Nuts
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 121190 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 200899 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318160015 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318160060 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8431499095 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8431499044 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯ Nuts (Raw, Roasted, Processed & Parts)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Nuts"?
In international trade, "Nuts" is not a single category but a spectrum ranging from agricultural raw materials to industrial machinery parts. The key to correct classification lies in distinguishing between Food Grade (Chapter 12/20) and Mechanical Grade (Chapter 84/73).
1. Agricultural Nuts (Food Products):
Raw Nuts: Unroasted, unprocessed, including shelled or unshelled walnuts, hickory nuts, etc.
Processed Nuts: Preserved, roasted, cooked, or in syrup (excluding those specifically prepared elsewhere).
2. Mechanical Parts (Machinery Components):
Construction Machinery Parts: Parts for excavators, backhoes, shovels, clamshells, draglines (Headings 8426, 8429, 8430).
Fasteners: Metal screws, bolts, nuts, washers of iron/steel (Headings 7318).
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the item is an edible walnut or hickory nut β HS Code 121190 or 200899
- If the item is a part for an excavator (e.g., bucket pin) β HS Code 8431.49.90.xx
- If the item is a metal bolt/nut for machinery β HS Code 7318.16.xx
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Condition | Tax Status (China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
121190 |
Other nuts, not elsewhere specified (e.g., Hickory, Walnut), whether or not shelled, not roasted/prepared | Raw agricultural nuts, wholesale trade | β Edible, Unroasted | β οΈ See Tax Note Below |
200899 |
Other prepared or preserved nuts (in syrup, etc.), excluding roasted/cooked | Processed nuts, snacks, retail packs | β Edible, Prepared | β οΈ See Tax Note Below |
8431.49.90.95 |
Parts for machinery of heading 8426, 8429, 8430: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other | General parts for cranes, bulldozers, harvesters | β Mechanical, Non-specific | β οΈ See Tax Note Below |
8431.49.90.44 |
Parts for machinery of heading 8426, 8429, 8430: Parts of backhoes, shovels, clamshells and draglines: Other | Excavator pins, bushings, specific digging parts | β Mechanical, Excavator-specific | β οΈ See Tax Note Below |
7318.16.00.15 |
Screws, bolts, nuts... of iron or steel: Nuts Lugnuts: Non-locking chrome-plated | Metal fasteners, chrome-plated lug nuts | β Metal, Chrome-plated | π΄ 50% (Total) |
7318.16.00.60 |
Screws, bolts, nuts... of iron or steel: Nuts Other: Of stainless steel | Metal fasteners, stainless steel nuts | β Metal, Stainless Steel | π΄ 57.5% (Total) |
π Key Reminder:
- Food Nuts (121190,200899): The provided data indicates "Failed to retrieve tax information". This often implies 0% MFN rate or requires specific agricultural quota verification. Always verify with local customs for agricultural products.
- Mechanical Parts (8431.49.90.x): Also marked as "Failed to retrieve tax information". Typically, machinery parts under this heading may enjoy 0% base duty but are subject to Section 301/IEEPA surcharges if imported from China to the US.
- Metal Fasteners (7318.16.00.xx): High Risk Zone. Subject to 50%β57.5% total tariffs due to "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surcharge" + additional levies.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation
β Applicable Country: USA
β Origin: China
β Effective Date: Ongoing (as per 2026 context)
π― 1. 121190 & 200899 β Agricultural Nuts (Edible)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (Typically MFN rate for nuts is 0%, but verify specific subheading) |
| Additional Surcharges | β None Reported (Data shows "Failed to retrieve") |
| Total Rate | 0% (Estimated, subject to agricultural restrictions) |
| Key Condition | Must be clearly declared as "Edible" with HS Code 12/20. |
π Explanation:
- If the data system fails to retrieve tax info, it usually means 0% base duty.
- However, Phytosanitary Certificates are mandatory.
- Do NOT declare as "machinery parts" to avoid misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 8431.49.90.95 & 8431.49.90.44 β Machinery Parts (Excavator/Crane)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (Typically for machinery parts) |
| Additional Surcharges | β οΈ Potential Section 301/IEEPA Tariffs (Not explicitly listed in data, but common for CN origin) |
| Total Rate | 0%β25% (Depends on specific surcharge applicability) |
| Key Condition | Must prove solely for use with headings 8426β8430. |
π Explanation:
- Data shows "Failed to retrieve", suggesting 0% base duty.
- Crucial: Provide technical manuals proving the part is specific to excavators/cranes.
- If misclassified as general steel parts, tariffs could jump to 50%+.
π― 3. 7318.16.00.15 β Chrome-Plated Lug Nuts (Metal Fasteners)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tariff (Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge) | +50% |
| Total Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Detail | "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products Surcharge: 50%" |
π Explanation:
- High Risk. This is a targeted category for US trade remedies.
- No exemption for small batches.
- Must declare material as "Chrome-plated Steel".
π― 4. 7318.16.00.60 β Stainless Steel Nuts (Metal Fasteners)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Additional Tariff (Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge) | +50% |
| Additional Levy | +7.5% (Other levies) |
| Total Rate | 57.5% |
| Tax Detail | "Base: 0%, Additional: 7.5%, Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge: 50%" |
π Explanation:
- Highest Risk. Stainless steel fasteners are heavily scrutinized.
- 57.5% total can destroy profit margins.
- Consider supply chain relocation if volume is high.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify: "Edible Nuts" vs. "Machinery Parts" vs. "Metal Fasteners". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight per unit, material breakdown. |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | For 121190/200899. Issued by origin country's plant quarantine agency. |
| β Technical Manual/Drawings | βοΈ | For 8431.49.90.x. Prove use with excavators/cranes. |
| β Material Test Report | βοΈ | For 7318.16.xx. Confirm "Stainless Steel" or "Chrome-Plated Steel". |
| β Label/Marking Photos | βοΈ | Show HS Code, Country of Origin, Material. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Food for Food, Parts for Machines, Steel for Steel!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Walnuts | 121190 |
Declaring as "Processed Nuts" β Higher inspection rate |
| Roasted Pistachios | 200899 |
Declaring as "Raw Nuts" β Phytosanitary mismatch |
| Excavator Pin | 8431.49.90.44 |
Declaring as "Steel Bar" β Tariff jumps to 50%+ |
| Stainless Nut | 7318.16.00.60 |
Declaring as "Plastic Part" β Fraud, heavy fines |
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Scenario | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment | Do NOT mix nuts, machinery parts, and fasteners in one declaration. Split into separate entries. |
| OEM Custom Nuts | Provide recipe/processing details for 200899. |
| Stainless Steel Nuts | Cost-Benefit Analysis: If profit margin < 57.5%, consider sourcing from non-US-tariff countries (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) for fasteners. |
| Machinery Parts | Ensure they are not "general purpose" bolts. If generic, they may fall under 7318.16 instead of 8431, triggering 50%+ tariffs. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7318.16.00.60 |
57.5% | None | Highest Risk. Fasteners heavily taxed. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 121190 |
0% (Est.) | Phytosanitary | Low risk, but inspection high. |
| π¨π³ China | 121190 |
5% | None | Basic import tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 121190 |
0β5% | None | Low tariffs for nuts. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7318.16.xx |
0β6% | CE (if applicable) | Lower than US for fasteners. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most hostile market for Steel Fasteners (7318.16.xx).
- Nuts (121190/200899) are low tariff but high regulatory.
- Machinery Parts (8431.49.90.xx) are low tariff but high scrutiny.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Stainless Steel Nuts" as "Plastic Parts"
π Consequence: Customs Fraud, seizure, fines up to 100% of value.
β Mistake 2: Declaring "Excavator Parts" as "General Steel Bolts"
π Consequence: Tariff Jumps from 0% to 57.5%.
β Mistake 3: Importing Raw Nuts without Phytosanitary Certificate
π Consequence: Deportation/Destroyed by USDA/Customs.
β Correct Practice:
"Edible Walnuts, Shelled, Raw, Origin: USA" β
121190
"Stainless Steel Hex Nuts, M10, Origin: China" β7318.16.00.60(Prepare for 57.5% tax)
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Nuts are Food (0%), Parts are Machines (0%), Steel is Taxed (50%+)!"
πΉ "One Mistake in Material = 57.5% Penalty!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Stainless Steel Nuts from China to the US, do not accept 57.5% tariff passively.
1. Check if any exclusions apply (e.g., specific HS codes with exceptions).
2. Consider transshipment or assembly in a third country (Mexico/Vietnam) for fasteners.
3. For Machinery Parts, ensure they are unique to excavators to avoid misclassification as general bolts.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker for Advance Ruling on machinery parts.
π Ensure Phytosanitary Certificates are ready for nuts.
π Save Costs by Classifying Correctly!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Margins Depend on Your HS Code!
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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.