HS 731814 Self-tapping screws
Quick Answer: Self-tapping screws imported under HS 731814 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US at 6.2% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This classification covers screws designed to form their own threads when driven into a material, commonly used in construction and manufacturing. Importers should be aware that the US offers duty-free entry for this product from several specific countries. According to CustomTariffs data, variations in preferential rates across jurisdictions necessitate careful review for optimal duty management.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7318141090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7318149110 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7318149910 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7318149990 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 7318140000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7318140000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 7318141000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 7318141090 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 7318149110 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 7318149900 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73181410 | 6.2% | Free (A+,AU,B,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) 3.1% (1 programs) | — |
| 7318141060 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 7318145020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 731814 | — | — | — |
| 7318141030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 7318.14?
Imports of Self-tapping screws may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 731814 cover?
This subheading covers self-tapping screws, which are threaded fasteners designed to tap their own thread into a material as they are inserted. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these screws are characterized by a thread-forming or thread-cutting point. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to screws made of iron or steel, whether or not they have a protective coating, provided they are self-tapping. This includes screws with various head types and drive configurations.
What falls outside HS 731814?
The following products are excluded from HS 731814: standard screws that require a pre-tapped hole or a nut for fastening, machine screws designed for use with a tapped hole or nut, and wood screws that are not specifically designed to form their own thread in harder materials. Also excluded are bolts, nuts, and washers, which are classified under different subheadings within heading 7318. For instance, standard machine screws intended for use with a tapped hole or nut would fall under HS 731815.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 731814?
A common error is misclassifying screws that are designed for specific applications but do not meet the "self-tapping" criteria as defined by the WCO. For example, some specialized screws for plastics or metal may have aggressive thread designs but still require a pilot hole, thus not qualifying as self-tapping. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify screws based on their intended use rather than their inherent characteristics.
How should importers classify products under HS 731814?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 731814 involves a thorough examination of the product's design and function. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the screw is capable of forming its own thread in the intended material without a pre-drilled or pre-tapped hole. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes, national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff), and product specifications is crucial. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from customs authorities is recommended.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 731814?
A shipment of 10,000 M4 x 16mm zinc-plated steel self-tapping screws for metal, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $7.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 1.5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The calculation is: 1.5% of $500 USD = $7.50. This rate applies to goods from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 731814?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 731814, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free (0%) duty for qualifying goods originating from Canada and Mexico. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted and applicable to this product) or the UK's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) could offer reduced rates. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for certain other agreements, depending on the specific origin country and trade pact.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 731814 (Self-tapping screws) into the United States?
Under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (USHTS), self-tapping screws of iron or steel, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished, are classified under HS code 7318.14. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU) or South Korea (KR) may be eligible for duty-free entry (Free). It is crucial to consult the latest USITC tariff schedule for specific origin-based rates and any applicable quotas or special provisions.
How is the import duty for self-tapping screws (HS 731814) calculated in the EU?
In the European Union, self-tapping screws of iron or steel are classified under HS code 7318.14. The standard Common Customs Tariff (CCT) rate is 0.00% ad valorem. This means that for goods imported into the EU from most countries, there is no basic customs duty. However, importers must ensure they have the correct proof of origin if claiming preferential treatment under specific trade agreements, as additional documentation might be required to avoid anti-dumping duties or other measures that could be imposed on specific origins.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 731814?
HS code 7318.14 specifically covers 'Self-tapping screws'. The primary classification criterion is the screw's ability to form its own thread when driven into a material. This distinguishes them from screws that require a pre-tapped hole. The material (iron or steel) and the manufacturing process (cold-formed or cold-finished, not further worked) are also critical. Importers must ensure the product description and technical specifications align with these characteristics to ensure correct classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing self-tapping screws (HS 731814) into the UK?
When importing self-tapping screws (HS 7318.14) into the United Kingdom, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. A declaration of origin is essential to determine applicable duty rates. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) shows a standard duty rate of 3.70% ad valorem for this code. If the goods originate from a country with a preferential trade agreement with the UK (e.g., Australia, South Korea), a valid proof of origin, such as a declaration of origin on an invoice or a specific certificate, will be necessary to claim reduced or zero duty rates.
Can you provide a numerical example of how import duty is calculated for self-tapping screws under HS 731814?
Certainly. Let's assume a shipment of self-tapping screws (HS 7318.14) is imported into the United States with a declared customs value of $10,000 USD. The applicable MFN duty rate is 3.70% ad valorem. The duty calculation would be: Duty Amount = Customs Value × Duty Rate. Therefore, Duty Amount = $10,000 USD × 3.70% = $10,000 USD × 0.0370 = $370 USD. This $370 USD would be the ad valorem duty payable. If the shipment originated from a country with a Free trade agreement, the duty would be $0.