Hex Bolt

🔩 Hex Bolts (Hex Head Screws/Bolts)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Hex Bolts"?

Hex bolts, also known as hex head bolts or simply "hexes," are one of the most fundamental fasteners in global manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. In international trade, the classification of hex bolts is strictly determined by their raw material composition. While they share the same geometric shape (hexagonal head), their HS Codes diverge based on whether they are made of Iron/Steel, Copper, or Brass.

⚠️ Critical Distinction Point:
- Iron/Steel Hex Bolts: The most common industrial fasteners. Subject to specific HTSUs based on thread pitch and material.
- Copper/Brass Hex Bolts: Used for corrosion resistance or electrical conductivity. Classified under Copper article chapters, distinct from steel.
- Mixed Packages: If a shipment contains mixed materials, customs may inspect individual items. Mixed shipments often trigger higher scrutiny or require splitting the declaration.

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

🔍 Key Insight:
- Steel vs. Copper: The first two digits (73 vs 74) are the primary divider. 73 = Articles of Iron/Steel; 74 = Articles of Copper.
- Precision Matters: For steel bolts, 7318.15.20.65 is often used for standard coarse-thread bolts, while .69 may apply to other steel variations. Misclassification here can lead to a 8.5% tariff difference ($85.0\%$ vs $93.5\%$).
- Brass Exception: Brass bolts fall under 7415.33.10.00 with a slightly lower total tax rate ($86.4\%$) compared to pure copper bolts ($88.0\%$).

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

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Ongoing (Post-2025 Policies)

🎯 1. 7318.15.20.65 —— Steel Hex Bolts (Standard)

📌 Explanation:
- 0% Base: Standard MFN rate for certain steel bolts is low/zero.
- 25% + 10% + 50%: The high total rate is driven by multiple layers of trade remedies:
1. 301 Tariff (25%): General US-China trade war tariff.
2. Section 122 (10%): Specific duty on certain steel products.
3. Steel/Aluminum Surtax (50%): Additional punitive tariff on steel/copper/steel products from China.
- Result: An $85.0\%$ total tax rate makes importing these bolts extremely expensive for US entities.

🎯 2. 7318.15.80.69 —— Steel Hex Bolts (Other Variations)

📌 Note:
- This code applies to steel bolts not covered by .65 (e.g., different thread pitches, lengths, or specifications).
- The 8.5% base duty adds to the total, making this category even more costly ($93.5\%$ vs $85.0\%$).
- Risk: Importers often mistakenly use .80.69 for standard bolts, leading to overpayment of 8.5%.

🎯 3. 7415.33.80.10 & .50 —— Copper Hex Bolts

📌 Note:
- Copper bolts incur a 3.0% base duty, which is higher than steel's 0% but lower than steel's base in some cases.
- However, the 50% surtax on copper applies here just as it does for steel, leading to the high 88% total.

🎯 4. 7415.33.10.00 —— Brass Hex Bolts

📌 Note:
- Brass has a lower base duty (1.4%) than pure copper (3.0%).
- Savings: Brass bolts are 1.6% cheaper in total tax ($86.4\%$) than pure copper bolts ($88.0\%$).
- Design Consideration: If corrosion resistance is required, consider if brass is sufficient, as it offers a slight tariff advantage.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Classification Tips (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Material First, Shape Second! Check Base Rate, Avoid 8.5% Trap!"

✅ 3. Special Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese hex bolts due to layered tariffs (301 + 122 + Surtax).
- EU/UK/Asia markets offer significantly lower tariff barriers.
- Strategy: For US-bound goods, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico with substantial transformation) or absorbing costs if volume justifies.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Using generic "Fasteners" or "Screws" in the description.
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify under a higher-duty category or request detailed specs, causing delays.

❌ Error 2: Misclassifying Steel Bolts as .80.69 when they qualify for .20.65.
👉 Consequence: Overpaying 8.5% on every shipment. A $100,000 shipment loses $8,500 unnecessarily.

❌ Error 3: Assuming De Minimis applies to bolts.
👉 Consequence: Rejection. Items with >8% duty are generally excluded from Section 321. Formal entry required.

❌ Error 4: Mixing Copper and Steel in one shipment without clear separation.
👉 Consequence: Customs may inspect every item, leading to higher inspection fees and clearance delays.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Hex Head Bolt, Steel, Grade 5, M10x50mm, Zinc Plated, HS 7318.15.20.65"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Control!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Material Dictates HS! Steel 85%, Copper 88%, Brass 86%! Check Base Rate to Save 8.5%!"
🔹 "No De Minimis for High Tariffs! Formal Entry is a Must!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes of hex bolts to the US, apply for an Advance Ruling (Customs Ruling) to confirm the correct HTSUS. Also, evaluate if supply chain shifts (e.g., sourcing from non-China origins with valid FTAs) can reduce the 85%+ tariff burden.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact your Customs Broker + Provide Detailed Material Specs + Verify HTSUS
🚀 Optimize Your Classification, Minimize Tax Liability, Clear Customs Smoothly!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!