Chapter 84 is the chapter of mechanical appliances in the HS classification system, covering an extremely wide scope, including power machinery, agricultural machinery, machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, bearings, transmission devices, sealing devices, etc. The core feature of this chapter is that goods must have a mechanical function or serve as parts of machinery, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from Chapter 85 (electrical equipment), Chapter 87 (vehicles), and other chapters. Although gaskets are simple parts, they are classified in this chapter because they are used for mechanical sealing. Heading 8484 covers gaskets and similar joints of metal combined with soft materials, as well as sets or assortments of gaskets of different materials. Specifically, it includes: gaskets of metal sheet combined with other materials, mechanical seals, gasket sets, etc. However, it does not include seals made solely of a single material such as cork, rubber, or plastics (classified in Chapters 39, 40, 45, etc.), nor does it include asbestos seals (classified in Chapter 68). The first 2 digits 84 = the chapter of machinery, mechanical appliances, electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 84 = heading 8484, referring to gaskets and similar joints of metal combined with soft materials. Digits 5-6, 90 = subheading 848490, indicating other gaskets and similar joints not elsewhere specified, i.e., gasket parts other than those specifically named under 848410 (gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials), 848420 (mechanical seals), etc. This subheading is a residual subheading with a relatively broad scope. This product is a gasket part, usually composed of metal combined with soft materials (such as graphite, rubber), used for mechanical sealing. If made solely of rubber or plastics, it should be classified in Chapter 39 or 40; if it is a mechanical seal (combination of rotating ring and stationary ring), it should be classified under 848420. This code 848490 specifically refers to other gaskets and similar joints not elsewhere specified, therefore it is classified under this code rather than adjacent codes.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the chapter of mechanical appliances in the HS classification system, covering an extremely wide scope, including power machinery, agricultural machinery, machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, bearings, transmission devices, sealing devices, etc. The core feature of this chapter is that goods must have a mechanical function or serve as parts of machinery, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from Chapter 85 (electrical equipment), Chapter 87 (vehicles), and other chapters. Although gaskets are simple parts, they are classified in this chapter because they are used for mechanical sealing.
Heading
Heading 8484 covers gaskets and similar joints of metal combined with soft materials, as well as sets or assortments of gaskets of different materials. Specifically, it includes: gaskets of metal sheet combined with other materials, mechanical seals, gasket sets, etc. However, it does not include seals made solely of a single material such as cork, rubber, or plastics (classified in Chapters 39, 40, 45, etc.), nor does it include asbestos seals (classified in Chapter 68).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 84 = the chapter of machinery, mechanical appliances, electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof. Digits 3-4, 84 = heading 8484, referring to gaskets and similar joints of metal combined with soft materials. Digits 5-6, 90 = subheading 848490, indicating other gaskets and similar joints not elsewhere specified, i.e., gasket parts other than those specifically named under 848410 (gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials), 848420 (mechanical seals), etc. This subheading is a residual subheading with a relatively broad scope.
Classification Basis
This product is a gasket part, usually composed of metal combined with soft materials (such as graphite, rubber), used for mechanical sealing. If made solely of rubber or plastics, it should be classified in Chapter 39 or 40; if it is a mechanical seal (combination of rotating ring and stationary ring), it should be classified under 848420. This code 848490 specifically refers to other gaskets and similar joints not elsewhere specified, therefore it is classified under this code rather than adjacent codes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material and use, such as 'metal graphite gasket'. Material: List in detail the materials of each layer and their proportions, such as 'stainless steel sheet + graphite layer + rubber coating'. Use: Clearly specify the sealing object and equipment, such as 'used for automotive engine cylinder block sealing'. Brand: Fill in the brand name (fill in 'none' if no brand), such as 'Bosch'. Model: Fill in the product model or specification, such as 'G-1234'. Structural Composition: Describe the number of layers, shape, whether it has a framework, etc., such as 'three-layer composite, with metal framework'. Whether in Sets: Whether it is packaged in sets with other parts, such as 'single piece' or 'in sets with bolts'. Product Name: Metal graphite gasket; Material: stainless steel sheet (SUS304) composited with flexible graphite, thickness 2mm; Use: used for chemical pump flange sealing; Brand: none; Model: DN50-PN16; Structural Composition: three-layer composite, with stainless steel framework; Whether in Sets: single piece. Incomplete material declaration, failing to distinguish between metal layers and soft material layers, leading to classification errors. Use description is too general, such as 'used for sealing', without specifying the specific equipment or industry. Ignoring whether it is in sets; if packaged in sets with bolts, etc., it may affect classification.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the material and use, such as 'metal graphite gasket'.
⚠️ Writing only 'gasket' is too general and does not reflect the material and structure.
Material
List in detail the materials of each layer and their proportions, such as 'stainless steel sheet + graphite layer + rubber coating'.
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' or 'composite material' without specific description.
Use
Clearly specify the sealing object and equipment, such as 'used for automotive engine cylinder block sealing'.
⚠️ Writing 'mechanical seal' is too broad and does not specify the specific equipment.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (fill in 'none' if no brand), such as 'Bosch'.
⚠️ Omitting or filling in 'unknown'.
Model
Fill in the product model or specification, such as 'G-1234'.
⚠️ Filling in 'none' or 'standard part', making identification impossible.
Structural Composition
Describe the number of layers, shape, whether it has a framework, etc., such as 'three-layer composite, with metal framework'.
⚠️ Ignoring the structural description and writing only 'sheet-like'.
Whether in Sets
Whether it is packaged in sets with other parts, such as 'single piece' or 'in sets with bolts'.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring set items as single pieces.
Example: Product Name: Metal graphite gasket; Material: stainless steel sheet (SUS304) composited with flexible graphite, thickness 2mm; Use: used for chemical pump flange sealing; Brand: none; Model: DN50-PN16; Structural Composition: three-layer composite, with stainless steel framework; Whether in Sets: single piece.
Common Mistakes:
Incomplete material declaration, failing to distinguish between metal layers and soft material layers, leading to classification errors.
Use description is too general, such as 'used for sealing', without specifying the specific equipment or industry.
Ignoring whether it is in sets; if packaged in sets with bolts, etc., it may affect classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is composed of metal combined with soft materials; 2) whether it belongs to gaskets and similar joints; 3) whether it is not specifically named under other subheadings of heading 8484. If it is of a single material (such as pure rubber), it is classified in Chapter 40; if it is a mechanical seal (rotating ring, stationary ring), it is classified under 848420; if it is made of asbestos, it is classified in Chapter 68. 848410 Gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials: 848410 specifically names gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials, while 848490 covers other gaskets not elsewhere specified. If the gasket is composed of metal sheet combined with soft materials, it should be classified under 848410 in priority. 848420 Mechanical seals: Mechanical seals usually consist of rotating rings, stationary rings, springs, etc., used for rotating shaft sealing, while 848490 covers static gaskets. The two differ in structure and working principle. 401693 Gaskets of vulcanized rubber: 401693 covers gaskets of vulcanized rubber. If the gasket is made entirely of rubber, it should be classified under this code rather than 848490. 681599 Asbestos gaskets: Asbestos gaskets are classified under 681599. If the gasket contains asbestos material, this code should be considered in priority. 392690 Plastic gaskets: Plastic gaskets are classified under 392690. If the gasket is made entirely of plastics, it should be classified under this code. Is it composed of metal combined with soft materials? Is it used for static sealing rather than rotating shafts? Is it not named under other subheadings of 8484? Does the material contain asbestos or pure rubber? Is it in sets with bolts, etc.?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is composed of metal combined with soft materials; 2) whether it belongs to gaskets and similar joints; 3) whether it is not specifically named under other subheadings of heading 8484. If it is of a single material (such as pure rubber), it is classified in Chapter 40; if it is a mechanical seal (rotating ring, stationary ring), it is classified under 848420; if it is made of asbestos, it is classified in Chapter 68.
Confused Codes:
848410 - Gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials
848410 specifically names gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials, while 848490 covers other gaskets not elsewhere specified. If the gasket is composed of metal sheet combined with soft materials, it should be classified under 848410 in priority.
848420 - Mechanical seals
Mechanical seals usually consist of rotating rings, stationary rings, springs, etc., used for rotating shaft sealing, while 848490 covers static gaskets. The two differ in structure and working principle.
401693 - Gaskets of vulcanized rubber
401693 covers gaskets of vulcanized rubber. If the gasket is made entirely of rubber, it should be classified under this code rather than 848490.
681599 - Asbestos gaskets
Asbestos gaskets are classified under 681599. If the gasket contains asbestos material, this code should be considered in priority.
392690 - Plastic gaskets
Plastic gaskets are classified under 392690. If the gasket is made entirely of plastics, it should be classified under this code.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it composed of metal combined with soft materials?
✓ Is it used for static sealing rather than rotating shafts?
✓ Is it not named under other subheadings of 8484?
✓ Does the material contain asbestos or pure rubber?
✓ Is it in sets with bolts, etc.?
❓ FAQ
How to check the import tax rate for 848490? You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window' by entering HS code 848490, selecting the country of origin and trade mode, and the system will display the MFN rate, interim rate, etc. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should prevail. What is the difference between gasket parts and mechanical seals? Gasket parts are usually static seals, such as flange gaskets, composed of metal combined with soft materials; mechanical seals are used for rotating shafts and include components such as rotating rings and stationary rings, classified under 848420. The two differ in structure and use and must be distinguished during classification. If a gasket contains rubber and metal, which code should it be classified under? If metal is combined with rubber, and rubber is the soft material, it is usually classified under 848410 (gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials). However, if rubber is dominant and metal is only a framework, it may be classified under 401693. Judgment should be based on material proportions and structure. What are the differences in declaration elements between 848490 and 848410? 848410 requires key declaration of the combination method of metal sheet and soft materials, such as metal layer thickness and type of soft material; 848490, as a residual subheading, requires more detailed description of material, structure, and use to prove that it is not classified under other subheadings. How to declare gaskets exported by cross-border e-commerce small parcels? Small parcel exports also require truthful declaration of HS code, product name, material, and use. If the value is below the exemption threshold, declaration may be simplified, but the code must be accurate. It is recommended to use the 'cross-border e-commerce retail export' model and declare according to the list. When classifying gasket parts, is it necessary to provide samples? Usually not necessary, but if customs has doubts about the classification, samples or detailed technical information may be required. It is recommended to prepare material certificates, structural drawings, use descriptions, etc. in advance for rapid customs clearance. Does 848490 include gasket sets? If a gasket set consists of multiple gaskets, all classified under 848490, they may be declared together. However, if it contains other parts (such as bolts), they must be classified separately. Set packaging may affect classification and requires specific analysis. How to avoid classification errors for gasket parts? Focus on confirming the material (whether metal combined with soft materials), use (static sealing or dynamic sealing), and structure (whether it is a mechanical seal). Refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and classification decisions, and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: How to check the import tax rate for 848490?
A: You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window' by entering HS code 848490, selecting the country of origin and trade mode, and the system will display the MFN rate, interim rate, etc. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should prevail.
Q: What is the difference between gasket parts and mechanical seals?
A: Gasket parts are usually static seals, such as flange gaskets, composed of metal combined with soft materials; mechanical seals are used for rotating shafts and include components such as rotating rings and stationary rings, classified under 848420. The two differ in structure and use and must be distinguished during classification.
Q: If a gasket contains rubber and metal, which code should it be classified under?
A: If metal is combined with rubber, and rubber is the soft material, it is usually classified under 848410 (gaskets of metal sheet combined with soft materials). However, if rubber is dominant and metal is only a framework, it may be classified under 401693. Judgment should be based on material proportions and structure.
Q: What are the differences in declaration elements between 848490 and 848410?
A: 848410 requires key declaration of the combination method of metal sheet and soft materials, such as metal layer thickness and type of soft material; 848490, as a residual subheading, requires more detailed description of material, structure, and use to prove that it is not classified under other subheadings.
Q: How to declare gaskets exported by cross-border e-commerce small parcels?
A: Small parcel exports also require truthful declaration of HS code, product name, material, and use. If the value is below the exemption threshold, declaration may be simplified, but the code must be accurate. It is recommended to use the 'cross-border e-commerce retail export' model and declare according to the list.
Q: When classifying gasket parts, is it necessary to provide samples?
A: Usually not necessary, but if customs has doubts about the classification, samples or detailed technical information may be required. It is recommended to prepare material certificates, structural drawings, use descriptions, etc. in advance for rapid customs clearance.
Q: Does 848490 include gasket sets?
A: If a gasket set consists of multiple gaskets, all classified under 848490, they may be declared together. However, if it contains other parts (such as bolts), they must be classified separately. Set packaging may affect classification and requires specific analysis.
Q: How to avoid classification errors for gasket parts?
A: Focus on confirming the material (whether metal combined with soft materials), use (static sealing or dynamic sealing), and structure (whether it is a mechanical seal). Refer to the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and classification decisions, and apply for advance classification if necessary.
⚠️ 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.