Wheel Nut
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7318160045 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708998180 | 12.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7318160030 | 67.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708706060 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7616109030 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐ฉ Wheel Nut (Wheel Nuts / Lug Nuts)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Wheel Nuts"?
Wheel nuts, also known as lug nuts, are critical fasteners used to secure vehicle wheels to the hub assembly. In international trade, they are classified based on their material composition and specific application scope. Misclassification is common because they can fall under either general metal fasteners or specific automotive parts, leading to drastically different tax liabilities.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If classified as general fasteners (steel/iron/aluminum) โ High tariffs due to Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) and Section 301 duties.
- If classified as specific automotive parts (for wheel hubs) โ Lower base rates but subject to Section 301 duties.
- Material matters: Steel/Iron vs. Aluminum determines the base tariff and specific Section 232 applicability.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Type | Base Rate | Section 232 | Section 301 | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7318.16.00.45 |
Wheel nuts, classified as other fasteners | General steel/iron fasteners | Iron/Steel | 0.0% | โ +10% (Steel) | โ +7.5% | 67.5% |
8708.99.81.80 |
Wheel nuts as automotive spare parts | Specific to car wheel hub assembly | Metal Part | 2.5% | โ 0% | โ +10% | 12.5% |
7318.16.00.30 |
Wheel nuts, nuts/hub nuts class | Iron/Steel fasteners for hubs | Iron/Steel | 0.0% | โ +10% (Steel) | โ +7.5% | 67.5% |
8708.70.60.60 |
Parts for vehicle wheel hubs | Specific hub components, nut form | Metal Part | 2.5% | โ 0% | โ +25% | 37.5% |
7616.10.90.30 |
Aluminum wheel nuts | Aluminum fasteners | Aluminum | 6.0% | โ +10% (Aluminum) | โ +25% | 41.0% |
๐ Important Reminder:
- Automotive Parts vs. General Fasteners: Customs officers may classify wheel nuts as8708(Auto Parts) if they are sold specifically as spare parts for vehicles. However, if sold in bulk as generic hardware, they may be classified under7318(Steel Fasteners) or7616(Aluminum Fasteners). - Section 232 Impact: If classified as Steel (7318) or Aluminum (7616), the 10% Section 232 tariff applies on top of other duties. This is a major cost driver for7318.16.00.45/30. - Section 301 Variance: The "Trade Action" (Section 301) rate varies significantly: 7.5% for some steel fasteners, 10% for auto parts (8708.99.81.80), and 25% for other auto parts (8708.70.60.60).
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policies)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Post-2025 (Current Trade Policy Environment)
๐ฏ 1. 7318.16.00.45 & 7318.16.00.30 โโ Steel Wheel Nuts (Fastener Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 232 Tariff | +10% (Steel Products) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (Trade Action) |
| Total Rate | 67.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 67.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (High duty rate exceeds threshold) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7318.16.00.45 โ Section 232: Steel โ Section 301: 7.5% |
๐ Explanation:
- These codes fall under General Fasteners.
- The 10% Section 232 tariff is applied because the material is Steel/Iron.
- The 7.5% Section 301 tariff is specific to this subcategory of steel fasteners.
- Total 67.5% is extremely high. This classification is risky unless you are certain it is not an "auto part."
๐ฏ 2. 8708.99.81.80 โโ Wheel Nuts as Auto Parts (Best Case Scenario)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 232 Tariff | 0% (Not applicable to auto parts under this heading) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +10% (Trade Action) |
| Total Rate | 12.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 12.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (But significantly lower cost) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8708.99.81.80 โ Section 301: 10% |
๐ Explanation:
- This is the most favorable classification if you can prove the product is specifically designed as an automotive spare part (e.g., sold with kits for specific car models, packaged as such).
- No Section 232 tariff applies here.
- Only 10% Section 301 applies.
- Savings: Compared to7318codes, you save 55% in tariffs!
๐ฏ 3. 8708.70.60.60 โโ Wheel Hub Parts (Mid-Range Scenario)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 232 Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% (Trade Action) |
| Total Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8708.70.60.60 โ Section 301: 25% |
๐ Explanation:
- This code is for specific wheel hub parts that are not general fasteners.
- Higher Section 301 rate (25%) than8708.99.81.80.
- Still much better than the steel fastener codes (67.5%).
๐ฏ 4. 7616.10.90.30 โโ Aluminum Wheel Nuts
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 232 Tariff | +10% (Aluminum Products) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% (Trade Action) |
| Total Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7616.10.90.30 โ Section 232: Aluminum โ Section 301: 25% |
๐ Explanation:
- Even if itโs Aluminum, it still incurs Section 232 (10%) and high Section 301 (25%).
- Base rate is higher (6.0% vs 0% for steel fasteners), but total is lower than steel fasteners.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state material (Steel vs. Aluminum), thread size, and torque specs. |
| โ Application Statement | โ๏ธ | "Used for automotive wheel hub assembly" vs. "General industrial fastener." |
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Show packaging, markings, and any automotive branding. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly describe as "Wheel Nuts for Automotive Use" to support 8708 classification. |
| โ Bill of Lading | โ๏ธ | Ensure consistency with invoice. |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Auto Part Claims 12.5%, Steel Fasteners Pay 67.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Sold as Auto Spare Parts | Use 8708.99.81.80 (12.5%) |
Declare as "Bolts & Nuts" โ 7318 (67.5%) |
| Sold in Bulk Hardware Kits | Use 7318.16.00.45 (67.5%) |
Try to claim auto part status without proof โ Audit Risk |
| Aluminum Nuts | Use 7616.10.90.30 (41.0%) |
Misdeclare as Steel to avoid Al tariff โ Fraud Risk |
| Wheel Hub Components | Use 8708.70.60.60 (37.5%) |
Under-declare value โ Seizure |
โ 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Parts for Car Manufacturers | Provide OEM Agreement and Part Number Cross-reference to support 8708 classification. |
| Aftermarket Parts | If packaged specifically for car repair (e.g., "Ford F-150 Wheel Nut Kit"), support 8708.99.81.80. |
| Mixed Materials | If nuts are Steel but washers are Aluminum, declare separately. Do not mix codes. |
| Customs Audit Trigger | If declared as 8708 but found to be general hardware, expect retroactive duties + penalties. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 8708.99.81.80 |
12.5% | None | Best case. Avoid 7318 (67.5%). |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 7318.16.00.00 |
6.0% | CCC (if auto part) | Lower import tariffs, but export from China may be different. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 7318.15.00.00 |
0% - 6% | CE | No Section 232/301. Generally lower duties. |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico | 7318.15.00.00 |
0% (USMCA) | NOM | If from US/Canada, duty-free. |
| ๐ป๐ณ Vietnam | 7318.15.00.00 |
0% - 10% | Various | Potential for lower duties if re-exported. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to Section 232 and 301 tariffs.
- Proving "Automotive Part" status is the key to saving ~55% in tariffs.
- Do not under-declare material or function; customs audits are frequent for fasteners.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring Wheel Nuts as "Bolts" (7318) when they are specifically designed for automotive hubs.
๐ Consequence: Pay 67.5% instead of 12.5% โ Loss of 55% margin!
โ Error 2: Using "Auto Part" classification for bulk generic nuts sold in hardware stores.
๐ Consequence: Customs audit, back-tariffs, and penalties.
โ Error 3: Ignoring Section 232 for Aluminum Nuts.
๐ Consequence: Unexpected 10% additional duty on top of 25% Section 301.
โ Error 4: Mixing Steel and Aluminum nuts in one shipment without separate declaration.
๐ Consequence: Customs may apply the highest duty rate to the entire shipment.
โ Correct Practice:
"Wheel Nuts, Steel, for Automotive Wheel Hub Assembly, OEM Part Number XYZ, Packaged for Automotive Retail"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Savings, and Efficiency!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Auto Part = 12.5%, Steel Fastener = 67.5%, Aluminum = 41%!"
๐น "Prove it's for cars, save 55% in duties!"
๐น "HS Code defines cost, wrong code costs your profit!"
๐ Tip:
If your wheel nuts are sourced from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for preferential tariffs under USMCA or other FTAs, potentially reducing duties to 0%.
ๅปบ่ฎฎ็ณ่ฏท้ข่ฃๅฎ (Advance Ruling) to confirm HS Code before shipment.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
๐ Let your wheel nuts clear customs smoothly, maximize profits, and expand globally!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.