round head screw

🔩 Round Head Screw (Circular Head Screws)

🌐 HS Code Classification & Clearance Guide | 2026 Customs Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Round Head Screws"?

Round head screws (also known as circular head screws) are fasteners characterized by a head that is hemispherical or cylindrical with a rounded top. They are widely used in machinery, automotive, construction, and electronics.

In international trade, the classification hinges on Material and Processing State. Since "Round Head Screw" is a generic term, the HS Code varies significantly based on whether the screw is made of Stainless Steel or Other Iron/Steel (Carbon Steel), and whether it fits specific sub-categories.

⚠️ Key Classification Logic:
- Material Assumption: Based on common industry standards, if not specified, screws are typically Iron/Steel. If specified as "Stainless," it shifts to a different sub-category.
- Shape Feature: "Round Head" falls under the broader category of round-headed fasteners.
- Conflict Check: No material conflict exists if the declaration matches the physical composition.

📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)

Based on the provided data, here are the four most likely HS Codes for Round Head Screws, sorted by material and processing logic:

🔍 Critical Reminder:
- Stainless vs. Carbon Steel: 7318.15.20.51 is for Stainless Steel. 7318.15.20.55 is for Other Iron/Steel (Carbon). Misclassifying carbon steel as stainless (or vice versa) can lead to penalties.
- "Screw" vs. "General Part": If the item is a standard screw, prefer 7318.15. If it is a non-standard fastener or industrial stamping part, 7326.19 may apply as a fallback.

💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Post-November 10, 2025 (Including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 7318.15.20.55 & 7318.15.20.51 —— Round Head Screws (Iron/Steel & Stainless)

These two codes share the same tariff structure due to similar policy treatment under current trade measures.

📌 Explanation:
- The 0% base rate is standard for many fasteners.
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods.
- The 50% is a specific surcharge under "122 Clauses" targeting Steel, Aluminum, and Copper products. Since screws are predominantly steel, this high surcharge applies.
- Total 85%: This is an extremely high tariff. It significantly impacts the landed cost.

🎯 2. 7326.19.00.80 & 7326.19.00.10 —— Other Iron/Steel Products (Fallback Categories)

📌 Note:
- These codes have a slightly higher base rate (2.9%) compared to the specific screw codes (0.0%).
- Therefore, if your product is clearly a "Screw," 7318.15 (85.0%) is cheaper than 7326.19 (87.9%).
- Use 7326.19 only if the item does not strictly meet the definition of a screw (e.g., non-standard industrial stampings).

🛠️ Four, Clearance Practical Suggestions (实战避坑指南)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Provide)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)

🔥 "Material First, Head Second, Don't Guess, Specify Clearly!"

✅ 3. Special Situation Handling

🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- The USA is the most challenging market for steel screws due to the 50% Steel Surcharge + 25% Section 301.
- For other markets, tariffs are significantly lower.
- Cost Optimization: If exporting to the US, consider if the screw is Stainless Steel (7318.15.20.51) vs. Carbon Steel (7318.15.20.55). The rate is the same (85%), but material sourcing costs differ.

📌 Six, Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Using a generic HS Code like 7318.15.20.00 (if available) without specifying the sub-code for stainless vs. carbon.
👉 Consequence: Customs will assess at the highest applicable duty or reject the entry.

❌ Error 2: Declaring "Screws" when they are actually "Rivets" or "Nails".
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code (7317 vs 7318), leading to 87.9% vs 85.0% difference and potential fraud allegations.

❌ Error 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause" Steel Surcharge.
👉 Consequence: Under-declaring tax. The 50% surcharge is critical for steel products.

✅ Correct Approach:

"Round Head Stainless Steel Screw, Hex Socket, M6x10, Grade 304" → 7318.15.20.51
"Round Head Carbon Steel Screw, Slotted, M6x10, Grade 8.8" → 7318.15.20.55

🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Control!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Steel Screws to USA: 85% Tax!"
🔹 "Stainless vs Carbon: Check the Spec!"
🔹 "Base 0% + 301 25% + Steel 50% = 85%!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your volume is large, consider Section 321 De Minimis eligibility (if under $800 per shipment) or look for exclusions from the 122 Clause. Always obtain an Advance Ruling from CBP for new products.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Consult a Customs Broker
📄 Verify Material Certificates
🚀 Ensure Correct HS Code: 7318.15.20.55 or 7318.15.20.51

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Cost Is Saved by Precision!