Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, profiles, wire, plates and other semi-finished and finished products, but excludes iron or steel powders, waste and scrap, and certain specific articles. This chapter has a broad scope, covering everything from steel structures to daily hardware. Washers, as standard fasteners, are usually made of iron or steel and therefore fall under this chapter. Note that if the washer is made of copper, aluminum or other metals, it should be classified under Chapter 74, Chapter 76 or other corresponding chapters. Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, pins, cotter pins, keys, washers and similar articles of iron or steel. The products under this heading are all for fastening and connection purposes, and the material must be iron or steel. Washers, as one category, are used to distribute pressure, prevent loosening, seal or insulate. This heading is further subdivided by specific type, such as spring washers, other washers, etc. Code 731822 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "73" represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); digits 3-4 "18" represent heading 7318 (screws, bolts, nuts, washers and similar articles of iron or steel); digits 5-6 "22" represent subheading 731822, i.e., "other washers". This subheading covers all iron or steel washers other than spring washers (subheading 731821), including flat washers, lock washers, sealing washers, etc. Note that the subdivision is based on function and type, not size or use. The product is an iron or steel washer and is not a spring washer, so it is classified under 731822. If it were a spring washer, it should be classified under 731821; if it were a copper washer, it would be classified under 7415; if it were an aluminum washer, under 7616. In addition, if the washer is combined with other parts into a dedicated machine part, it may be classified as a machine part, but a general-purpose washer presented separately is still classified under 731822.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers articles of iron or steel, including tubes, profiles, wire, plates and other semi-finished and finished products, but excludes iron or steel powders, waste and scrap, and certain specific articles. This chapter has a broad scope, covering everything from steel structures to daily hardware. Washers, as standard fasteners, are usually made of iron or steel and therefore fall under this chapter. Note that if the washer is made of copper, aluminum or other metals, it should be classified under Chapter 74, Chapter 76 or other corresponding chapters.
Heading
Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, pins, cotter pins, keys, washers and similar articles of iron or steel. The products under this heading are all for fastening and connection purposes, and the material must be iron or steel. Washers, as one category, are used to distribute pressure, prevent loosening, seal or insulate. This heading is further subdivided by specific type, such as spring washers, other washers, etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 731822 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "73" represent Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); digits 3-4 "18" represent heading 7318 (screws, bolts, nuts, washers and similar articles of iron or steel); digits 5-6 "22" represent subheading 731822, i.e., "other washers". This subheading covers all iron or steel washers other than spring washers (subheading 731821), including flat washers, lock washers, sealing washers, etc. Note that the subdivision is based on function and type, not size or use.
Classification Basis
The product is an iron or steel washer and is not a spring washer, so it is classified under 731822. If it were a spring washer, it should be classified under 731821; if it were a copper washer, it would be classified under 7415; if it were an aluminum washer, under 7616. In addition, if the washer is combined with other parts into a dedicated machine part, it may be classified as a machine part, but a general-purpose washer presented separately is still classified under 731822.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "flat washer", "lock washer", etc., which should accurately reflect the characteristics of the commodity. Material: The material of the declared washer, which must be iron or steel, such as "carbon steel", "stainless steel", etc., and the grade should be indicated. Use: Explain the main use of the washer, such as "used in automobile engines", "used for pipeline sealing", etc. Specifications and Dimensions: Declare the inner diameter, outer diameter, thickness and other dimensions of the washer, usually expressed in millimeters. Surface Treatment: Declare whether the washer has undergone surface treatment such as galvanizing, blackening, coating, etc. Brand: Declare the brand or manufacturer name of the washer; if there is no brand, indicate "unbranded". Model: Declare the specific model or part number of the washer for easy identification. Product Name: Flat washer; Material: Carbon steel, grade Q235; Use: For mechanical equipment fastening; Specifications: Inner diameter 10mm, outer diameter 20mm, thickness 2mm; Surface Treatment: Galvanized; Brand: Unbranded; Model: GB/T 97.1. Mistakenly classifying spring washers under 731822, when they should actually be classified under 731821. False material declaration, such as stainless steel mistakenly declared as carbon steel, affecting classification. Unclear use description, leading to suspicion of being a dedicated part rather than a general-purpose washer.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "flat washer", "lock washer", etc., which should accurately reflect the characteristics of the commodity.
⚠️ Writing only "washer" without distinguishing the type, or mistakenly writing it as "spring washer".
Material
The material of the declared washer, which must be iron or steel, such as "carbon steel", "stainless steel", etc., and the grade should be indicated.
⚠️ Declaring the material as "iron" but it is actually alloy steel, or failing to indicate the specific steel type.
Use
Explain the main use of the washer, such as "used in automobile engines", "used for pipeline sealing", etc.
⚠️ The use description is too general, such as "industrial use", making classification impossible.
Specifications and Dimensions
Declare the inner diameter, outer diameter, thickness and other dimensions of the washer, usually expressed in millimeters.
⚠️ Providing only partial dimensions, or using imperial units without conversion.
Surface Treatment
Declare whether the washer has undergone surface treatment such as galvanizing, blackening, coating, etc.
⚠️ Failing to declare surface treatment, resulting in confusion with other codes.
Brand
Declare the brand or manufacturer name of the washer; if there is no brand, indicate "unbranded".
⚠️ Declaring the brand as "none" but there is actually a trademark, or spelling errors.
Model
Declare the specific model or part number of the washer for easy identification.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual product, or no model is provided.
Mistakenly classifying spring washers under 731822, when they should actually be classified under 731821.
False material declaration, such as stainless steel mistakenly declared as carbon steel, affecting classification.
Unclear use description, leading to suspicion of being a dedicated part rather than a general-purpose washer.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material must be iron or steel; 2) it belongs to the washer category of fasteners; 3) it is not a spring washer. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, heading 7318 covers iron or steel fasteners, and subheading 731822 is other washers. If the washer has spring characteristics, it is classified under 731821. If the washer is combined with other materials (such as a rubber-metal composite), it must be determined according to the main material or use, and may be classified under other chapters. 731821 Spring washers: Spring washers have elasticity and are used for anti-loosening, so they are classified under 731821; other washers have no elasticity and are classified under 731822. 741521 Copper washers: The material is copper, classified under Chapter 74, while iron or steel washers are classified under 731822. 761610 Aluminum washers: The material is aluminum, classified under Chapter 76, distinguished from iron or steel washers. 848410 Composite washers: Made of a combination of metal and other materials; if the main characteristic is sealing, they may be classified under 8484. 392690 Plastic washers: The material is plastic, classified under Chapter 39, distinguished from metal washers. Is the material iron or steel? Is it a spring washer? Is it presented separately? Is it used for a dedicated machine? Is it combined with other materials?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material must be iron or steel; 2) it belongs to the washer category of fasteners; 3) it is not a spring washer. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, heading 7318 covers iron or steel fasteners, and subheading 731822 is other washers. If the washer has spring characteristics, it is classified under 731821. If the washer is combined with other materials (such as a rubber-metal composite), it must be determined according to the main material or use, and may be classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes：
731821 - Spring washers
Spring washers have elasticity and are used for anti-loosening, so they are classified under 731821; other washers have no elasticity and are classified under 731822.
741521 - Copper washers
The material is copper, classified under Chapter 74, while iron or steel washers are classified under 731822.
761610 - Aluminum washers
The material is aluminum, classified under Chapter 76, distinguished from iron or steel washers.
848410 - Composite washers
Made of a combination of metal and other materials; if the main characteristic is sealing, they may be classified under 8484.
392690 - Plastic washers
The material is plastic, classified under Chapter 39, distinguished from metal washers.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material iron or steel?
✓ Is it a spring washer?
✓ Is it presented separately?
✓ Is it used for a dedicated machine?
✓ Is it combined with other materials?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 731822? You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates include MFN rates, agreement rates, etc., determined by origin and trade agreements. Note that rates may be adjusted, and the latest announcement should prevail. Are stainless steel washers classified under 731822? Yes, stainless steel belongs to iron or steel. If it is a non-spring washer, it is classified under 731822. However, note that if the washer has special functions (such as sealing), it may be classified under other codes. How do you distinguish washers from spring washers? Spring washers have elasticity, usually in the form of an open ring, used to prevent bolts from loosening; flat washers are flat rings used to distribute pressure. Based on shape and function, spring washers are classified under 731821, and others under 731822. Are automotive washers classified under 731822? If they are general-purpose iron or steel washers, even if used in automobiles, they are still classified under 731822. However, if the washer is combined with automobile parts into a dedicated component, it may be classified as an automobile part (such as Chapter 87). Does a coating on the washer affect classification? Generally not; galvanizing, nickel plating, etc. still fall under 731822. However, if the coating is another metal and constitutes the main characteristic, it may change the classification. Must washer dimensions be provided when declaring? Yes, dimensions are important declaration elements that help customs confirm the commodity. It is recommended to provide key dimensions such as inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness. What is the difference between a washer and a sealing washer? Sealing washers are usually made of a combination of metal and rubber, etc., used for sealing, and may be classified under 8484; ordinary metal washers are classified under 731822. Determine based on function and material. If the washer is used in aerospace, is the classification different? If it meets the standards for aerospace-specific parts, it may be classified under Chapter 88. However, general-purpose washers are still classified under 731822. It must be determined based on the specific use and specifications.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 731822?
A: You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates include MFN rates, agreement rates, etc., determined by origin and trade agreements. Note that rates may be adjusted, and the latest announcement should prevail.
Q: Are stainless steel washers classified under 731822?
A: Yes, stainless steel belongs to iron or steel. If it is a non-spring washer, it is classified under 731822. However, note that if the washer has special functions (such as sealing), it may be classified under other codes.
Q: How do you distinguish washers from spring washers?
A: Spring washers have elasticity, usually in the form of an open ring, used to prevent bolts from loosening; flat washers are flat rings used to distribute pressure. Based on shape and function, spring washers are classified under 731821, and others under 731822.
Q: Are automotive washers classified under 731822?
A: If they are general-purpose iron or steel washers, even if used in automobiles, they are still classified under 731822. However, if the washer is combined with automobile parts into a dedicated component, it may be classified as an automobile part (such as Chapter 87).
Q: Does a coating on the washer affect classification?
A: Generally not; galvanizing, nickel plating, etc. still fall under 731822. However, if the coating is another metal and constitutes the main characteristic, it may change the classification.
Q: Must washer dimensions be provided when declaring?
A: Yes, dimensions are important declaration elements that help customs confirm the commodity. It is recommended to provide key dimensions such as inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness.
Q: What is the difference between a washer and a sealing washer?
A: Sealing washers are usually made of a combination of metal and rubber, etc., used for sealing, and may be classified under 8484; ordinary metal washers are classified under 731822. Determine based on function and material.
Q: If the washer is used in aerospace, is the classification different?
A: If it meets the standards for aerospace-specific parts, it may be classified under Chapter 88. However, general-purpose washers are still classified under 731822. It must be determined based on the specific use and specifications.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.