Nut

🔩 Nuts & Fasteners (Iron/Steel)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Import Strategy for US Market
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Nut"?

In international trade, "Nut" is not a single entry but a category divided by material, threading status, and special function. The most critical distinction in the provided data is between standard threaded nuts (Chapter 73) and generic machinery parts/fasteners that do not fit specific fastener headings.

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Standard Nuts (Headings 7318): Threaded, designed to mate with bolts/screws. Includes lug nuts, locking nuts, etc. - Generic Parts/Fasteners (Heading 8487/7326): If a nut-like part is a machinery component (not primarily a fastener), or if it is an oil seal (despite looking like a part), or if it is an "other fastener" not specified in 7318, it falls into different chapters. - Electrical Features: Nuts with electrical connectors/coils are excluded from 8487 and would go to Chapter 85. The data provided specifically excludes electrical features.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (Based on Provided Data)

The following table breaks down the HS Codes from <DATA> based on product description and tax implications.

🔍 重点提醒 (Key Reminder):
- 7318.15 and 7326.90 show "total_tax": "Error" in the source data. This means tax rates are missing in the provided snippet. In reality, general iron/steel nuts (7318.15) often have 0% base tariff but are subject to Section 301 additional tariffs. - 8487.90 items are Machinery Parts, not fasteners. If you ship "nuts" but declare them as "other machinery parts," customs may reclassify them, leading to delays.

💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detail (US Market Focus)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on tariff structure in data)
✅ Effective Date: Current Section 301 & IEEPA measures

🎯 1. 7318.16.00.15 & 7318.16.00.30 – Lugnuts (Chrome-plated / Locking)

These are high-profile fasteners. The data highlights a 50% Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge.

📌 Explanation:
- The 50% surcharge is likely due to Executive Order 14026 or similar steel/aluminum trade measures, which impose a 50% duty on certain steel articles imported from China. - Locking Nuts (7318.16.00.30) have an additional 7.5% Section 301 tariff, totaling 57.5%. - Non-locking Chrome-plated Nuts (7318.16.00.15) have 0% Section 301, but still face the 50% Steel Surcharge.

🎯 2. 8487.90.00.80 – Other Machinery Parts (No Electrical Features)

📌 Explanation:
- This is a very high tariff. It combines a standard duty (3.9%), a significant Section 301 tariff (25%), and the maximum steel surcharge (50%). - Do NOT declare generic nuts as "Other Machinery Parts" unless they are truly structural components of a machine and not used for fastening. Customs will likely reclassify them as fasteners (Chapter 73), which may have different rates.

🎯 3. 8487.90.00.40 – Oil Seals (Machinery Parts)

📌 Explanation:
- Oil seals are not subject to the 50% steel surcharge. - However, they still face 3.9% base + 25% Section 301 = 28.9%. - Misclassification Risk: If you ship nuts but declare them as oil seals, customs will penalize you for false declaration.

⚠️ 4. 7318.15 & 7326.90 – General Nuts & Other Fasteners

📌 Critical Note:
- The data provided has no tax info for these codes. - Standard Nuts (7318.15) are NOT subject to the 50% steel surcharge unless they are specifically classified as "steel articles" under the EO. Most general nuts are 25% Section 301. - Always verify 7318.15 rates with a customs broker before shipping.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (The "Nut" Dilemma)

🔥 Key Tip:
- "Nut" vs. "Machinery Part": If the item is used to fasten two things together, it is Chapter 73 (Fasteners). If it is a component of a machine that performs a function (like a seal, bearing, or bracket), it is Chapter 84. - Do NOT declare general nuts as "Other Machinery Parts" (8487) to avoid Section 301. Customs will catch this, and you will pay 78.9% instead of ~25%.

✅ 3. Special Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for steel nuts due to 50% Steel Surcharge + Section 301. - EU/Canada/Mexico are significantly cheaper. Consider sourcing from third countries if shipping to US is too costly.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring General Nuts as 8487.90.00.80 (Other Machinery Parts)
👉 Consequence: Pay 78.9% instead of ~25%. Massive cost increase!
👉 Fix: Classify as 7318.15 (General Nuts) or 7318.16 (Lugnuts).

❌ Mistake 2: Assuming Small Quantities are exempt from Section 301
👉 Consequence: $800 de minimis does not apply to Section 301 tariffs from China.
👉 Fix: Pay tariffs on all shipments.

❌ Mistake 3: Confusing Oil Seals with Nuts
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code (8487.90.00.40 vs 7318.15).
👉 Fix: Clearly distinguish seals (rubber/composite) from nuts (metal fasteners).

✅ Correct Practice:

"Steel Hex Nuts, M10, Grade 8.8, Unplated, For Industrial Machinery"
HS Code: 7318.15 (Verify with broker)
Tariff: ~25% (Section 301)

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Strategic Import Advice

🎯 Remember:

🔹 "Nuts are Fasteners (Ch 73), Not Parts (Ch 84)"
🔹 "Lugnuts = 50% Surcharge, General Nuts = ~25% Sec 301"
🔹 "De Minimis Does NOT Apply to Section 301"

📌 Pro Tip:
- For large volumes, apply for Exclusion Requests under Section 301 if your nuts are not produced in the US.
- Use Advance Rulings to confirm HS Code for 7318.15 to avoid "Error" status and unexpected duties.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact Customs Broker
📄 Provide Product Specs (Material, Plating, Locking Feature)
🚀 Classify Correctly: 7318.15 or 7318.16 — Not 8487!

✨ Precise Classification Saves Money!
💼 Don't Let a Wrong HS Code Cost You 50% in Duties!