Importing excavator parts involves many costs. Unexpected import duties can eat all your profits. I learned how to find the exact US duty rates before I even ship.
The most accurate place is the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website. You can also consult US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or a licensed customs broker for current rates.
Finding the official website is the first step. But using it correctly requires another key piece of information. I'll walk you through how I use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website 1 and other tools to protect my business and my clients, like David in the US, from surprises.
Once I have the HS code, can I use the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to find the duty rate?
You found an HS code, but the HTS website looks confusing. Using the wrong code leads to costly errors. I rely on the HTS system daily. Here is how I use it.
Yes, the HS (Harmonized System) code is essential. You must input this code into the official Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) on the USITC website. The HTS system uses this code to display the exact duty rate for that specific product.
The HS (Harmonized System) code 2 is everything in international trade. For my US clients like David, I know they need perfect documentation. David is a purchasing director with over 20 years of experience. He does not have time for customs problems. A small mistake in the HS code can mean a big difference in the duty he pays.
I remember one time a new client used a general code for "machine parts." The duty rate was much higher. I helped them find the specific code for excavator track rollers. I showed them my research. This simple change saved them thousands of dollars on their first shipment.
Finding the right code is the real challenge. As a manufacturer, I must be an expert in this.
How I Verify the Correct HS Code
I don't guess. I use a few professional methods to ensure accuracy. This is a key part of my service.
1. Check the USITC Website First: The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is the official source. I go to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website. It has a search tool. I can type in "excavator track roller" or "track chain" to find the potential codes. This is my starting point.
2. Use the CROSS Database: The US Customs has a great tool. It is called the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS) 3. I can search this database. It shows me how US Customs has classified similar products in the past. If I find a ruling for a product just like my track chains, I can be very confident in that HS code. This gives me strong evidence for the code I choose.
3. Consult My Customs Broker: I always double-check with a licensed customs broker 4. My clients in the US have their own brokers. I also have partners I trust. They are licensed professionals. They see these products every day. They give me the final confirmation. This is critical for B2B buyers like David who need a stable and predictable supply chain.
Common HS Codes for Undercarriage Parts
The codes can be very specific. A general "machinery parts" code is not good enough. You need the code for the exact part. Here are some examples I often work with. Please note: You must always verify these codes for your specific shipment.
| Product Category | Example HS Code (Sample) | General Description |
|---|---|---|
| Excavator Parts (General) | 8431.49.90 | Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machinery of headings 8425 to 8430 |
| Track Links / Chains | 8431.49.90 | (Often falls under general parts) |
| Track Rollers (Top/Bottom) | 8431.49.90 | (Often falls under general parts) |
| Sprockets / Drive Gears | 8483.90.50 | Toothed wheels, chain sprockets |
Getting the code right is my job as a supplier. It makes my client's life easier. When a professional buyer asks me for a quote, I already have the HS code prepared. This shows him I am a professional. It builds trust. He knows I (Linda) and my company (Dingtai) will not cause him problems at customs.
Do duty rates change, and how can I stay informed of any updates?
You found the duty rate, but you worry it might change. A sudden tariff increase can wipe out your margin. I monitor these rates closely. Here are the sources I trust.
Yes, duty rates change frequently. This happens due to new laws, trade policies, or special tariffs. To stay informed, regularly check the USITC website, the US Customs (CBP) website for bulletins, and subscribe to updates from your customs broker.
In my 20 years at Dingtai, I have seen many changes. Duty rates are not "set and forget." They are political and economic tools. A new trade agreement can lower them. A trade dispute can raise them overnight.
I must stay informed for my clients. A purchasing director like David needs predictable costs. He is responsible for his company's budget. He cannot have a surprise 25% tariff added to his shipment of track rollers. My job is to warn him of these risks before they happen.
My System for Monitoring Duty Rates
I have a simple system. I cannot spend all day checking websites. I need reliable information, fast. My company, Dingtai, has a team that monitors this.
1. Primary Source: USITC and CBP: The USITC website is the HTS database. This is the law. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website 6 is also key. CBP posts news and updates about trade policies 5. I check their "Trade" section for bulletins and news releases.
2. My Best Partner: The Customs Broker: This is my most important source. I have a long-term relationship with a licensed US customs broker. They are paid to know these changes. When a new tariff is announced, they email their clients immediately. This is the fastest way I get alerts. This is why I tell all my clients to have a strong relationship with their broker.
3. Industry Associations: I also pay attention to construction industry groups. Associations like the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) 7 often release reports. They analyze how trade policies will affect our industry. This gives me a bigger picture.
4. Trade Newsletters: I subscribe to a few international trade newsletters. They summarize the big changes. This helps me spot trends.
Recent Example: Section 301 Tariffs
A few years ago, the US introduced "Section 301" tariffs 8. These were extra duties on many products from China. This was a huge change.
My customers were very worried. The base duty for our parts might be 0%. But the Section 301 tariff added an extra 25%.
Because I was monitoring the news and my broker, I could warn my clients. We discussed the problem together. We reviewed our HS codes to make sure they were 100% accurate. For some clients, we had to adjust pricing. But the key was communication. David's worst nightmare is a supplier who hides bad news. I am always open and honest. It builds long-term trust. My clients know I am watching out for their business, not just my own.
How is the final import duty I pay calculated based on my product's value?
You know the duty rate is 3%. But is that 3% of my factory price? Or does it include shipping? Using the wrong value is a serious compliance error. I'll clarify this.
The duty is calculated on the "customs value" of the goods. For US imports, this is typically the "transaction value." This is the price actually paid for the goods when sold for export to the US. It generally does not include freight or insurance.
This part is very important. I talk about this with my clients all the time. The US is different from many other countries. Many countries use a "CIF" value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). This means they pay duty on the product cost plus the shipping cost.
The United States is (usually) a "FOB" country. This is great news for my clients. They typically pay duty only on the "customs value" of the goods 9.
What is "Transaction Value"?
This is the price my client, David, pays to me (Dingtai) for the parts. It is the price on my commercial invoice.
Let's look at an example.
I sell a container of track rollers to David in the US.
- Price for the rollers (my factory price, or FOB price): $50,000
- Cost of ocean freight (shipping): $4,000
- Cost of insurance: $500
The CIF value is $54,500.
The Transaction Value (FOB) is $50,000.
When David's broker calculates the duty, they will use the $50,000 value, not the $54,500 value.
If the duty rate is 2%, his duty is:
- $50,000 x 2% = $1,000
If the US used CIF, his duty would be:
- $54,500 x 2% = $1,090
This saves my client $90. On many large shipments, this saving is very large.
The Importance of a Clear Invoice
Because of this rule, my commercial invoice must be perfect. I learned this from experience. My invoice must clearly show the price of the goods. It must be separate from the shipping cost.
If the invoice is unclear, US Customs might challenge the value. They might add the freight cost back in. This creates delays and costs my client more money.
My team at Dingtai is trained to create perfect invoices. We list the parts, the HS codes, and the value clearly. This is part of our service. David doesn't have time to fix paperwork errors. He needs a supplier who does it right the first time. We provide all quality documents, like our ISO9001 and SGS certificates, and perfect shipping documents. This ensures a smooth process for him.
| Value Type | What it Includes | Used for US Duty? |
|---|---|---|
| FOB (Free on Board) | Product Cost Only | Yes (Typically) |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Product Cost + Insurance + Freight | No (Typically) |
| Transaction Value | The price paid for the goods | Yes |
Are there any special trade agreements that might affect the duty rate from China?
The HTS has columns for "General" and "Special" rates. You wonder if China gets a "Special" discount. The answer is complex. I'll explain the current situation for my parts.
The "Special" rate column on the HTS usually refers to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that lower or remove duties. China does not have an FTA with the US. Instead, goods from China face "General" rates plus any applicable tariffs, like Section 301.
This is the most common question I get from new US buyers. It is the most important question.
They look at the HTS. They see the "General" rate for my track chains (HS code 8431.49.90) is "Free" (0%).
They think, "Great! 0% duty!"
Then I have to explain the real situation. This is where my 20+ years of experience is so valuable.
The HTS "General" rate is just the starting point.
The Extra Tariffs: Section 301
As I mentioned before, the US has Section 301 tariffs on many goods from China. My undercarriage parts are on this list.
This means the actual duty calculation is:
Base Duty (General Rate) + Section 301 Duty = Total Duty
For my track rollers:
- Base Duty: 0%
- Section 301 Duty: 25% (This rate can change!)
- Total Duty: 25%
This is a huge difference. A new buyer who only looks at the "General" rate will have a massive financial shock.
I am always upfront about this. When I give a quote, I remind my client to talk to their broker about the total landed cost, including these extra tariffs. A good supplier does not hide this. Hiding it would destroy my relationship with a client like David.
What About AD/CVD?
There is another type of duty. It is called Anti-Dumping (AD) or Countervailing Duty (CVD) 10.
These are massive tariffs. They can be 100% or more. They are applied when the US government rules that a product is being sold "unfairly" cheap.
I check the US Department of Commerce website. I need to know if any of my products have AD/CVD orders.
This is very serious. I work hard to make sure my company, Dingtai, follows all trade laws. We sell based on our high quality (ISO9001 and SGS certified) and fair prices, not by "dumping."
My clients, like David, trust me. They know I am compliant. They know Dingtai is a stable, long-term partner. We are not a risky, cheap supplier who will disappear or get hit with a 100% AD/CVD case.
| Duty Type | What is it? | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| General Duty Rate | The standard rate in the HTS (Column 1). | USITC HTS Website |
| Section 301 Tariffs | Extra tariffs on specific goods from China. | USTR Website, Customs Broker |
| AD/CVD | Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duties. Very high, product-specific. | US Dept. of Commerce, Customs Broker |
| Special Duty Rate | Lower rates for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries. | USITC HTS Website (Column 2) |
So, when you import from China, the "Special" column is not for you. You must look at "General" and add any Section 301 or AD/CVD duties. This is the only way to calculate your true cost.
Conclusion
Finding the correct duty rate takes work. But I know that using the HTS, CBP, and a good broker is the only way. It protects my clients and builds trust.
Footnotes
1. The official US portal for searching HTS codes and their corresponding duty rates. ↩︎
2. An explanation of the global HS standard from the World Customs Organization. ↩︎
3. The official CBP database (CROSS) for searching past binding rulings on product classifications. ↩︎
4. CBP's overview of what licensed customs brokers do and why they are essential for trade. ↩︎
5. Overview of US trade policy from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). ↩︎
6. The official CBP website, providing news and regulations on US import procedures. ↩︎
7. The official website for the AEM, a key association for the construction equipment industry. ↩︎
8. The USTR's official page detailing the Section 301 investigations and associated tariffs. ↩︎
9. CBP's detailed publication on how "customs value" is determined for import duty calculation. ↩︎
10. The official U.S. government portal for searching active AD/CVD cases and proceedings. ↩︎