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CN → 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

🛑 Brake Pads (Automotive Brake Pads)


🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Edition | Strategic Customs Strategy
📌 One: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Brake Pads"?

Brake Pads, the critical friction components in automotive braking systems, are essential for vehicle safety. In international trade, their classification hinges on their function (braking system component) and material composition (often rubber-based or metal-composite).

They fall into two primary logical categories based on the specific HS Code logic: * Category A: Vehicle Parts (Chapter 87): Classified directly as "Parts of braking systems." This is the most direct fit for brake pads recognized as functional vehicle components. * Category B: Rubber Articles (Chapter 40): Classified as "Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles." This applies if the pads are inferred to be made primarily of vulcanized rubber or rubber-composite friction materials.

⚠️ Key Classification Logic:
- If the focus is on the functional vehicle part (matching "Brake Linings" or "Brake System Components"), it leans toward HS Code 8708.
- If the focus is on the material composition (vulcanized rubber/friction material), it leans toward HS Code 4016.
- Crucial Note: Both paths currently attract high US tariffs (25% Section 301 + 10% Section 122) for Chinese origin goods.


📦 Two: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority Match)

Based on the provided data, here are the precise matches for "Brake Pads":

HS Code Product Description (Summary) Material/Shape Inference Function Match
8708.30.50.30 Brake System Parts (Friction Linings) Inferred as brake lining components; no material conflict. Matches "Brake System Components" & "Servo Braking Parts".
8708.30.50.40 Vehicle Braking System Parts Inferred as friction consumables within the braking system. Matches "Brake Linings (Brake linings)" functionality.
4016.99.60.10 Other Vulcanized Rubber Articles Inferred as vulcanized rubber or rubber-fraction material. Matches "Automotive Mechanical Parts" & "Rubber Composition".
4016.99.30.00 Other Rubber Articles (8701-8705) Inferred as Vulcanized Rubber/Metal Composite (non-hard rubber). Matches "Vehicle Shock/Brake Parts" (8701-8705 logic).

🔍 Important Distinction:
- 8708 Codes: Focus on the part as a vehicle component.
- 4016 Codes: Focus on the material as a rubber product.
- All listed codes share the same Total Tax Rate of 35.0% - 37.5% due to the叠加 (layering) of US tariffs.


💰 Three: 2026 US Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policies)

Applicable Country: United States (US)
Country of Origin: China (CN)
Effective Time: Current (Includes Section 301 & Section 122 measures)

🎯 1. HS Code 8708.30.50.30 & 8708.30.50.40 (Vehicle Parts Path)

Item Content
Base Tariff 2.5% (General MFN Rate)
Section 301 (Add-on) +25.0% (The "Trump Tariff" / Trade Action)
Section 122 Tariff +10.0% (Specific automotive parts surcharge)
Total Tax Rate 37.5% (2.5% + 25% + 10%)
Tax Calculation CIF Value × 37.5%
Legal Basis Path 8708.30.50.30 / 8708.30.50.40Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%)

📌 Explanation:
- Even though these are "car parts," the Section 301 tariff (25%) applies to the base 2.5%.
- The Section 122 tariff (10%) is a specific addition for certain automotive components.
- Total Impact: Your duty burden is 37.5%, making this high-cost clearance.

🎯 2. HS Code 4016.99.60.10 (Rubber Material Path)

Item Content
Base Tariff 2.5%
Section 301 (Add-on) +25.0%
Section 122 Tariff +10.0%
Total Tax Rate 37.5%
Tax Calculation CIF Value × 37.5%
Legal Basis Path 4016.99.60.10Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%)

📌 Note:
- Switching from "Vehicle Part" (8708) to "Rubber Article" (4016) does not reduce the tariff.
- The "Base Tariff" remains 2.5%, but the 25% + 10% add-ons remain fully applicable.

🎯 3. HS Code 4016.99.30.00 (Specific Rubber Logic Path)

Item Content
Base Tariff 0.0%
Section 301 (Add-on) +25.0%
Section 122 Tariff +10.0%
Total Tax Rate 35.0%
Tax Calculation CIF Value × 35.0%
Legal Basis Path 4016.99.30.00 (Base 0%) → Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%)

📌 Critical Advantage:
- This is the ONLY code in the provided list with a 0% Base Tariff.
- However, the 35% Total Tax is still extremely high due to the 35% surcharge (25%+10%).
- Strategy: Use this if customs accepts the "0% base" argument, saving the 2.5% base duty, but the surcharge dominates.

🎯 Comparison Summary:
- Most Codes: 2.5% Base + 35% Surcharges = 37.5%
- Code 4016.99.30.00: 0% Base + 35% Surcharges = 35.0%
- Result: A tiny 2.5% saving, but the tariff structure is punitive regardless of classification.


🛠️ Four: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Material Documentation (Crucial for 4016 vs 8708)

Document Requirement Why It Matters
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) ✔️ Mandatory Proves if the pad is "Vulcanized Rubber" (4016) or "Metal/Composite" (8708).
Engineering Drawings ✔️ Mandatory Shows the structure (linings, backing plates) to match "Brake System" logic.
Bill of Materials (BOM) ✔️ Mandatory Breakdown of friction material vs. metal backing to justify the HS Code.
Commercial Invoice ✔️ Mandatory Must clearly state "Automotive Brake Pads" and include CIF value.

🔥 Declaration Tip:
- Do NOT just write "Brake Pads."
- Use: "Automotive Brake Pads, Friction Linings, Rubber/Metal Composite, for [Vehicle Make/Model]".
- If claiming 4016.99.30.00 (0% base), you must prove the material is primarily vulcanized rubber/composite to customs officers.

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (The "35-37.5%" Trap)

Scenario Recommended Action Risk if Ignored
Generic Brake Pads Declare under 8708.30.50 or 4016.99.30.00. Misclassification → Penalties + 35-37.5% duty.
Brake Pads with Sensors Declare under 8708.30.50 (Vehicle Part). Attempting to classify as "Electronic" → Complex audit risk.
Brake Pads for EVs Declare under 8708.30.50 (Vehicle Part). No special tax exemption for EV parts currently.
Section 122 Eligibility Verify if the product specifically falls under the "Section 122" list. If excluded, you might save the 10% (Total 27.5%), but data says 10% applies here.

⚠️ Warning:
- No De Minimis Exemption: Brake pads are not eligible for "De Minimis" (low value) shipments.
- Section 122 is Strict: The 10% surcharge is specific to certain automotive parts; ensure your product description aligns with the "Brake System" definition.

✅ 3. Special Cases & Mitigation

Situation Strategy
Re-exporting If shipped from a third country (e.g., Vietnam), check if "Section 122" applies to transshipment.
Aftermarket vs. OEM Both are treated the same under US Customs; the "Part" status matters, not the brand.
Composite Materials If the pad is >50% rubber, argue for 4016. If >50% metal/ceramic, argue for 8708.

🌍 Five: Global Market Comparison (2026)

Region Recommended HS Code Base Tariff Surcharges Total Est. Notes
🇺🇸 USA 8708.30.50 / 4016 0-2.5% +35% (301+122) 35-37.5% Extremely High due to Section 122 & 301.
🇨🇳 China 8708.30.50 0% None 0% Domestic trade, no export tariffs mentioned.
🇪🇺 EU 8708.30.50 2.5% None 2.5% No Section 122/301 equivalent.
🇯🇵 Japan 8708.30.50 0% None 0% Zero tariff for auto parts.

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market charging ~35%+ on brake pads.
- Europe & Japan offer much better duty-free or low-duty entry.
- Strategy: If possible, route supply chains through non-US markets or utilize bonded warehouses to delay tax payment until final destination.


📌 Six: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

Mistake 1: Claiming "Brake Pads" are "Electronic Components" to avoid auto tariffs.
👉 Result: Customs rejects the claim; fines for misclassification + back taxes.

Mistake 2: Using "4016" to avoid "8708" without material proof.
👉 Result: Customs demands "Vulcanized Rubber" proof; if you have metal backing plates, the code is rejected.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Section 122 (10%) surcharge.
👉 Result: Underestimating costs by 10% leads to cash flow crunches.

Correct Action:

"Automotive Brake Pads, Assembled, Rubber/Metal Composite, HS 8708.30.50.30 (or 4016.99.30.00), Origin: China."


🎯 Seven: Final Verdict & Strategy

🎯 The Hard Truth:

🔹 "Brake Pads to the US = High Tax (35-37.5%)".
🔹 Classification Choice: Between 8708 (Vehicle Part) and 4016 (Rubber), 4016.99.30.00 offers a slight advantage (0% base) but the surcharge dominates.
🔹 No Escape: There is currently no tariff holiday for these automotive friction parts.

🚀 Action Plan:
1. Calculate Cost: Add 35-37.5% to your landed cost immediately.
2. Material Proof: Prepare detailed BOMs to support 4016.99.30.00 (0% base) if possible.
3. Supplier Check: Verify if your manufacturer can ship from a country not subject to Section 301/122 (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) for a potential rate reduction.
4. Pre-Ruling: Apply for an Advance Ruling (Customs Pre-Determination) from CBP to lock in the HS Code and avoid surprise audits.


📌 Pro Tip:

If your brake pads are OEM parts for specific high-end vehicles, check if they qualify for Exclusion under Section 301 (though Section 122 often overrides).
Never assume "Rubber" means "Low Tax" in the US market anymore.


📣 Immediate Next Step:

📞 Contact a Licensed US Customs Broker immediately.
📄 Prepare your BOM and Material Certificates.
🚀 Re-evaluate your US Pricing Strategy to absorb the 35%+ duty or find an alternative market!


Precision is Profit!
💼 Don't let a 2.5% base tariff difference cost you thousands in penalties!

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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
  • Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
  • Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
  • National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
  • General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
  • Trade remedy duties — 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.