wheel covers
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908610 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926305000 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708706045 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Wheel Covers & Hub Caps (Automotive Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly Are "Wheel Covers"?
Wheel covers (also known as hub caps, spinners, or wheel ornaments) are decorative or protective accessories attached to the wheel rims of vehicles. In international trade, they are often classified based on their material composition and specific function.
Two Main Material Categories: 1. Metallic (Steel/Iron/Aluminum): Rigid, durable, often used for heavy-duty trucks or classic cars. 2. Plastic/Polymer: Lightweight, cost-effective, common in modern passenger vehicles.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If made primarily of metal (steel/iron) β Look to Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
- If made primarily of plastic β Look to Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastics).
- Note: Even if used for "wheels," they are often classified as "Other Articles" or "Parts" depending on the specific HS code structure and material priority rules.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data for "Wheel Covers" (specifically noted in one entry as 8708.70.60.45), here is the breakdown for Metal and Plastic variants.
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Basis | Total Tax Rate | Key Tariff Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.10 |
Other Articles of Iron or Steel | Metal (Iron/Steel) | 87.9% | Base: 2.9% + Sec 301: 25% + 122-Clause: 50% |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other Articles of Iron or Steel | Metal (Iron/Steel) | 87.9% | Base: 2.9% + Sec 301: 25% + 122-Clause: 50% |
3926.30.50.00 |
Other Articles of Plastic (Body Parts) | Plastic | 22.8% | Base: 5.3% + Sec 301: 7.5% + 122-Clause: 10% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other Plastic Articles | Plastic | 22.8% | Base: 5.3% + Sec 301: 7.5% + 122-Clause: 10% |
8708.70.60.45 |
Wheel Covers & Hub Caps | Metal/Plastic | 37.5% | Base: 2.5% + Sec 301: 25% + 122-Clause: 10% |
π Key Observation:
- There is a specific HS Code (8708.70.60.45) explicitly for "Wheel covers and hub caps." This code carries a significantly lower total tax (37.5%) compared to generic "other metal/plastic articles" (which can hit 87.9% or 22.8% depending on classification). - Strategy: Always try to classify under8708.70.60.45if the item is definitively a wheel cover/hub cap, rather than generic metal/plastic parts.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current Trade War Tariffs (Section 301 & Section 232/122)
π― 1. 8708.70.60.45 ββ Wheel Covers and Hub Caps (Recommended)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Clause (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301/122 duties usually block de minimis) |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:8708.70.60.45 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable option if the product is correctly identified as a "wheel cover/hub cap." - The 10% 122-Clause tariff applies if the item is deemed to fall under steel/aluminum components, but the base rate remains low. - Total 37.5% is high but much lower than the 87.9% for generic metal items.
π― 2. 7326.90.86.10 / 7326.90.86.88 ββ Other Metal Articles (Risky)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Clause (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | +50.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 87.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 87.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:7326.90.86 β Section 301: 25% β Section 122: 50% |
π Warning:
- If the customs officer decides the wheel cover is not a "part" but a "generic metal article," you face a 87.9% tariff. - The 50% 122-Clause tariff is triggered for steel/aluminum products under specific provisions. This is a catastrophic rate for wheel covers.
π― 3. 3926.30.50.00 / 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Clause | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Authority Path | USITC:3926.30 or 3926.90 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Plastic wheel covers enjoy a lower total tax (22.8%) than metal ones (37.5% or 87.9%). - However, the Section 301 rate for plastics (7.5%) is lower than for steel (25-50%). - If you manufacture plastic wheel covers, this is the cheapest option.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photo | βοΈ | Clearly show "Wheel Cover/Hub Cap" shape, not generic metal plate. |
| β Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material (Plastic/Metal), Diameter, Vehicle Model Compatibility. |
| β Bill of Lading/Invoice | βοΈ | Description must read "Wheel Covers / Hub Caps", NOT "Metal Parts" or "Plastic Goods." |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Made of [Plastic/Steel] for use on vehicle wheels." |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Highly recommended to lock in 8708.70.60.45. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Identify as Part, Not Generic; Plastic is Cheaper; Metal Needs Precision!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect HS Code | Tax Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Wheel Cover | 3926.30.50.00 (22.8%) |
3926.90.99.89 (22.8%) |
Same, but 3926.30 is more specific. |
| Metal Wheel Cover | 8708.70.60.45 (37.5%) |
7326.90.86.10 (87.9%) |
Save 50.4% in tariffs! |
| Generic Metal Plate | 7326.90.86.10 (87.9%) |
N/A | N/A |
β οΈ Critical Tip:
- Do NOT describe metal wheel covers as "Iron Articles" or "Steel Parts." Always use "Wheel Covers" or "Hub Caps." - If you are unsure about the specific HS code8708.70.60.45, file for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Advance Ruling from CBP.
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material (Plastic Cover + Metal Clip) | Declare as Plastic (3926.30.50.00) if plastic is the essential character β 22.8% tax. |
| Custom/Painted Wheel Covers | Still 8708.70.60.45. Paint does not change HS code, but ensure description mentions "Decorative Wheel Covers." |
| For Trucks vs. Cars | Both can be 8708.70.60.45 if they are "hub caps/wheel covers." If they are large "wheel rims," different code applies. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8708.70.60.45 |
37.5% | None | Avoid generic metal codes (87.9%)! |
| π¨π³ China | 8708.99.90.90 |
~5-10% | CCC (if part of vehicle) | Low tax, high volume. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8708.70.99 |
4.5% | None | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8708.70.99 |
4.5% | None | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8708.70.99 |
5% | None | Stable tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most challenging market due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs. - Plastic wheel covers (22.8%) are cheaper than Metal Wheel Covers (37.5%) in the US. - Generic Metal Articles (87.9%) are prohibitively expensive.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Metal Wheel Covers as "Other Steel Articles" (7326.90.86.10)
π Result: Tax jumps from 37.5% to 87.9%. Loss of profit margin.
β Mistake 2: Using vague descriptions like "Auto Parts" or "Metal Decorations"
π Result: Customs may assign worst-case tariff or hold shipment for inspection.
β Mistake 3: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies
π Result: Section 301 and 122 tariffs exclude de minimis. You pay tax on small packages too.
β Correct Action:
"Hub Caps, Wheel Covers, Model XYZ, for Passenger Cars, Made of [Plastic/Steel], HS 8708.70.60.45"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Wheel Covers are Parts, not Generic Articles!"
πΉ "Plastic = 22.8%, Specific Metal = 37.5%, Generic Metal = 87.9%!"
πΉ "Section 301 + 122 = High Tax, Plan Ahead!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing metal wheel covers, consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) to avoid Section 301/122 tariffs, or switch to plastic alternatives for lower duty rates.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify HS Code
8708.70.60.45with your customs broker.
πΈ Ensure product photos clearly show "Wheel Covers."
π Accurate Classification = Lower Tax = Higher Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost is Calculated Precisely!
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.