Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, pipes, hollow profiles, tube or pipe fittings, structures and parts thereof, screws, bolts, nuts, washers and similar fasteners, and table, kitchen or other household articles of iron or steel. This chapter does not include machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical machinery or equipment of iron or steel (Chapter 84 or 85), nor vehicles, ships, etc. of iron or steel (Chapters 86-89). Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers and similar articles of iron or steel. These fasteners are generally used to connect, secure or seal two or more components, are made of iron or steel, whether or not surface-treated (e.g., galvanized, blackened), and whether or not threaded. The first 2 digits "73" represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); the 3rd-4th digits "18" represent heading 7318 (screws, bolts, nuts, etc. of iron or steel); the 5th-6th digits "15" represent subheading 731815, specifically "other screws". Under heading 7318, subheadings are further divided by thread type, head shape, material, etc.: 731811 for coach screws, 731812 for other wood screws, 731813 for screw hooks, 731814 for self-tapping screws, 731815 for other screws, 731816 for nuts, 731819 for other. Note that 731815 specifically refers to screws other than coach screws, wood screws, screw hooks or self-tapping screws, generally meaning machine screws, hexagon head screws, etc. The goods are screws of iron or steel and are not coach screws, wood screws, screw hooks or self-tapping screws, so they are classified under 731815 "other screws". If they were self-tapping screws, they would be classified under 731814; if wood screws, under 731812; if coach screws, under 731811. Correct classification depends on the screw's head shape, thread type and use.

Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as "screw" or "machine screw", must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The specific type of iron or steel declared, such as "stainless steel", "carbon steel" or "alloy steel", which affects classification and duty rates. Specification and model: Declare the screw's dimensions (e.g., diameter, length), thread specification (e.g., M6), strength grade, etc. Head shape: Declare the head type, such as "hexagon head", "round head" or "countersunk head", used to distinguish different subheadings. Thread type: Declare whether it is a self-tapping screw, wood screw or machine screw, etc., which is a key distinguishing point. Use: Declare the main use, such as "for connecting mechanical equipment" or "for furniture assembly". Surface treatment: Declare whether it has been galvanized, blackened, painted, etc., which affects classification and duty rates. Brand: Declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "no brand". Product name: hexagon head screw; Material: carbon steel; Specification: M8×30mm; Head shape: hexagon head; Thread type: machine screw; Use: for connecting mechanical equipment; Surface treatment: galvanized; Brand: XYZ. Mistakenly classifying self-tapping screws under 731815, when they should be under 731814. Failure to declare head shape, leading to confusion with coach screws (731811). Unclear material declaration, such as "iron" may be mistaken for cast iron, affecting classification.

The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and national subheading notes. First determine whether the material is iron or steel, then whether it is a screw, and then distinguish by head shape, thread type (self-tapping, wood screw, etc.) and use. 731815 requires that it is not a coach screw, wood screw, screw hook or self-tapping screw. If the screw has special functions (e.g., locking, sealing), it may be classified under other headings. 731814 Self-tapping screws: Self-tapping screws can form threads in soft materials by themselves, usually with a sharp point and large thread pitch; while screws of 731815 require pre-tapping or use with a nut. 731812 Other wood screws: Wood screws are specially used for wood, with deeper threads and larger pitch, and mostly countersunk heads; screws of 731815 are mostly machine screws used for metal or plastic. 731811 Coach screws: Coach screws have a square head and are used for heavy timber structures; screws of 731815 usually have hexagon, round heads, etc., not square. 731816 Nuts: Nuts have internal threads and are used with screws; 731815 refers to externally threaded screws, and their functions are different. 731819 Other fasteners: 731819 includes washers, pins and other non-screw fasteners; 731815 specifically refers to screws. Is the material iron or steel? Is it a screw rather than a bolt? Is the head square? Is it a self-tapping or wood screw? Does it have special functions?

How to check the import duty rate for 731815? You can use the website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry platforms, enter HS code 731815, select the country of origin, trade mode, etc., to obtain information such as MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and whether there is an anti-dumping duty. Note that rates are adjusted with policies, and the latest published rates should prevail. What is the main difference between 731815 and 731814? 731814 is self-tapping screws, which can form threads in soft materials by themselves, usually with a sharp point and large thread pitch; 731815 is other screws, which require pre-tapping or use with a nut, such as machine screws. When declaring, they must be accurately distinguished based on thread type and use. Is there a difference in classification between stainless steel screws and carbon steel screws? Both are classified under 731815, but the material affects duty rates and anti-dumping measures. For example, some stainless steel screws may enjoy different duty rates, and anti-dumping duties may target specific materials. When declaring, the material must be specified so that customs can correctly apply the duty rate. Does the head shape of a screw affect classification? Yes. Head shape is key to distinguishing different subheadings: coach screws are under 731811, and other head shapes (such as hexagon, round) if not self-tapping, wood screws, etc., are under 731815. When declaring, head shape information must be provided. If a screw is used for automobiles, is it classified under 731815? Not necessarily. If the screw is specially designed for automobiles, it may be classified under Chapter 87 automobile parts (e.g., 8708), but general-purpose screws are still classified under 731815. Classification depends on whether it is specially designed for automobiles and whether it has other characteristics. It is recommended to refer to the Explanatory Notes or consult customs. What are common errors in the declaration elements of 731815? Common errors include: general product name (e.g., "hardware"), unclear material (e.g., "iron"), failure to declare head shape, misreporting thread type (reporting self-tapping screws as other screws), and overly broad use description. These errors may lead to classification disputes, delays in customs clearance, or even penalties. How to determine whether a screw belongs to "other screws"? First confirm the material is iron or steel, then exclude coach screws, wood screws, screw hooks and self-tapping screws. If it does not fall under these subheadings and is a screw (not a bolt or nut), it is classified under 731815. You may refer to the subheading structure and notes of the Tariff. What is the export tax rebate rate for 731815? The export tax rebate rate is periodically adjusted by the State Taxation Administration and may vary at different times. You can check the latest rebate rate through the website of the State Taxation Administration or comprehensive foreign trade service platforms. Usually the rebate rate for screws is between 9% and 13%, subject to official publication.