Oil Dipstick
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7616109090 | 91.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π’οΈ Oil Dipstick (Metal Measurement Component)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is an "Oil Dipstick"?
An Oil Dipstick is a precision metallic instrument used to measure the level of lubricating oil in engines, transmissions, or machinery. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its material composition and specific function.
For US Customs purposes, dipsticks are generally classified under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel) or Chapter 76 (Articles of Aluminum) depending on the alloy, specifically under heading 7326 (Other articles of iron or steel) or 7616 (Other articles of aluminum).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the dipstick is made of Steel β It falls under Chapter 73.
- If the dipstick is made of Aluminum β It falls under Chapter 76.
- Crucial Note: Even though it is a "measuring instrument," it is often classified as a part/accessory or general metal article rather than a standalone precision instrument, leading to different tariff treatments.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
According to the provided dataset, there are three potential HS Codes depending on the exact material and functional description:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Summary of Function/Category |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.88 |
Oil Dipstick (Specific Form) | Metal (Typically Steel) | Specifically identified as a "Oil Dipstick," classified under Other Metal Articles. |
7326.19.00.80 |
Steel Parts/Accessories | Metal (Steel) | Classified as Steel Products & Other Categories; fits the "Parts Matching Principle." |
7616.10.90.90 |
Other Aluminum Articles | Metal (Aluminum) | Classified as Other Aluminum Articles; applies if the dipstick is made of aluminum and serves as a measurement/detection component. |
π Critical Analysis:
-7326.90.86.88is the most precise match for an "Oil Dipstick" explicitly named as such.
-7326.19.00.80is a broader category for steel parts, potentially applicable if the dipstick is considered a generic part of a larger machine.
-7616.10.90.90applies only if the item is made of Aluminum. Aluminum items face a higher base duty (6.0%) compared to steel (2.9%).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 Nov 10 (Post-2025 Import)
π― 1. For Steel Dipsticks: 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.19.00.80
Both steel-based codes share the same tax structure in the provided data.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 232 (122 Clause) | +50.0% (Steel & Aluminum Surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High total tax rate excludes de minimis benefits) |
π Explanation:
- Base (2.9%): Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for other articles of iron or steel.
- Section 301 (25%): Additional tariff on Chinese goods under Trade Act Section 301.
- Section 232 (50%): Tariffs on steel products deemed a national security threat.
- Total: A massive 77.9% duty makes importing steel dipsticks from China to the US extremely costly.
π― 2. For Aluminum Dipstick: 7616.10.90.90
Aluminum items face a higher base duty but follow the same surcharge logic.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 232 (122 Clause) | +50.0% (Steel & Aluminum Surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 81.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 81.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Explanation:
- Base (6.0%): Standard MFN rate for other aluminum articles.
- Section 301 (25%): Same as steel.
- Section 232 (50%): Applies to aluminum products as well.
- Total: Even higher at 81.0% due to the higher base rate.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify Material (Steel vs. Aluminum) and Dimensions. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Oil Dipstick" and the correct HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Ensure quantity matches invoice. |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Essential to prove China origin (triggers surcharges) or third-country origin (potential exemptions). |
| β Material Test Report | βοΈ | To prove if it is Steel (Fe > 50%) or Aluminum (Al > 50%). This determines if you pay 2.9% or 6.0% base duty. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial First, Function Second, Code Specific, Avoid Misclassification!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Dipstick | HS 7326.90.86.88 (Oil Dipstick) or 7326.19.00.80 (Steel Part) |
Misclassifying as a "Gauge" or "Instrument" β May trigger different duties. |
| Aluminum Dipstick | HS 7616.10.90.90 (Aluminum Article) |
Misclassifying as Steel β Risk of penalty for wrong material declaration. |
| Set with Container | Declare Dipstick separately if distinct value | Bundling into a single "Engine Kit" β May complicate duty calculation. |
β 3. Special Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Dipsticks | Provide design drawings to prove it is a specific "dipstick" and not a generic rod. |
| Mixed Material | If coated (e.g., plastic handle on steel rod), determine if the essential character is steel/aluminum. Usually, metal core dictates classification. |
| Third-Country Origin | If sourced from Mexico, Canada, or Vietnam, you may avoid Section 301 (25%) and potentially Section 232 (50%) tariffs under USMCA or other FTAs. Verify FTAs! |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Surcharges (China Origin) | Total Est. Duty | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7326.90.86.88 / 7616.10.90.90 |
2.9% / 6.0% | +25% (301) + 50% (232) | 77.9% / 81.0% | Extremely High. Avoid direct import from China if possible. |
| π¨π³ China | 7326.90.86.88 / 7616.10.90.90 |
Varies | None | Low (~5-10%) | Import into China is cheap; export to US is costly. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7326.90.97 / 7616.99.90 |
~2-4% | None | ~2-4% | No Section 301/232 equivalents. Much easier clearance. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 7326.90.99 / 7616.99.99 |
0% (USMCA) | N/A | 0% | Best Strategy: Source from Mexico to avoid US surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes punitive tariffs on Chinese metal dipsticks (~78-81%).
- Mexico/Canada (via USMCA) offer 0% duty for qualifying goods.
- EU/Asia are low-tariff markets.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Measuring Instrument" (9026) instead of "Metal Article" (7326/7616).
π Consequence: While base duty might be lower, misclassification can lead to seizures if the item is deemed a part/accessory. Also, Section 232 applies to steel/aluminum articles regardless of function.
β Error 2: Ignoring Material Composition.
π Consequence: Mixing Steel and Aluminum codes leads to customs audits, fines, and delays.
β Error 3: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies.
π Consequence: With total taxes >50%, de minimis is usually excluded or practically meaningless due to high costs.
β Correct Action:
"Steel Oil Dipstick, 300mm, Galvanized, Model XYZ"
HS:7326.90.86.88
Origin: China
Duty: ~77.9%
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Save Time!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Material Dictates Chapter, Surcharges Dictate Cost."
πΉ "Steel 2.9% + 25% + 50% = 77.9%."
πΉ "Aluminum 6.0% + 25% + 50% = 81.0%."
πΉ "Check USMCA/Mexico for 0% Duty!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Oil Dipsticks into the USA, do not source from China unless you are prepared for ~80% tariff.
π Strategy: Shift supply chain to Mexico or Southeast Asia (non-China origin) to qualify for lower or zero tariffs under current trade agreements.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker to verify Section 232 exclusions (if any apply to your specific product form).
π Optimize Supply Chain to avoid the 77-81% duty trap!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on This!
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.