Bonnet Struts

🚗 Bonnet Struts (Hood Lift Supports)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Bonnet Strut"?

Bonnet Struts (also known as Hood Lift Supports or Gas Springs) are critical automotive components designed to hold the vehicle's hood (bonnet) in the open position. In international trade, they are typically categorized based on their material composition and specific application.

Because these parts are primarily made of steel/iron and serve as body parts or mounting accessories for motor vehicles, they fall into two main classification buckets in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS):

1. General Steel Articles: If classified broadly as "other articles of iron or steel."
2. Auto Body Parts/Accessories: If classified specifically as parts/accessories for the body of motor vehicles (e.g., hinges, mounts, locks).

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the strut is considered a general metal fastener/mount without specific auto-body integration features → Chapter 73 or Chapter 83.
- If it is explicitly identified as a body part or mounting accessory for vehicles → Chapter 87 or Chapter 83.
- Critical Note: Most bonnet struts face high additional tariffs (Section 301/122) due to their steel content and automotive origin.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)

Based on the provided data, here are the five potential HS Codes and the rationale for each classification:

🔍 Analysis:
- Codes 7326.90.86.88 and 7326.19.00.80 treat the strut as a commodity steel item.
- Code 8708.29.51.10 treats it as an automotive body part.
- Codes 8302.30.30.10 and 8302.30.30.60 treat it as a mounting fixture/accessory.
- All five codes attract significant additional tariffs, ranging from 35% to 50% on top of base duties.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Current rates apply (including Section 301 and 122(b) duties)

🎯 1. 7326.90.86.88 & 7326.19.00.80 —— General Steel Articles

📌 Explanation:
- Base 2.9%: Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty for steel articles.
- +25% (Section 301): Standard additional tariff on Chinese imports under the Trade Act of 1974.
- +50% (Section 122): Additional tariff on specific steel imports under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (if applicable to this specific steel form).
- Total: 87.9%: This is an extremely high effective tariff rate. Importers must budget for this cost.

🎯 2. 8708.29.51.10 —— Vehicle Body Parts

📌 Explanation:
- Base 2.5%: Lower base duty for automotive parts.
- +25% (Section 301): The Section 122 steel surcharge (+50%) does not apply to finished body parts like struts, resulting in a significantly lower total rate compared to general steel articles.
- Total: 27.5%: While lower than the 87.9% category, this is still a substantial cost.

🎯 3. 8302.30.30.10 & 8302.30.30.60 —— Vehicle Mounts/Accessories

📌 Explanation:
- Base 2.0%: Lowest base duty among the options.
- +25% (Section 301): Standard additional tariff.
- +50% (Section 122): Since these are "mountings" made of steel, the 122 steel surcharge applies.
- Total: 87.0%: Comparable to the general steel article rate. High cost implications.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Body Part = 27.5%, Steel Article = 87.9%! Choose Wisely!"

⚠️ Critical Warning:
- Do NOT declare as "Auto Part" under 8708 if the customs officer determines it lacks direct body integration features. Risk of reclassification to 7326 or 8302 with penalties.
- Do NOT use de minimis (Section 321) for these items. The duty rate >20% or specific exclusions (like steel) often block de minimis entry.

✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- Canada and Mexico offer duty-free access for auto parts. Consider supply chain diversification if volume is high.
- EU is moderate but requires CE marking.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Auto Accessories" without specifying material
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify as general steel (7326), triggering the 50% Section 122 tariff. Total jumps to 87.9%.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 for Steel Products
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of duties. Customs will assess the 50% back-tariff + penalties.

❌ Mistake 3: Using de minimis for shipments >$800
👉 Consequence: If the item is classified as steel or auto part with high duties, de minimis may be denied, leading to shipment holds.

❌ Mistake 4: Vague Description ("Metal Rod")
👉 Consequence: Customs inspection delay. Must specify "Bonnet Strut" or "Hood Lift Support."

✅ Correct Approach:

"Automotive Bonnet Strut, Steel, Model XYZ, Made in China. Classified under HTS 8708.29.51.10."

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!

🎯 Remember:

🔹 "Body Part (8708) = 27.5% | Steel Mount (8302/7326) = 87%+! Choose 8708 if possible."
🔹 "Section 122 is the Killer! Avoid steel classification if your part fits 'Body Part' definition."
🔹 "Non-China Origin = Zero Duty! Check your supply chain."

📌 Pro Tip:
If your bonnet struts are manufactured in Mexico or Canada, you can claim USMCA/CUSMA Preference for 0% duty.
For China-origin struts, pre-clearance ruling (Advance Ruling) from CBP is highly recommended to lock in the 8708.29.51.10 classification and avoid the 50% steel surcharge.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Consult your customs broker to verify if 8708.29.51.10 is acceptable for your specific product design.
📄 Prepare technical drawings to prove "Body Part" functionality.
🚀 Optimize your HS Code to save 60% in tariffs!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every percentage point saved is pure profit!