Molded Chain
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7315110060 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7315827000 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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βοΈ Molded Chain (Iron or Steel)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Molded Chain"?
Molded Chain in the context of international trade (specifically HS Code 7315) typically refers to chains manufactured through molding processes, often categorized under Articulated Link Chain or Roller Chain depending on the specific structure. The key distinction lies in whether the chain links are individually molded/assembled or welded.
β οΈ Key Distinction for Classification:
- If the chain consists of articulated links (like bicycle chains, conveyor chains, or specific industrial molded link chains) β It falls under 7315.11.
- If the chain is a welded link chain (typically steel wire welded into loops) β It falls under 7315.82.
- "Molded" often implies articulated or roller types in industrial contexts, whereas "welded" implies a different manufacturing method.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the two most relevant HS Codes for "Molded Chain" of iron or steel:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Manufacturing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7315.11.00.60 | Articulated link chain and parts thereof: Roller chain (Other) | Bicycle chains, motorcycle drive chains, conveyor rollers, precision industrial chains | β Articulated/Roller (Molded/Assembled Links) |
| 7315.82.70.00 | Other chain: Other, welded link: Of iron or nonalloy steel (Over 10 mm in diameter) | Heavy-duty lifting chains, anchor chains, general industrial welded steel chains | β Welded Link (Wire Welded) |
π Critical Clarification:
- "Molded Chain" is not a direct HS heading. You must determine the physical structure:
- If it has pivoting links (like a roller chain) β Use 7315.11.00.60.
- If it is made of welded steel wire links (diameter > 10mm) β Use 7315.82.70.00.
- Do not guess! The manufacturing process (molded/assembled vs. welded) determines the correct HS Code.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) [Assumed based on data context]
β Effective Date: As per current 301/IEEPA regulations
π― 1. HS Code: 7315.11.00.60 β Articulated Link Chain (Roller Chain)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +50.0% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products - Note: Data shows 50% for steel products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 75.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 75% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff goods usually excluded) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7315.11.00.60 β Section 301: 25% + IEEPA Steel: 50% |
π Explanation:
- This category falls under high-tariff steel products.
- 75% total duty is extremely high. Importers must budget significantly for landed costs.
- "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products" surcharge of 50% applies specifically to steel articles, stacking on top of the standard 301 duties.
π― 2. HS Code: 7315.82.70.00 β Welded Link Chain (Over 10mm Diameter)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Specific product exemption may apply, see note) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +50.0% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC:7315.82.70.00 β IEEPA Steel: 50% |
π Note:
- This category has 0% Section 301 surcharge according to the provided data, likely due to specific exclusions or tariff engineering.
- However, the 50% IEEPA steel surcharge still applies.
- Total 50% duty is still significant but 25 percentage points lower than the articulated chain category.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Technical Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Chain type (roller/welded), material (steel grade), link diameter, tensile strength. |
| β Manufacturing Process Description | βοΈ | Crucial! Clearly state if "Molded/Articulated" or "Welded". This determines HS 7315.11 vs. 7315.82. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Close-up of link structure, packaging, labels. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Steel Chain, Articulated Link, Roller Type" or "Steel Chain, Welded Link, 12mm". |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Essential for steel product tariff verification. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions for duty calculation. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Molded = Articulated (7315.11) | Welded = 7315.82 | Steel Surcharge 50% Always!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Roller Chain / Bicycle Chain | 7315.11.00.60 |
Misdeclare as "General Chain" β Risk of audit |
| Heavy Welded Lifting Chain (>10mm) | 7315.82.70.00 |
Misdeclare as "Articulated" β 75% vs 50% penalty |
| Small Wire Chain (<10mm Welded) | 7315.82.99.00 (Other) |
Do not use 7315.82.70.00 if diameter β€10mm |
| Non-Steel Chain (e.g., Plastic) | Not in 7315 | Misdeclare as Steel β Severe penalty |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Containers | If container has both molded (roller) and welded chains, declare separately. Do not lump together. |
| Chain Accessories | Parts (rollers, plates, pins) must be declared with the main chain or separately under 7315.90 if applicable. |
| Origin Evasion Risk | 50% IEEPA steel surcharge is strict. Ensure origin certificates are genuine. Misdeclaration leads to seizure. |
| Diameter Threshold | For welded chains, check link diameter. Over 10mm β 7315.82.70.00. Under 10mm β Different subheading. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7315.11.00.60 or 7315.82.70.00 |
75% (Roller) / 50% (Welded) | None specific for steel, but standard import compliance | High barrier due to steel surcharges |
| π¨π³ China | 7315.11.00.60 or 7315.82.70.00 |
0-5% (Export/Import varies) | CCC (if applicable for domestic) | No steel surcharge domestically |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7315.11.00 or 7315.82.70 |
0-2.7% (MFN) | CE (if machinery component) | No steel surcharge |
| π¬π§ UK | 7315.11.00 or 7315.82.70 |
0-3.0% (MFN) | UKCA | No steel surcharge |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most difficult market for steel chains due to 50% IEEPA + 25% 301 tariffs.
- Alternative markets (EU, UK, Asia) have significantly lower duties (0-5%).
- Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market to avoid high tariffs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling all "Molded Chains" the same
π Consequence: Misclassification between 7315.11 (75% duty) and 7315.82 (50% duty) β Underpayment of 25% + penalties!
β Error 2: Ignoring link diameter for welded chains
π Consequence: Using 7315.82.70.00 for chains β€10mm β Incorrect HS Code, customs hold
β Error 3: Not declaring "Steel" material clearly
π Consequence: Missing the 50% IEEPA steel surcharge β Seizure, fines, and entry rejection
β Correct Practice:
"Steel Roller Chain, Articulated Link, 1/2 inch pitch, Made in China"
"Steel Welded Link Chain, 12mm diameter, Heavy Duty, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Roller/Articulated = 75% Duty | Welded (>10mm) = 50% Duty"
πΉ "Steel Products Face 50% IEEPA Surcharge Always!"
πΉ "Check Diameter & Structure Before Declaring!"
π Tips:
- If your chains are non-steel (e.g., plastic, alloy), they may fall under different HS Codes with lower tariffs.
- Pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) is highly recommended for large shipments to confirm the exact HS Code and tariff application.
- Consider tariff engineering: Can the chain be modified slightly to fit a lower-duty category? (Consult a customs broker).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker
π Provide detailed product specs (structure, material, diameter)
π Verify HS Code before shipping to avoid 75% tariff shocks!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Counts!
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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) 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.