brake pad
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8708305030 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708305040 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996010 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016993000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708305030 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Brake Pads & Rotors: The Ultimate 2026 HS Code & Duty Guide
π Global Import Compliance | 2026 Tariff Deep-Dive | Strategic Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Classifying "Brake Pads" Correctly?
Brake Pads and Brake Rotors (Discs) are the critical friction components of a vehicle's braking system. In international trade, their classification hinges on two main factors: 1. Function: Are they specialized braking components (Part of the braking system)? 2. Material: Are they primarily rubber-based, metal-composite, or hard rubber?
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Steel/Metal/Paper-Backed Brake Pads & Rotors: Classified under 8708 (Parts & Accessories of Motor Vehicles).
- Rubber/Molded Friction Components: Classified under 4016 (Other articles of vulcanized rubber).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Customs Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data for "Brake Pads" and "Brake Rotors", here is the precise mapping:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
8708.30.50.30 |
Brake Pads / Brake Rotors (Brake System Components) | Standard friction components for vehicles (8701-8705). | Matches definition of "Braking system parts" (Brake linings/rotors). |
8708.30.50.40 |
Brake Pads (Friction Consumables) | Braking system consumables; inferred as brake linings based on common usage. | Consistent with "Brake linings"; no material conflict with 8708. |
4016.99.60.10 |
Rubber-Based Brake Parts | Key braking components inferred to be vulcanized rubber or rubber-friction composite. | Classified as "Other vulcanized rubber articles" + Mechanical parts. |
4016.99.30.00 |
Vulcanized Rubber Brake Components | Shock absorbers or braking parts made of rubber/metal composite (non-hard rubber). | "Other parts" for vehicles (8701-8705) made of vulcanized rubber. |
8708.30.50.30 (Duplicate) |
Brake Rotors (Discs) | Brake Rotors match "Brake Rotors (Discs)" perfectly. | Direct match for braking system parts. |
π Key Insight:
- 8708.30.50.30/40 is the primary classification for standard Brake Pads/Rotors made of metal/ceramic/composite.
- 4016.99... is used if the component is predominantly vulcanized rubber or a rubber-heavy friction material.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Analysis (Detailed Breakdown)
β Applicable Market: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current (Includes 2026 projections based on existing 301/IEEPA rules)
π― 1. The "8708" Family (Brake System Parts)
Codes: 8708.30.50.30, 8708.30.50.40
Products: Standard Brake Pads, Brake Rotors (Discs).
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty (MFN) | 2.5% | Standard Most-Favored-Nation rate for auto parts. |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% | "Add-on Tariff" under the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 (China origin). |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% | Specific add-on tariff (often related to EV/China supply chain policies). |
| Total Duty | 37.5% | (2.5% + 25.0% + 10.0%) |
π Calculation Example:
For a $10,000 shipment of Brake Pads (8708):
Total Duty = $10,000 Γ 37.5% = $3,750.
π― 2. The "4016" Family (Rubber Components)
Codes: 4016.99.60.10, 4016.99.30.00
Products: Brake parts inferred to be made of Vulcanized Rubber.
| HS Code | Base Duty | 301 Add-on | 122 Tariff | Total Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4016.99.60.10 |
2.5% | +25.0% | +10.0% | 37.5% | Same as 8708 (2.5% + 35%). |
4016.99.30.00 |
0.0% | +25.0% | +10.0% | 35.0% | Zero Base Duty (0%), but 35% total due to add-ons. |
π Crucial Observation:
-4016.99.30.00offers a slight saving (35.0% vs 37.5%) because the Base Duty is 0%, but the Add-on taxes (35%) remain the same. - Warning: Misclassifying a metal/ceramic pad as rubber (4016) to save on base duty is high-risk and can lead to audits.
π οΈ IV. Clearance & Operational Recommendations (Expert Strategy)
β 1. Material Verification (The Deciding Factor)
Before declaring, you MUST verify the material composition: - If Metal/Ceramic Composite (Standard): Use 8708.30.50.30/40. - Why: It is a "Brake System Part" under 8708. Rubber classification will be rejected. - If High-Content Rubber (e.g., rubber pads for specific machinery): Use 4016.99.30.00. - Why: Only applies if the primary component is vulcanized rubber.
π₯ Rule: Do not use
4016to avoid the 2.5% base duty on metal parts. Customs will inspect the material. If it's metal, you pay the 2.5% + penalties.
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Declaration Tips)
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Brake Pad | "Brake Pads, Steel Backing, Friction Material" β 8708.30.50.30 | "Rubber Brake Pad" β 4016.99.30.00 | Audits/Seizures. Material mismatch. |
| Brake Rotor | "Brake Disc/Rotor, Cast Iron" β 8708.30.50.30 | "Metal Part" (Generic) β Other | Delay. Incorrect duty rate. |
| Mixed Pack | Declare Brake Pad as 8708, Brake Shoe (Rubber) as 4016. | Mix them under one code. | Confusion. Incorrect tax calculation. |
π‘ Pro Tip: Always include "Brake Linings" or "Friction Components" in the description to align with 8708 definitions.
β 3. Special Tax Clauses Explained
-
Base Duty (2.5%):
- Standard MFN rate for motor vehicle parts.
- Applicable to: 8708 and 4016.99.60.10.
- Waived: Only on 4016.99.30.00 (0%).
-
Section 301 (25%):
- The "Trade War" tariff. Applies to almost all Chinese auto parts.
- No Exemptions for standard brake pads.
-
Section 122 / IEEPA (10%):
- Additional tariff on Chinese-origin goods (often related to specific EV/tech supply chains).
- Always applies to the total value.
π¨ Total Tax Reality: - 8708 Pads: 37.5% (2.5 + 25 + 10) - 4016.30 Rubber: 35.0% (0 + 25 + 10) - 4016.60 Rubber: 37.5% (2.5 + 25 + 10)
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | HS Code Logic | Base Duty | Add-ons | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8708 / 4016 | 0% - 2.5% | +35% (301+122) | 35.0% - 37.5% |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8708 | 4.5% | 0% | 4.5% (Much Lower!) |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8708 | 0% - 5% | 0% | ~0% - 5% |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8708 | 3.5% | 0% | 3.5% |
π Strategic Advice: - If your market is USA, budget for ~37.5% duty. - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., manufacture in Vietnam/Mexico) to avoid Section 301/122 taxes if possible.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Don't Get Caught!)
β Mistake 1: Claiming "Brake Pads" as "Rubber" (4016) to save 2.5%.
π Result: Customs lab test reveals metal/ceramic. You owe back taxes + 25% penalty.
β Mistake 2: Splitting "Brake Pad" and "Brake Rotor" incorrectly.
π Result: Both are 8708.30.50.30. Do not split unless one is explicitly rubber-based.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Section 122" (10%) tariff.
π Result: Underestimating total landed cost by 10%. Always include it in pricing models.
β Correct Approach:
"Brake Pads (8708.30.50.30), Material: Steel/Ceramic Composite, Total Duty 37.5%."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision is Profit
π― Final Checklist for Clearance:
1. Verify Material: Is it metal (8708) or rubber (4016)?
2. Calculate Total Duty: Always add 35% add-ons to base duty.
3. Document Everything: Keep material specs ready for US Customs inspection.
4. Plan for 37.5%: Unless you are in 4016.99.30.00 (35%), expect high duties.
π Action Item: Review your Bill of Lading (BOL) and Invoice immediately. Ensure HS Codes match the material composition. If in doubt, file a Binding Ruling with US Customs to lock in the 35% or 37.5% rate before shipping.
β¨ Smart Customs, Smarter Shipping!
πΌ Your Margin Depends on Accurate HS Codes!
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.