 mm, specifically those with hexagonal heads and no other special features (generic hex bolts).
- HS Code 7318.15.80.66: For other hexagonal head bolts/screws with a diameter ≥ 6 mm, specifically identified as "Cap Screws" (often implied to have different mechanical properties or specific thread types not covered under "other" in the first category).

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Critical Note:
- Both codes apply to Iron or Steel hex head screws/bolts.
- The diameter must be 6 mm or more. If < 6 mm, different subheadings apply.
- The phrase "entered or exported in the same shipment" is crucial for 7318.15.20.65 – if nuts/washers are shipped separately, the classification may change.
- "Cap Screws" under 7318.15.80.66 often refer to screws designed to be screwed into a tapped hole without a nut, but the tariff description is specific.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 7318.15.20.65 – Hex Head Bolts (≥ 6mm, with nuts/washers)

📌 Explanation:
- The 0% base tariff is for general imports of steel screws/bolts.
- The +25% is the standard Section 301 surcharge on Chinese goods.
- The +50% is a specific surcharge on steel, aluminum, and copper products from China.
- Total: 75%. This is an extremely high tariff, significantly impacting cost competitiveness.

🎯 2. 7318.15.80.66 – Cap Screws (Hex Head, ≥ 6mm)

📌 Note:
- The base rate of 8.5% is higher than the 0% for the previous code.
- When combined with the 25% Section 301 and 50% Steel Surcharge, the total reaches 83.5%.
- This is the highest tariff rate in the provided dataset.
- Cap screws are often considered more specialized, hence the higher base rate.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)

🔥 "Diameter ≥6mm? Hex Head? Nuts Included? 75-83.5% Tax!"

✅ 3. Special Situation Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest tariffs on Chinese steel fasteners.
- 75% - 83.5% is a massive cost burden.
- Supply Chain Shift: Many companies are moving fastener production to Vietnam, Mexico, or India to avoid these surcharges.
- Duty Mitigation: Consider Section 321 De Minimis is NOT available for these codes. No other common exemptions apply.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)

❌ Error 1: Classifying Stainless Steel screws under 7318 (Iron/Steel)
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code. Stainless steel falls under 7318.21 or other subheadings. Misclassification leads to audit and penalties.
✅ Fix: Check material composition. If >10.5% Chromium, it’s stainless.

❌ Error 2: Shipping Bolts Without Nuts but declaring as 7318.15.20.65
👉 Consequence: 7318.15.20.65 requires nuts/washers in the same shipment. If absent, it may be misclassified.
✅ Fix: Verify packing list. If nuts are separate, use different subheading or clarify.

❌ Error 3: Ignoring the 6mm Diameter Threshold
👉 Consequence: Screws <6mm have different HS codes (e.g., 7318.12, 7318.13, 7318.14).
✅ Fix: Measure accurately. Use calipers for random samples.

❌ Error 4: Underestimating the 50% Steel Surcharge
👉 Consequence: Many importers only account for 25% (301 tariff) and forget the 50% steel surcharge.
✅ Fix: Always calculate Base + 25% + 50%. Total can reach 75-83.5%.

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Avoid Delays

🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:

🔹 "Iron/Steel? Hex Head? ≥6mm? Expect 75-83.5%!"
🔹 "Nuts Included? Code 65. Cap Screws? Code 66. Don't Forget the 50% Steel Surcharge!"

📌 Pro Tip:

• If you are importing large volumes, consult a customs broker to see if any Exclusions or Exemptions apply (though rare for these items).
• Consider supply chain diversification to countries not subject to the 50% steel surcharge.
• Pre-ruling: Apply for an Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm HS Code classification before shipping.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a licensed customs broker.
📄 Provide detailed product specs (diameter, material, head type, nut inclusion).
🚀 Calculate landed cost including 75-83.5% tariff before finalizing orders.

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!