Grease Fitting

🔧 Grease Fittings (Zerk Fittings / Lubrication Nipples)

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

Grease fittings, commonly known as Zerk fittings or lubrication nipples, are small mechanical components used to inject lubricating grease into the bearings and joints of machinery. They are essential maintenance parts for automobiles, industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, and construction vehicles.

In international trade, they are strictly classified as "Parts of Machinery" because they serve a specific mechanical function (lubrication) within a larger system. They are not electrical components, nor are they simple fasteners like screws (unless specifically designed as such, but standard grease fittings fall under machinery parts).

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is a standalone lubrication nipple (metal, with a check valve, no electrical features) → It falls under Chapter 84 (Machinery).
- If it is part of an electrical connector assembly → It might fall under Chapter 85.
- Standard industrial/automotive grease fittings are classified under 8487.90.00.

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

Based on the provided data, here is the precise classification for Grease Fittings (Machinery parts, non-electrical):

🔍 Critical Classification Note:
- Grease fittings are not oil seals (which are sealing rings). Therefore, 8487.90.00.40's description ("Other Oil seals") may be technically inaccurate for a literal interpretation, but in many customs databases, 8487.90.00.80 ("Other") is the correct catch-all for non-electrical machinery parts like grease fittings.
- We recommend 8487.90.00.80 as the primary code for standard steel/brass grease fittings, as they are "other" machinery parts not specified elsewhere.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Enforcement)

🎯 1. HS Code 8487.90.00.80 —— "Other" Machinery Parts (Standard Grease Fittings)

📌 Interpretation:
- Why 78.9%? Most grease fittings are made of Steel (chrome-plated) or Brass/Copper.
- If classified as Steel product: Base 3.9% + 301 Surtax 25% + Steel Surcharge 50% = 78.9%.
- If classified as Non-Steel (e.g., Plastic/Nylon grease guns, but fittings are metal): Base 3.9% + 301 Surtax 25% = 28.9%.
- CRITICAL: Since most grease fittings are steel, you must prepare for the 78.9% rate unless you can prove they are not "steel articles" under Section 232 (which is difficult for metal fittings).

🎯 2. HS Code 8487.90.00.40 —— "Other Oil Seals" (Alternative/Incorrect?)

📌 Recommendation: Avoid 8487.90.00.40 unless you are importing rubber oil seals. For metal grease nipples, 8487.90.00.80 is the correct general category.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)

✅ 1. Essential Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)

🔥 "Be Precise: 'Grease Fitting' not 'General Part'!"

💡 Strategy to Reduce Tax:
- If you can source Plastic or Brass (non-steel/aluminum critical components) grease fittings, you may avoid the 50% Steel/Aluminum surcharge, bringing the rate down to 28.9%.
- However, most industrial fittings are Steel. Be honest about material.

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- The US is the most challenging market for grease fittings due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 232 (50% Steel/Al/Cu) surcharges.
- Total tax can exceed 75% for steel fittings.
- Mitigation: Consider third-country assembly (Vietnam/Mexico) if feasible, or negotiate DDP terms with buyers.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring as "Fastener" (Chapter 73)
👉 Consequence: Wrong classification. Grease fittings are parts of machinery (Chapter 84), not general fasteners.
👉 Result: Misclassification penalty.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring Material Composition
👉 Consequence: Assuming 28.9% for steel fittings.
👉 Result: Customs audits will apply the 50% steel surcharge, leading to back taxes + interest.

❌ Error 3: Vague Description "Lubrication Part"
👉 Consequence: Customs delay for further investigation.
👉 Result: Storage fees at port.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Grease Fitting, Zerk Type, 1/8"-27 NPT, Chrome Plated Steel, Model GF-100, HS Code 8487.90.00.80"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Steel Fittings: 78.9% (3.9% + 25% + 50%)"
🔹 "Non-Steel: 28.9% (3.9% + 25%)"
🔹 "Material Proof is Key!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your grease fittings are made of Stainless Steel, consult a customs broker to check if specific stainless alloys are exempt from Section 232. Some exclusions exist.
Always request a Material Test Report (MTR) from your supplier to verify the exact alloy composition.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker to confirm if your specific steel alloy qualifies for any surcharge exclusions.
📄 Prepare Material Certificates for all shipments to avoid the 78.9% rate if eligible.
🚀 Optimize Supply Chain: Consider sourcing from non-China origins if volume is high, to avoid all US surcharges.

✨ Precision in Classification, Savings in Cost!
💼 Every percentage point matters in global trade!