Oil Filter
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8421290015 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8413919060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8409915085 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8421230000 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8409999990 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708998180 | 12.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π’οΈ Oil Filter (Filter for Fluids)
π HS Code Master Guide & US Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Tax Rate Breakdown | Professional Classification Strategy
π Product Identity & The "Use-Case" Dilemma
The Oil Filter is a critical component designed to remove contaminants from oil in engines, hydraulic systems, and industrial machinery. In international trade, its classification is highly dependent on the specific system it serves. A filter intended for an engine is taxed differently than one for a standalone hydraulic pump or a car chassis system.
β οΈ Key Classification Logic:
- Engine Application (Automotive/Heavy Duty) β Typically 8409 (Engine Parts)
- Standalone Pump Application (Hydraulic Systems) β Typically 8413 (Pump Parts)
- General Fluid Filtration (Stand-alone Unit) β Typically 8421 (Centrifuges & Filters)
- Automotive Accessory (Aftermarket) β Typically 8708 (Car Parts)
Crucial Warning: Misclassifying an "Engine Filter" as a "Pump Part" or vice versa can result in dramatic duty spikes (from 12.5% to 37.5%) and customs seizures due to "material conflict" or "purpose mismatch."
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 US Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Primary Use Case | Total Duty (CN Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|
8421.29.00.15 |
General Fluid Filter: Fits the definition of a liquid filtration device. Logic: Consistent with oil removal equipment; no material/shape conflict. | Standalone oil filtration units, hydraulic systems not attached to a specific engine/pump model. | 10.0% |
8413.91.90.60 |
Pump Component: Fits the logic of "Other parts of hydraulic power pumps." Logic: Classified as a subsystem component for pumps. | Filters specifically integrated into or designed for Hydraulic Power Pumps. | 35.0% |
8409.91.50.85 |
Engine Part: Falls under "Other parts of spark-ignition internal combustion engines." Logic: Matches the "engine component" category perfectly. | Filters used in automotive or heavy-duty gasoline/diesel engines. | 37.5% |
8421.23.00.00 |
Oil Filter (Specific): Perfect match for "Oil Filters." Logic: No material or form conflict; specific category for oil filtration. | General purpose Oil Filters (matches the specific description of "Oil Filter" in the HTS). | 37.5% |
8409.99.99.90 |
Engine System Part: A "catch-all" for engine parts not elsewhere specified. Logic: Fits the "under-slung" attribute of engine system filters. | Engine filters that do not fit the specific "spark-ignition" sub-heading but are clearly engine parts. | 35.0% |
8708.99.81.80 |
Automotive Part: Fits the logic of "Other parts and accessories of motor vehicles." Logic: Classified as a general car part/attachment. | Filters sold as aftermarket parts for complete automobiles (non-integrated). | 12.5% |
π Critical Distinction:
-8421.29.00.15(10%) is the lowest tax option if the filter is a standalone unit or generic fluid filter.
-8708.99.81.80(12.5%) is the second lowest, specifically for automotive parts.
-8409&8413ranges (35-37.5%) are high-risk, high-cost categories. Avoid these unless the filter is an integral, non-separable part of a pump or engine assembly.
π° III. 2026 US Tariff Rate Deep Dive (Detailed Breakdown)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Nov 10, 2025 (Includes all subsequent imports)
π― 1. The Low-Tax Heroes: 8421.29.00.15 & 8708.99.81.80
| Item | 8421.29.00.15 |
8708.99.81.80 |
|---|---|---|
| Product Focus | Standalone Fluid Filter | Automotive Accessory/Part |
| Base Duty | 0.0% | 2.5% |
| Section 232/301 | 0.0% (No added section 301 tariff) | 0.0% (No added section 301 tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% | +10.0% |
| Total Duty | 10.0% | 12.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No (Strictly >$800 rules apply) | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTS:8421.29.00.15 + IEEPA:122 |
HTS:8708.99.81.80 + IEEPA:122 |
π Why is this the "Golden Path"?
-8421.29.00.15benefits from NO Section 301 (25%) or Section 232 tariffs, paying only the 10% "Section 122" tariff.
-8708.99.81.80pays a small base duty (2.5%) + 10% Section 122, but NO punitive 301 tariffs.
- Savings: Choosing8421.29.00.15over8409.91.50.85saves you 27.5% in total duties!
π― 2. The High-Tax Traps: 8413.91.90.60 & 8409.91.50.85
| Item | 8413.91.90.60 (Pump Part) |
8409.91.50.85 (Engine Part) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Focus | Hydraulic Pump Component | Engine Component |
| Base Duty | 0.0% | 2.5% |
| Section 301 | +25.0% (Heavy Punitive) | +25.0% (Heavy Punitive) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% | +10.0% |
| Total Duty | 35.0% | 37.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTS:8413.91.90.60 + USITC:301 + IEEPA:122 |
HTS:8409.91.50.85 + USITC:301 + IEEPA:122 |
π The Danger Zone:
- If the filter is deemed a part of a pump (8413) or a specific engine part (8409), it triggers the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Combined Impact: Base (0-2.5%) + 25% + 10% = 35-37.5%.
- Risk: Customs may audit the "intended use" documentation heavily. If you cannot prove it's a standalone filter, you will be hit with these high rates.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Action Plan (Real-World Tactics)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Critical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Data Sheet | βοΈ Mandatory | Must explicitly state: "Designed for standalone fluid filtration" OR "Part of [Specific Engine Model]." |
| Installation Manual | βοΈ Mandatory | Shows how it connects. If it connects directly to an engine block as a fixed part, it risks 8409. If it's a replaceable cartridge, 8421 or 8708 is safer. |
| Part Number List | βοΈ Mandatory | Cross-reference with OEM lists. If the part number is generic, argue for 8421.29.00.15. |
| Photos (Exploded View) | βοΈ Mandatory | Show the filter as a separate component, not welded/integrated. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Mandatory | Description: "Oil Filter, Model X, For Fluid Filtration." Avoid vague terms like "Engine Part." |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Save Money" Rules)
π₯ Strategy: "Generalize the Use, Minimize the Integration"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? | Risk of Wrong Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone Oil Filter (Cartridge style) | 8421.29.00.15 |
Fits "Fluid Filter" perfectly. Lowest Duty (10%). | If forced into 8413 β 35% |
| Aftermarket Auto Filter (Spare part) | 8708.99.81.80 |
Fits "Car Accessory." Low base duty (2.5%) + 10%. | If forced into 8409 β 37.5% |
| Filter Integrated into Pump Housing | 8413.91.90.60 |
Only if it is a non-separable part of the pump unit. | If claimed as standalone β Audit/Rejection |
| Filter as Part of Engine Assembly | 8409.91.50.85 |
Only for new engines where the filter is bolted on at factory. | If claimed as standalone β High Duty + Penalty |
β 3. Special Handling & Pitfalls
| Situation | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| "Engine Filter" vs. "Oil Filter" | Do NOT declare as "Engine Part" unless absolutely necessary. Declare as "Oil Filter for Fluids" to target 8421.29.00.15. |
| OEM vs. Aftermarket | Aftermarket filters are safer for 8708 (12.5%) or 8421 (10%). OEM integrated parts risk 8409 (37.5%). |
| Material Composition | Ensure the "Material Conflict" is addressed. If it's a metal canister with a paper filter, it fits 8421 easily. If it's a complex composite, ensure it's not deemed a "part of engine." |
| Pre-Clearance | If your volume is high, apply for a Binding Ruling from CBP. This locks in the 10% or 12.5% rate and protects you from audits. |
π V. Global Market Context (2026)
| Region | Recommended Code | Duty Estimate | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8421.29.00.15 (10%) or 8708.99.81.80 (12.5%) |
10% - 12.5% | Section 122 Tariff applies. Avoid 8409/8413 (35%+). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8421.15 (Standard) |
~2.7% | No Section 301. Focus on "Filter" vs "Engine Part." |
| π¨π³ China (Export) | 8421.29 |
0% | No Section 122 (Domestic). |
π Conclusion:
The US market is the most aggressive on classification. The difference between 10% (8421.29.00.15) and 37.5% (8409.91.50.85) is 27.5%.
Do not guess. If the filter is replaceable, argue for8421or8708.
π VI. Common Mistakes & "Red Flags" (Avoid These!)
β Mistake 1: Calling it "Engine Part" on the Invoice.
π Result: Automatically triggers 8409 and 37.5% duty.
β
Fix: Call it "Oil Filter for Fluid Systems" or "Aftermarket Filter."
β Mistake 2: Claiming it's a "Pump Part" (8413) when it's not.
π Result: 35% duty + Customs audit for misclassification.
β
Fix: Only use 8413 if the filter is an integral, non-separable part of a pump system.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Section 122" tariff.
π Result: Unexpected cost shock. Even if Base Duty is 0%, the 10% Section 122 always applies to Chinese goods.
β
Fix: Always calculate (Base + Section 122 + Section 301).
π― VII. Executive Summary: The Winning Formula
πΉ Goal: Achieve 10% Total Duty (
8421.29.00.15) or 12.5% (8708.99.81.80).
πΉ Avoid: 35-37.5% (8409,8413) categories.
πΉ Key Phrase: "Standalone Fluid Filtration Device" (Not an engine part).π Call to Action:
Review your Technical Data Sheet NOW. If it doesn't explicitly say "Part of Engine X," classify it as8421.29.00.15.
Secure your margin before the next shipment!
β¨ Precision Classification = Maximum Profit.
πΌ Don't let a wrong HS Code drain your shipping budget!
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.