Steel Wire Nuts
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7318160060 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318160015 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318156070 | 91.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318110000 | 97.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318152095 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318152010 | 85.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π© Steel Wire Nuts (Steel Nuts)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Sure About "Steel Nuts"?
"Steel Wire Nuts" (often referring to lock nuts, nyloc nuts, or general steel nuts used with wire/thread) fall under the category of Iron or Steel Fasteners. In international trade, the specific HS Code depends on whether the item is classified strictly as a Nut or combined with Bolts/Screws, and its specific sub-category within the 7318 series.
The provided data identifies four distinct HS Codes for these products. It is crucial to distinguish between them to avoid overpaying taxes or facing customs delays.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Pure Nuts (7318.16): Items classified specifically as nuts.
- Screws (7318.11 / 7318.15): Items classified as screws or threaded products (if mislabeled).
- Nut & Bolt Sets (7318.15): Items declared as a combination or set.
- β οΈ Warning: Misclassifying a "Nut" as a "Screw" or "Set" can lead to drastically different tax rates (ranging from 67.5% to 97.5%).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7318.16.00.60 |
Steel Nuts, Material: Steel, Form: Nut | Pure steel nuts (hex, lock, etc.) | 67.5% | β Specific to "Nuts" only |
7318.16.00.15 |
Steel Nuts, Material: Steel, Form: Nut | Pure steel nuts (various sub-types) | 67.5% | β Specific to "Nuts" only |
7318.15.60.70 |
Steel Screws, Material: Steel, Form: Threaded Product | Often used for generic threaded items or if declared as screws | 91.2% | β Higher tax (Classified as Screws/Threaded) |
7318.11.00.00 |
Steel Screws, Material: Steel, Form: Threaded Product | Coarse-threaded screws (if misidentified) | 97.5% | β Highest tax rate |
7318.15.20.95 |
Steel Nuts & Bolts, Material: Steel, Form: Nut & Bolt | Sets or mixed declarations of nuts and bolts | 85.0% | β οΈ Medium-High tax |
7318.15.20.10 |
Steel Nuts & Bolts, Material: Steel, Form: Bolt, Nut | Sets or mixed declarations of bolts and nuts | 85.0% | β οΈ Medium-High tax |
π Critical Insight:
- The lowest tax rate (67.5%) is available only if the product is strictly declared as "Steel Nuts" under HS Code 7318.16 (.60or.15).
- If the customs officer determines the item is a "Screw" (7318.11or7318.15), the tax jumps to 91.2% or 97.5%.
- If declared as a "Nut & Bolt Set" (7318.15.20), the tax is 85.0%, which is still higher than pure nuts.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current trade policy (2025-2026)
π― 1. 7318.16.00.60 & 7318.16.00.15 ββ Steel Nuts (Pure Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Standard trade war surcharge) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% (Specific to certain steel/aluminum products under Section 232/122 contexts) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% (Critical: Applies to steel products under current US trade rules) |
| Total Tax Rate | 67.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 67.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff rate excludes it from de minimis benefits) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β Steel Surcharge: 50% β Total: 67.5% |
π Explanation:
- Despite a 0% base tariff, the 50% steel-specific surcharge is the dominant cost driver.
- The 7.5% and 10% add-ons are standard for Chinese-origin steel fasteners.
- Total 67.5% is high but lower than the alternative classifications (85%-97.5%).
π― 2. 7318.15.60.70 ββ Steel Screws / Threaded Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 91.2% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 91.2% |
β οΈ Note:
- If your "Steel Wire Nuts" are declared as "Screws" or "Threaded Products" under 7318.15, you pay 23.7% more than if declared as Nuts.
- The base tariff of 6.2% is significantly higher than the 0% base for nuts.
π― 3. 7318.11.00.00 ββ Coarse Steel Screws
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 97.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 97.5% |
β οΈ Warning:
- This is the highest possible tax rate in the provided data.
- Misclassifying nuts as coarse screws will cost you an additional 30% in taxes compared to the correct "Nut" classification.
π― 4. 7318.15.20.95 & 7318.15.20.10 ββ Steel Nuts & Bolts (Sets/Mixed)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 85.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 85.0% |
β οΈ Note:
- Declaring as "Nuts & Bolts" incurs a 25% Section 301 surcharge instead of the 7.5% for pure nuts.
- This is a 17.5% penalty compared to the optimal "Pure Nut" classification.
π οΈ 4. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state "Nut," thread size, grade (e.g., Grade 8, 5), and material (Steel). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show clear images of the hexagonal shape, threads, and any locking features (nylon insert, wire lock). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Use precise description: "Steel Hex Nuts" or "Steel Lock Nuts". Avoid vague terms like "Fasteners" or "Bolts." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify quantity by piece (e.g., "10,000 pcs of Nuts"). Do not group with bolts unless explicitly a kit. |
| β Country of Origin | βοΈ | Confirm China origin to anticipate surcharges. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Declare Nuts, Not Screws; Pure Nuts, Not Sets!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Steel Nuts | HS Code: 7318.16 | β Do NOT declare as 7318.15 (Screws) or 7318.11 (Coarse Screws) |
| Nut + Bolt Mixed Bag | HS Code: 7318.15.20 | β Do NOT declare as 7318.16 (Nuts) if bolts are present |
| Generic "Fasteners" | Specify Exact Type | β Vague description leads to highest possible duty assessment |
| Steel Wire Lock Nuts | 7318.16.00.60/15 | β Do NOT classify as "Wires" or "Threaded Rods" |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Nyloc / Lock Nuts | Still classified as Nuts (7318.16). The nylon insert does not change the primary function from "nut" to "screw." |
| Wire Lock Nuts (Split Nuts) | Classified as Nuts (7318.16). Do not classify as "Wire" (Chapter 72/73 other sections). |
| Pre-assembled Bolt-Nut Kits | Must declare under 7318.15.20 (Nuts & Bolts). The tax is 85.0%, not 67.5%. |
| High-Grade Alloy Steel | The 50% Steel Surcharge applies regardless of grade. Do not expect exemption for stainless steel unless specifically exempted (check current 232/301 rules). |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7318.16.00.60/15 |
67.5% | Highest global burden due to 50% steel surcharge + 301 tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 7318.16 |
~6-10% | Low base tariff, no 50% surcharge. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 7318.15/16 |
~6-9% | No Section 301 or 50% steel surcharge. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 7318.16 |
~0-3% | Very low tariffs for steel fasteners. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is uniquely punitive for Chinese steel nuts due to the 50% steel-specific surcharge.
- Accurate classification is critical: Declaring as "Nuts" saves 17.5% - 30% in taxes compared to other misclassifications.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Steel Nuts" as "Steel Screws" (7318.11)
π Consequence: Tax rate jumps from 67.5% to 97.5%. Loss of 30% profit margin!
β Error 2: Declaring "Pure Nuts" as "Nuts & Bolts" (7318.15.20)
π Consequence: Tax rate increases from 67.5% to 85.0%. Unnecessary 17.5% cost.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Fasteners"
π Consequence: Customs may assess the highest possible duty for steel products (up to 97.5%).
β Error 4: Ignoring the 50% Steel Surcharge
π Consequence: Budgeting errors. The base tariff is 0%, but the real cost is 67.5%.
β Correct Action:
"Steel Hex Nuts, Grade 8, Zinc Plated, Model XYZ, Declared as Nuts (HS 7318.16)"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Nuts are 67.5%, Screws are 97.5%, Sets are 85%."
πΉ "Always declare 'Nuts' for nuts to save 30% in taxes!"
πΉ "The 50% steel surcharge is unavoidable, but the base tariff can be optimized by correct classification."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is Stainless Steel, check for specific exemptions under Section 232. However, most standard carbon steel nuts are subject to the 50% surcharge.
Apply for a Binding Ruling with US Customs to confirm classification for7318.16.00.60or.15before large shipments.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Declare as "Steel Nuts" (HS 7318.16) to secure the 67.5% rate instead of higher penalties.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in tariff savings!
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.