Chapter 73 covers iron and steel articles, ranging from simple cast, forged, or stamped rough parts to complex mechanical parts, but excludes articles clearly belonging to other chapters (such as Chapter 84 machinery, Chapter 85 electrical equipment). This chapter includes tubes, profiles, wire products, fasteners, springs, chains, cutlery, etc., and is one of the chapters with the highest concentration of downstream iron and steel products. Heading 7318 specifically covers fasteners of iron or steel, including screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, wood screws, hook screws, rivets, pins, cotter pins, washers, and similar articles. These goods are generally used to connect or secure two or more components, must be made of iron or steel (including iron or steel), and do not fall within the scope of other more specific headings. The first 2 digits 73 indicate Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); digits 3-4, 18, indicate heading 7318 (fasteners of iron or steel); digits 5-6, 23, indicate subheading 731823, namely rivets. A rivet is a permanent fastener, usually consisting of a head and a shank, which upon installation forms a head at the other end through plastic deformation, used to connect plates or structural components. Note that subheading 731823 covers only rivets of iron or steel, and does not include rivets of copper, aluminum, or other materials (classified under Chapter 74, Chapter 76, etc.). This product is a rivet of iron or steel, meets the definition of heading 7318 'fasteners,' and rivets are explicitly named in subheading 731823, so it is classified under this code. It differs from screws (7318.15) and pins (7318.24) because rivets are fixed by plastic deformation and cannot be reused; it also differs from rivets of other materials, which are classified according to material.
Chapter
Chapter 73 covers iron and steel articles, ranging from simple cast, forged, or stamped rough parts to complex mechanical parts, but excludes articles clearly belonging to other chapters (such as Chapter 84 machinery, Chapter 85 electrical equipment). This chapter includes tubes, profiles, wire products, fasteners, springs, chains, cutlery, etc., and is one of the chapters with the highest concentration of downstream iron and steel products.
Heading
Heading 7318 specifically covers fasteners of iron or steel, including screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, wood screws, hook screws, rivets, pins, cotter pins, washers, and similar articles. These goods are generally used to connect or secure two or more components, must be made of iron or steel (including iron or steel), and do not fall within the scope of other more specific headings.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 73 indicate Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel); digits 3-4, 18, indicate heading 7318 (fasteners of iron or steel); digits 5-6, 23, indicate subheading 731823, namely rivets. A rivet is a permanent fastener, usually consisting of a head and a shank, which upon installation forms a head at the other end through plastic deformation, used to connect plates or structural components. Note that subheading 731823 covers only rivets of iron or steel, and does not include rivets of copper, aluminum, or other materials (classified under Chapter 74, Chapter 76, etc.).
Classification Basis
This product is a rivet of iron or steel, meets the definition of heading 7318 'fasteners,' and rivets are explicitly named in subheading 731823, so it is classified under this code. It differs from screws (7318.15) and pins (7318.24) because rivets are fixed by plastic deformation and cannot be reused; it also differs from rivets of other materials, which are classified according to material.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'rivet,' and may be modified by material, use, etc., such as 'rivet of iron or steel.' Material: Specify the material of the rivet, which must be iron or steel (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.). If it is another metal or plastic, it should be classified under a different code. Specifications and model: Fill in the dimensions of the rivet (such as diameter, length), model, or standard number (such as GB/T 867), so that customs can confirm the specific variety. Use: Explain the usage scenario of the rivet, such as 'used for automobile body connection,' 'used for fixing electronic product housings,' etc. Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the rivet; if there is no brand, write 'no brand.' Processing method: Briefly describe the manufacturing process of the rivet, such as 'cold heading,' 'turning,' etc. Surface treatment: Describe the surface condition of the rivet, such as 'galvanized,' 'black oxide,' 'painted,' etc., which affects classification (such as whether it belongs to another heading). Customs declaration example:
Product name: Rivet of iron or steel
Material: Carbon steel
Specifications and model: M4×10mm, GB/T 867
Use: Used for automobile body sheet metal connection
Brand: No brand
Processing method: Cold heading
Surface treatment: Galvanized
HS code: 73182300
Quantity: 10000 pieces
Unit: Kilogram
Total price: USD 500
Origin: China Mistakenly classifying rivets under 7318.15 (screws) because the two look similar, but rivets are fixed by plastic deformation. Failure to indicate that the material is iron or steel; if it is an aluminum rivet, it should be classified under 7616.10, leading to incorrect classification. Ignoring that subheading 731823 covers only iron or steel; stainless steel rivets also fall under this code, but copper rivets are classified under 7415.10.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'rivet,' and may be modified by material, use, etc., such as 'rivet of iron or steel.'
⚠️ Misdeclared as 'screw' or 'pin,' leading to incorrect classification.
Material
Specify the material of the rivet, which must be iron or steel (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.). If it is another metal or plastic, it should be classified under a different code.
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' without distinguishing iron or steel, or mistakenly writing stainless steel as 'steel' without specifying.
Specifications and model
Fill in the dimensions of the rivet (such as diameter, length), model, or standard number (such as GB/T 867), so that customs can confirm the specific variety.
⚠️ Incomplete specifications, such as writing only 'M4' without indicating length.
Use
Explain the usage scenario of the rivet, such as 'used for automobile body connection,' 'used for fixing electronic product housings,' etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as 'used in industry.'
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the rivet; if there is no brand, write 'no brand.'
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting it.
Processing method
Briefly describe the manufacturing process of the rivet, such as 'cold heading,' 'turning,' etc.
⚠️ Not filled in or filled in inaccurately.
Surface treatment
Describe the surface condition of the rivet, such as 'galvanized,' 'black oxide,' 'painted,' etc., which affects classification (such as whether it belongs to another heading).
⚠️ Ignoring surface treatment, leading to potential classification differences.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Rivet of iron or steel
Material: Carbon steel
Specifications and model: M4×10mm, GB/T 867
Use: Used for automobile body sheet metal connection
Brand: No brand
Processing method: Cold heading
Surface treatment: Galvanized
HS code: 73182300
Quantity: 10000 pieces
Unit: Kilogram
Total price: USD 500
Origin: China
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying rivets under 7318.15 (screws) because the two look similar, but rivets are fixed by plastic deformation.
Failure to indicate that the material is iron or steel; if it is an aluminum rivet, it should be classified under 7616.10, leading to incorrect classification.
Ignoring that subheading 731823 covers only iron or steel; stainless steel rivets also fall under this code, but copper rivets are classified under 7415.10.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: First, the product must be an article of iron or steel (Chapter 73); second, it must be a fastener (heading 7318); finally, it must specifically be a rivet (subheading 731823). When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) the material is iron or steel; 2) the function is permanent connection, non-removable after installation; 3) it is not an article named in another heading (such as 7318.15 screws, 7318.24 pins). If the rivet is threaded, it may be classified as a screw; if it is a hollow rivet, it is still classified under 731823. 731815 Screws: Screws are connected by threads and are removable; rivets have no threads and are fixed by plastic deformation, non-removable. 731824 Pins: Pins are usually cylindrical, used for positioning or connection, and are removable; rivets form a head after installation and are permanently fixed. 761610 Aluminum rivets: Different material; aluminum rivets are classified under Chapter 76, while iron or steel rivets are classified under 731823. 741510 Copper rivets: Different material; copper rivets are classified under Chapter 74, while iron or steel rivets are classified under 731823. 830820 Rivets of base metal (non-iron or steel): If the rivet is made of other base metals (such as zinc, lead), it may be classified under Chapter 83, but iron or steel rivets are preferentially classified under Chapter 73. Is the material iron or steel? Is it a permanent fastener? Is it unthreaded? Is it used to connect two components? Is it not more specifically named in another heading?
Basis
Core basis for classification: First, the product must be an article of iron or steel (Chapter 73); second, it must be a fastener (heading 7318); finally, it must specifically be a rivet (subheading 731823). When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) the material is iron or steel; 2) the function is permanent connection, non-removable after installation; 3) it is not an article named in another heading (such as 7318.15 screws, 7318.24 pins). If the rivet is threaded, it may be classified as a screw; if it is a hollow rivet, it is still classified under 731823.
Confused Codes:
731815 - Screws
Screws are connected by threads and are removable; rivets have no threads and are fixed by plastic deformation, non-removable.
731824 - Pins
Pins are usually cylindrical, used for positioning or connection, and are removable; rivets form a head after installation and are permanently fixed.
761610 - Aluminum rivets
Different material; aluminum rivets are classified under Chapter 76, while iron or steel rivets are classified under 731823.
741510 - Copper rivets
Different material; copper rivets are classified under Chapter 74, while iron or steel rivets are classified under 731823.
830820 - Rivets of base metal (non-iron or steel)
If the rivet is made of other base metals (such as zinc, lead), it may be classified under Chapter 83, but iron or steel rivets are preferentially classified under Chapter 73.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the material iron or steel?
✓ Is it a permanent fastener?
✓ Is it unthreaded?
✓ Is it used to connect two components?
✓ Is it not more specifically named in another heading?
❓ FAQ
How do I look up the HS code for rivets? First confirm the material is iron or steel, then look under Chapter 73, heading 7318, subheading 731823. You can use the customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consult a customs broker. Note: if it is another material, it must be classified under the corresponding chapter according to material. Are the HS codes for stainless steel rivets and carbon steel rivets the same? Yes, both are classified under 731823, because subheading 731823 does not distinguish specific steel types, only requiring iron or steel. However, the specific material (such as stainless steel, carbon steel) must be indicated at declaration. How do rivets and screws differ? Rivets have no threads and form a head through plastic deformation upon installation, and are non-removable; screws have threads and can be screwed in and out. If the product has threads, it should be classified under 731815. Do hollow rivets and solid rivets have the same HS code? Yes, both are classified under 731823. Subheading 731823 covers various types of iron or steel rivets, including hollow, solid, semi-hollow, etc. What are the declaration elements for rivets? Generally include product name, material, specifications and model, use, brand, processing method, surface treatment, etc. The specifics are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to provide a detailed description to avoid classification disputes. What is the import tariff rate for rivets? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, origin, etc. Please consult the latest customs tariff or obtain real-time rates through the customs official website or a customs broker. This article does not provide specific figures. Are rivets and pins classified under the same code? No, rivets are classified under 731823, and pins under 731824. Pins are usually cylindrical, used for positioning or connection, and are removable; rivets are permanently fixed. If the rivet is made of copper, what is the HS code? Copper rivets are classified under Chapter 74, specifically 741510 (copper rivets). If made of other base metals, classify under the corresponding chapter according to material.
Q: How do I look up the HS code for rivets?
A: First confirm the material is iron or steel, then look under Chapter 73, heading 7318, subheading 731823. You can use the customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consult a customs broker. Note: if it is another material, it must be classified under the corresponding chapter according to material.
Q: Are the HS codes for stainless steel rivets and carbon steel rivets the same?
A: Yes, both are classified under 731823, because subheading 731823 does not distinguish specific steel types, only requiring iron or steel. However, the specific material (such as stainless steel, carbon steel) must be indicated at declaration.
Q: How do rivets and screws differ?
A: Rivets have no threads and form a head through plastic deformation upon installation, and are non-removable; screws have threads and can be screwed in and out. If the product has threads, it should be classified under 731815.
Q: Do hollow rivets and solid rivets have the same HS code?
A: Yes, both are classified under 731823. Subheading 731823 covers various types of iron or steel rivets, including hollow, solid, semi-hollow, etc.
Q: What are the declaration elements for rivets?
A: Generally include product name, material, specifications and model, use, brand, processing method, surface treatment, etc. The specifics are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to provide a detailed description to avoid classification disputes.
Q: What is the import tariff rate for rivets?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, origin, etc. Please consult the latest customs tariff or obtain real-time rates through the customs official website or a customs broker. This article does not provide specific figures.
Q: Are rivets and pins classified under the same code?
A: No, rivets are classified under 731823, and pins under 731824. Pins are usually cylindrical, used for positioning or connection, and are removable; rivets are permanently fixed.
Q: If the rivet is made of copper, what is the HS code?
A: Copper rivets are classified under Chapter 74, specifically 741510 (copper rivets). If made of other base metals, classify under the corresponding chapter according to material.
⚠️ 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.