Hood Strut
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708295110 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8302303010 | 87.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8302303060 | 87.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Hood Strut (Metal Bonnet Stay)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Hood Struts"?
A Hood Strut (also known as a Bonnet Stay or Engine Hood Support) is a critical automotive component designed to hold the vehicle's hood open for engine access. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its material composition and intended function.
Metal Hood Struts: Typically made of steel or aluminum, these are rigid mechanical supports. They are not merely "parts" of the chassis but specialized hardware used for installation and support.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If classified as a general metal article, it falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
- If classified as an automotive part, it falls under Chapter 87 (Vehicles).
- If classified as an accessory/fitting, it falls under Chapter 83 (Miscellaneous Articles of Base Metal).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the valid HS Codes for Metal Hood Struts and their corresponding tax implications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel (General Metal Article) | Rigid metal supports not specifically named elsewhere; generic steel hardware | 87.9% |
8708.29.51.10 |
Parts and accessories of motor vehicles (Other Parts of Body/Chassis) | Classified specifically as a body part/accessory for automobiles | 37.5% |
7326.19.00.80 |
Other articles of iron or steel (General Steel Article) | Similar to above, general steel product category | 87.9% |
8302.30.30.10 |
Base metal fittings and accessories for vehicles (Other fittings) | Classified as a "fitting" or "accessory" for vehicle installation | 87.0% |
8302.30.30.60 |
Other fittings and accessories for vehicles | Broad category for vehicle mounting components | 87.0% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Chapter 73 (7326...): Classifies the item as a generic metal good. This often incurs the highest total tax (87.9%) due to aggressiveιε tariffs on steel products.
- Chapter 87 (8708...): Classifies the item as an automotive part. This offers the lowest total tax (37.5%).
- Chapter 83 (8302...): Classifies the item as a base metal fitting. While specific to vehicles, it still attracts highιε tariffs (totaling 87.0%).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.19.00.80 β Articles of Iron or Steel
(Highest Risk Category)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 2.9% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 232 Surcharge | +50% (Specifically for Steel, Aluminum, Copper articles) |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β None (Denied) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 13 CFR 301.102 β Section 232: 15 CFR 705 |
π Explanation:
- Section 232 (50%): This is the killer. Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, steel products imported into the US face an additional 50% tariff if they do not qualify for specific exemptions.
- Section 301 (25%): Standard punitive tariff on Chinese goods.
- Result: An 87.9% total rate makes this classification commercially unviable for most low-margin imports.
π― 2. 8708.29.51.10 β Parts and Accessories of Motor Vehicles
(Most Economical Classification)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 232 Surcharge | Not Applicable (Not classified primarily as steel article) |
| Total Tax Rate | 27.5% (Note: Data shows 2.5% + 35.0%? Correction based on data provided: Data says "2.5% + 35.0%" which sums to 37.5%. Let's stick to the provided data's total: 37.5%**) |
| Data Provided Total | 37.5% (2.5% Base + 35.0% Additional) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β None |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 13 CFR 301.102 |
π Explanation:
- By classifying as an auto part (Ch 87), you avoid the heavy Section 232 (50%) steel surcharge.
- However, data indicates a "35.0%" additional tariff here (likely a mix of Section 301 and other punitive measures).
- Comparison: 37.5% is significantly better than 87.9%.
π― 3. 8302.30.30.10 & 8302.30.30.60 β Base Metal Fittings for Vehicles
(High Risk, Similar to Steel)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 2.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 232 Surcharge | +50% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper accessories) |
| Total Tax Rate | 87.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β None |
| Legal Basis | Section 232: 15 CFR 705 |
π Explanation:
- Even though these are "fittings" for vehicles, if they are made of steel and classified under Ch 83, they often fall back into the Section 232 net.
- The total rate is 87.0%, nearly identical to the general steel category.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Material (Steel/Aluminum), Function (Hood Support), Weight, Dimensions. |
| β Technical Drawing | βοΈ | To prove it is a structural support, not just a generic rod. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe as "Hood Strut" or "Bonnet Stay", NOT "Steel Rod" or "Metal Bar". |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for verifying origin for Section 232/301 calculations. |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling Request | βοΈ | Highly Recommended to secure 8708.29.51.10. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Function Over Material, Auto Part Wins!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Hood Strut | 8708.29.51.10 (Auto Part) |
"Steel Rod" (7326...) β 87.9% Tax |
| Hood Strut | 8708.29.51.10 |
"Metal Fitting" (8302...) β 87.0% Tax |
| Generic Steel Bar | 7326.90.86.88 |
Misdeclare as Auto Part β Penalty + Seizure |
Why
8708is Better:
- It categorizes the item by its use (automotive body part) rather than its material (steel).
- It excludes the 50% Section 232 surcharge, saving you ~50% in taxes.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the strut has rubber/plastic ends, still declare as 8708 if the metal body is the main character. |
| Kit Packaging | If sold as a "Kit" with bolts and covers, ensure the invoice lists the whole kit as an Auto Part. |
| Raw Steel Rods | If the item is just a steel rod to be machined later, it must be 7326. Do not misdeclare. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Total Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8708.29.51.10 |
37.5% | Best option. Avoids 50% Steel Surcharge. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 |
87.9% | Worst option. High steel tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8708.29 |
~5-10% + VAT | Generally lower tariffs than US, but VAT applies. |
| π¨π³ China | 8708.29 |
~10% | Import duty only, no punitive surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most critical.
- Getting the HS Code correct (8708vs7326) can save you over 50 percentage points in taxes.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Describing the product as "Steel Support" or "Metal Stay"
π Consequence: Customs may classify it as generic steel (7326) β 87.9% Tax.
β Mistake 2: Using HS Code 8302 (Fittings) without proving it's not steel-dominated
π Consequence: Falls under Section 232 β 87.0% Tax.
β Mistake 3: Assuming all auto parts are automatically 8708
π Consequence: If the part is not integral to the vehicle's operation or body, it might be reclassified. Hood struts ARE integral body supports.
β Correct Approach:
"Automotive Hood Strut, Steel, Model XYZ, For Use on [Car Brand] Vehicles, HS Code 8708.29.51.10"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Auto Part (Ch 87) vs. Steel Article (Ch 73)"
πΉ "37.5% vs. 87.9% β That's a 50% Difference!"
πΉ "Don't let 'Steel' define your product, let 'Function' define it!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, apply for a Binding Tariff Ruling from US Customs (CBP) for HS Code
8708.29.51.10. This provides legal certainty and protects against future audits.
π£ Act Now:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare technical docs proving automotive application.
π Secure the 37.5% rate, not the 87.9% penalty!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on These Digits!
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.