Hex Socket Cap Screw
CN → USProduct Images
AI Analysis
🔩 Hex Socket Cap Screws (Allen Key Head Bolts) – The Unsung Heroes of Precision Engineering
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know What a "Hex Screw" Is?
Hex Socket Cap Screws, commonly known as Allen bolts, are precision fasteners characterized by a hexagonal internal drive. They are widely used in high-stress applications, machinery, automotive parts, and aerospace components due to their high torque capacity and sleek profile.
In international trade, they are strictly classified based on their material and tensile strength, not just their shape. Misclassification often leads to severe penalties.
⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- Material: Stainless Steel (SS) vs. Carbon Steel (CS) vs. Alloy Steel.
- Head Type: Cap Screw (fully threaded or partial, no washer face) vs. Machine Screw (often self-tapping or used with nuts).
- Standard: ISO 4762, DIN 912, ASME B18.3.
- ⚠️ CRITICAL: If it is made of Stainless Steel, it falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel) or Chapter 87 (Parts of Vehicles), but specifically 7318. If it is a specific automotive part, it might fall under 8708, but general purpose hex screws are 7318.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
7318.15.00.85 |
Hexagon head screws and bolts (other than those having heads drilled or tapped, and other than those made of cast iron) | Carbon Steel/Alloy Steel Hex Cap Screws (General Machinery, Construction) | ❌ Not Stainless |
7318.15.00.05 |
Hexagon head screws and bolts... | Stainless Steel Hex Cap Screws (Food Grade, Marine, High Corrosion Resistance) | ✅ Stainless Steel |
7318.15.00.50 |
Hexagon head screws and bolts... | Other Metal (e.g., Brass, Titanium) Hex Screws | ⚠️ Other Metal |
8708.70.50.00 |
Parts of motor vehicles: Other parts of brakes and brake systems | Automotive Specific Hex Screws used exclusively in brake/drivetrain systems | ✅ Auto Part (Rare for general screws) |
8207.30.00.00 |
Interchangeable tools for hand tools...: Drives for sockets | Tools: Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches (The tool, NOT the screw) | ❌ Tool |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Most general-purpose Hex Socket Cap Screws are classified under7318.15.00.
- The critical split is between Stainless Steel (...05) and Other Steel (...85or...50).
- Do NOT classify them as "Parts of Machinery" (Chapter 84) unless they are integral, custom-made components of a specific machine. Standard fasteners are Chapter 73.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 7318.15.00.85 – Hexagon Head Screws & Bolts (Carbon/Alloy Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (for Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | ❌ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:7318.15.00.85 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- 25% USITC: Part of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese steel products.
- 10% IEEPA: Section 178 tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 40.3%: This is a high-cost category. Importers must calculate costs carefully.
🎯 2. 7318.15.00.05 – Hexagon Head Screws & Bolts (Stainless Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (for Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | ❌ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:7318.15.00.05 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Stainless steel fasteners are NOT exempt from steel tariffs.
- Even if the value is low, the 25% USITC applies.
- Many importers mistakenly think "Stainless = Free," but Chinese stainless steel fasteners are heavily taxed.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Document Checklist (None Can Be Missing)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Technical Data Sheet | ✔️ | Must specify: Material (e.g., A2-70, A4-80, Grade 8.8, 12.9), Coating (Zinc, Black Oxide, Plain) |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: "Hex Socket Cap Screw," Material, Grade, Quantity |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Weight, dimensions, HS Code per package |
| ✅ Country of Origin Certificate | ✔️ | If claiming exemption (rare for China), required |
| ✅ Photos of Product & Packaging | ✔️ | Must show head shape, threading, and markings (e.g., "12.9" or "A4") |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Material Defines the Code, Grade Defines the Risk!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel Hex Screw | 7318.15.00.85 |
Misdeclare as "Hardware Accessories" → 5.3% (Risk of Audit) |
| Stainless Steel Hex Screw | 7318.15.00.05 |
Misdeclare as "Plastic Hardware" → 0% (Fraud Risk) |
| Mixed Lot (SS + CS) | Split Declaration | Combined declaration → Customs will seize or penalize |
| Hex Keys (Tools) | 8207.30.00.00 |
Declare as Screws → Wrong Chapter |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Self-Tapping Hex Screws | Still 7318.15.00 if they are hex head. If it's a ** Phillips/Pozidriv head, it may fall under 7318.14 or 7318.16. Hex Head is consistently 7318.15.** |
| Coated Screws | Coating (Zinc, Nickel) does NOT change the HS Code. It remains 7318.15. |
| OEM Custom Screws | Must provide drawings. If the head is modified (not standard hex), it may be classified as "Other screws" (7318.15.00.90), but still subject to tariffs. |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk industrial screws are 7318.15. Retail kits with tools may be mixed. Declare by weight/value. |
🌍 V. Global Major Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 7318.15.00 |
40.3% | N/A | High Tariff! 25% USITC + 10% IEEPA |
| 🇨🇳 China | 7318.15 |
5-6% | N/A | Standard Import Duty |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 7318.15 |
0% (General) | CE (if construction product) | No 301-style tariffs |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 7318.15 |
3-5% | PSE (if electrical) | Moderate duty |
| 🇮🇳 India | 7318.15 |
7.5-10% | BIS (for specific grades) | High non-tariff barriers |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with punitive tariffs on Chinese Hex Screws.
- EU and Asia are tariff-friendly, but may have strict quality standards (e.g., DIN, ISO compliance).
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Tested Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring Hex Screws as "General Hardware" (7326.90)
👉 Consequence: Customs will reclassify to 7318.15 → Back taxes + 25% Penalty + 40.3% Tariff!
❌ Error 2: Ignoring Material Difference
👉 Consequence: Declaring Stainless as Carbon → Underpayment → Seizure & Audit.
❌ Error 3: Mixing Tools and Fasteners
👉 Consequence: Hex Keys (8207) mixed with Screws (7318) → Confusion & Delay.
❌ Error 4: Not Specifying Grade (e.g., 8.8, 10.9, A2-70)
👉 Consequence: Customs may assume higher risk category or reject declaration.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Hex Socket Cap Screw, Carbon Steel, Grade 10.9, Zinc Plated, ISO 4762, Country of Origin: China, HS: 7318.15.00.85"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision Declaration, Precision Profit!
🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:
🔹 "Hex Head, Code 7318.15. Material Matters, Steel is Taxed. 40.3% is the Price, If from China, No Nice!"
🔹 "Check the Grade, Check the Coating, Avoid the Audit, Keep the Profit Flowing!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your screws are manufactured in Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may qualify for lower or zero USITC tariffs under the USMCA or ASEAN FTAs.
Recommendation:
1. Verify Origin: Ensure substantial transformation occurs in the alternative country.
2. Get Certificate of Origin: Required for preferential treatment.
3. Pre-Ruling: Apply for an Advance Ruling from CBP if the product is borderline (e.g., custom head shape).
📣 Take Action Now:
📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Technical Datasheets + Verify Tariff Liability
🚀 Your Fasteners, Smoothly Cleared, Profits Protected!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Screw Counts – Make Sure the Taxman Doesn't Take More!
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.