Chapter 84 is the core chapter in the HS classification covering mechanical appliances, machinery and their parts, including power machinery, pumps, compressors, bearings, gears, transmission devices, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have the functions of power transmission, motion conversion, or energy conversion, but exclude electrical machinery, vehicles, optical instruments, and other goods specifically named in other chapters. As key components that reduce friction and support rotating bodies, bearings are mainly classified under heading 8482 of this chapter. Heading 8482 covers rolling bearings (ball bearings, roller bearings) and their parts. Rolling bearings support shafts and reduce friction through the rolling contact of balls or rollers. This heading includes finished bearings, bearing assemblies, and parts specially designed for bearings such as balls, rollers, and cages. However, fixed devices such as bearing housings and bearing shells, if not assembled with bearings, are usually classified under other headings (such as 8483). Code 848291 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (mechanical appliances, machinery). Digits 3-4, 82, represent heading 8482 (rolling bearings). Digits 5-6, 91, represent subheading 848291, specifically referring to balls for rolling bearings. In the HS classification, balls, as core parts of rolling bearings, are listed under a separate subheading, distinct from rollers (8482.99) and other bearing parts. This subheading only covers spheres and does not include bearing inner rings, outer rings, or cages. Bearing balls are dedicated parts of rolling bearings, and their function is to support shafts through rolling contact, making them components of rolling bearings. According to HS classification rules, if a part is dedicated to goods of a certain heading and is not specifically named in another heading, it should be classified under that heading. Heading 8482 explicitly includes bearing balls, so they are not classified under 8483 (transmission shafts, bearing housings, etc.) or 7318 (screws, bolts, and similar fasteners), nor under Chapter 68 articles of stone or Chapter 69 ceramic articles.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the core chapter in the HS classification covering mechanical appliances, machinery and their parts, including power machinery, pumps, compressors, bearings, gears, transmission devices, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have the functions of power transmission, motion conversion, or energy conversion, but exclude electrical machinery, vehicles, optical instruments, and other goods specifically named in other chapters. As key components that reduce friction and support rotating bodies, bearings are mainly classified under heading 8482 of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8482 covers rolling bearings (ball bearings, roller bearings) and their parts. Rolling bearings support shafts and reduce friction through the rolling contact of balls or rollers. This heading includes finished bearings, bearing assemblies, and parts specially designed for bearings such as balls, rollers, and cages. However, fixed devices such as bearing housings and bearing shells, if not assembled with bearings, are usually classified under other headings (such as 8483).
Digit Breakdown
Code 848291 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (mechanical appliances, machinery). Digits 3-4, 82, represent heading 8482 (rolling bearings). Digits 5-6, 91, represent subheading 848291, specifically referring to balls for rolling bearings. In the HS classification, balls, as core parts of rolling bearings, are listed under a separate subheading, distinct from rollers (8482.99) and other bearing parts. This subheading only covers spheres and does not include bearing inner rings, outer rings, or cages.
Classification Basis
Bearing balls are dedicated parts of rolling bearings, and their function is to support shafts through rolling contact, making them components of rolling bearings. According to HS classification rules, if a part is dedicated to goods of a certain heading and is not specifically named in another heading, it should be classified under that heading. Heading 8482 explicitly includes bearing balls, so they are not classified under 8483 (transmission shafts, bearing housings, etc.) or 7318 (screws, bolts, and similar fasteners), nor under Chapter 68 articles of stone or Chapter 69 ceramic articles.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods should state "bearing balls" or "steel balls for rolling bearings," avoiding colloquial terms such as "steel balls." Material: The constituent material of the balls, such as bearing steel (GCr15), stainless steel, ceramics, plastics, etc. Material affects classification and tax rates. Use: Clearly state that they are used for rolling bearings, and indicate the applicable bearing type (such as deep groove ball bearings, angular contact bearings, etc.). Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, state "no brand." Model: The specifications and model of the balls, such as diameter and precision grade (G10, G16, etc.). Size: The diameter of the balls, usually expressed in millimeters, such as "Φ10mm." Precision Grade: The precision grade of the balls, such as G5, G10, G100, etc., which affects performance. Packaging Specifications: Quantity or weight per unit package, such as "1000 pieces/bag." Product Name: Bearing balls (steel balls for rolling bearings)
Material: Bearing steel GCr15
Use: For deep groove ball bearings
Brand: No brand
Model: Φ10mm G10
Size: Diameter 10mm
Precision Grade: G10
Packaging Specifications: 1000 pieces/bag
Remarks: This product is a dedicated part for rolling bearings and complies with HS code 84829100. Mistakenly classifying bearing balls under 8483 (transmission shafts, bearing housings), ignoring their dedicated use for bearings. Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only "steel" without distinguishing bearing steel, stainless steel, etc., affecting classification. Use description is too broad, such as "used for machinery," without clearly stating use for rolling bearings, which easily raises doubts.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods should state "bearing balls" or "steel balls for rolling bearings," avoiding colloquial terms such as "steel balls."
⚠️ Writing only "steel balls" or "balls" without indicating "for bearings."
Material
The constituent material of the balls, such as bearing steel (GCr15), stainless steel, ceramics, plastics, etc. Material affects classification and tax rates.
⚠️ Writing "steel" in general terms without distinguishing the specific steel type.
Use
Clearly state that they are used for rolling bearings, and indicate the applicable bearing type (such as deep groove ball bearings, angular contact bearings, etc.).
⚠️ Writing "used for machinery," which is too broad.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, state "no brand."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling in the trader's name.
Model
The specifications and model of the balls, such as diameter and precision grade (G10, G16, etc.).
⚠️ Writing only "standard part" without specific model.
Size
The diameter of the balls, usually expressed in millimeters, such as "Φ10mm."
⚠️ Failing to provide diameter or using incorrect units.
Precision Grade
The precision grade of the balls, such as G5, G10, G100, etc., which affects performance.
⚠️ Ignoring the precision grade or filling it in incorrectly.
Packaging Specifications
Quantity or weight per unit package, such as "1000 pieces/bag."
⚠️ Failing to indicate the packaging method, causing difficulties in inspection.
Example: Product Name: Bearing balls (steel balls for rolling bearings)
Material: Bearing steel GCr15
Use: For deep groove ball bearings
Brand: No brand
Model: Φ10mm G10
Size: Diameter 10mm
Precision Grade: G10
Packaging Specifications: 1000 pieces/bag
Remarks: This product is a dedicated part for rolling bearings and complies with HS code 84829100.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying bearing balls under 8483 (transmission shafts, bearing housings), ignoring their dedicated use for bearings.
Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only "steel" without distinguishing bearing steel, stainless steel, etc., affecting classification.
Use description is too broad, such as "used for machinery," without clearly stating use for rolling bearings, which easily raises doubts.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: whether the product is a dedicated part of a rolling bearing, and whether it is a sphere. According to HS notes, heading 8482 includes rolling bearings and their parts, among which balls are listed under separate subheading 848291. If the balls are used for other purposes (such as toys or cosmetic balls), they are not classified under this code. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the balls are not assembled with other bearing parts into a complete bearing; otherwise, they should be classified under the complete machine subheading of 8482. 848210 Ball bearings: 848210 is a complete ball bearing, including inner ring, outer ring, balls, and cage; 848291 is only the ball part. 848299 Other bearing parts: 848299 covers bearing parts other than balls and rollers, such as inner rings, outer rings, and cages; balls are listed separately under 848291. 848320 Bearing housings: 848320 is a bearing housing incorporating ball or roller bearings, belonging to transmission devices; the balls themselves are not classified here. 732690 Other articles of iron or steel: 732690 is for articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified; if the balls are not dedicated to bearings (such as for grinding), they may be classified here. Confirm whether the product is a sphere, rather than a roller or needle roller. Confirm whether the product is dedicated to rolling bearings. Confirm whether the product has not been assembled with other parts into a complete bearing. Confirm whether the material affects classification (e.g., ceramic balls may be classified under other chapters). Confirm whether sufficient declaration elements have been provided (material, use, size, etc.).
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: whether the product is a dedicated part of a rolling bearing, and whether it is a sphere. According to HS notes, heading 8482 includes rolling bearings and their parts, among which balls are listed under separate subheading 848291. If the balls are used for other purposes (such as toys or cosmetic balls), they are not classified under this code. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the balls are not assembled with other bearing parts into a complete bearing; otherwise, they should be classified under the complete machine subheading of 8482.
Confused Codes:
848210 - Ball bearings
848210 is a complete ball bearing, including inner ring, outer ring, balls, and cage; 848291 is only the ball part.
848299 - Other bearing parts
848299 covers bearing parts other than balls and rollers, such as inner rings, outer rings, and cages; balls are listed separately under 848291.
848320 - Bearing housings
848320 is a bearing housing incorporating ball or roller bearings, belonging to transmission devices; the balls themselves are not classified here.
732690 - Other articles of iron or steel
732690 is for articles of iron or steel not elsewhere specified; if the balls are not dedicated to bearings (such as for grinding), they may be classified here.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm whether the product is a sphere, rather than a roller or needle roller.
✓ Confirm whether the product is dedicated to rolling bearings.
✓ Confirm whether the product has not been assembled with other parts into a complete bearing.
✓ Confirm whether the material affects classification (e.g., ceramic balls may be classified under other chapters).
✓ Confirm whether sufficient declaration elements have been provided (material, use, size, etc.).
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for bearing balls? The HS code for bearing balls is 848291, fully named "balls for rolling bearings." This code belongs to Chapter 84 mechanical appliances, heading 8482 rolling bearings, and subheading 848291 specifically refers to balls. Note that this code only applies to spheres dedicated to rolling bearings, not to balls for other uses. How do you distinguish the HS codes for bearing balls and rollers? Bearing balls are classified under 848291, while rollers are classified under 848299 (other bearing parts). Balls are spheres, while rollers are cylindrical, conical, or barrel-shaped. When declaring, the shape must be clearly stated to avoid confusion. Are ceramic bearing balls also classified under 848291? If ceramic bearing balls are dedicated to rolling bearings, they are still classified under 848291. However, note that ceramic material itself may involve Chapter 69, but as bearing parts, according to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should be classified under 848291. When declaring, the material must be stated as ceramic. What are the declaration elements for bearing balls? The main declaration elements include: product name, material, use, brand, model, size, precision grade, and packaging specifications. The use must be clearly stated as "for rolling bearings," the material must be specific (such as GCr15 bearing steel), and the size and precision grade affect classification and inspection. How can the tariff rate for bearing balls be checked? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements (such as RCEP). What documents are required for importing bearing balls? Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin (if preferential rates apply), product manuals, or test reports are required. If made of bearing steel, a material certificate may be required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. Is classification of bearing balls prone to errors? Yes, common errors include: classifying balls under 8483 (bearing housings), 8482 complete machines, or 7326 (other articles of iron or steel). The key is to prove that they are dedicated to rolling bearings and are spheres. It is recommended to provide detailed technical documentation. How are bearing balls declared when sold via cross-border e-commerce? For cross-border e-commerce retail export or import of bearing balls, declaration must be made according to customs requirements. Usually, product information, HS code, value, etc., are required. If using postal or express channels, corresponding limits and declaration regulations must be followed. It is recommended to use formal customs declaration channels to avoid under-declaration or omission.
Q: What is the HS code for bearing balls?
A: The HS code for bearing balls is 848291, fully named "balls for rolling bearings." This code belongs to Chapter 84 mechanical appliances, heading 8482 rolling bearings, and subheading 848291 specifically refers to balls. Note that this code only applies to spheres dedicated to rolling bearings, not to balls for other uses.
Q: How do you distinguish the HS codes for bearing balls and rollers?
A: Bearing balls are classified under 848291, while rollers are classified under 848299 (other bearing parts). Balls are spheres, while rollers are cylindrical, conical, or barrel-shaped. When declaring, the shape must be clearly stated to avoid confusion.
Q: Are ceramic bearing balls also classified under 848291?
A: If ceramic bearing balls are dedicated to rolling bearings, they are still classified under 848291. However, note that ceramic material itself may involve Chapter 69, but as bearing parts, according to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, they should be classified under 848291. When declaring, the material must be stated as ceramic.
Q: What are the declaration elements for bearing balls?
A: The main declaration elements include: product name, material, use, brand, model, size, precision grade, and packaging specifications. The use must be clearly stated as "for rolling bearings," the material must be specific (such as GCr15 bearing steel), and the size and precision grade affect classification and inspection.
Q: How can the tariff rate for bearing balls be checked?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements (such as RCEP).
Q: What documents are required for importing bearing balls?
A: Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin (if preferential rates apply), product manuals, or test reports are required. If made of bearing steel, a material certificate may be required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: Is classification of bearing balls prone to errors?
A: Yes, common errors include: classifying balls under 8483 (bearing housings), 8482 complete machines, or 7326 (other articles of iron or steel). The key is to prove that they are dedicated to rolling bearings and are spheres. It is recommended to provide detailed technical documentation.
Q: How are bearing balls declared when sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: For cross-border e-commerce retail export or import of bearing balls, declaration must be made according to customs requirements. Usually, product information, HS code, value, etc., are required. If using postal or express channels, corresponding limits and declaration regulations must be followed. It is recommended to use formal customs declaration channels to avoid under-declaration or omission.
⚠️ 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.