Analysis
HTS 7415.21.00 covers washers (including spring washers) under heading 7415 (nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples (other than those of heading 8305) and similar…).
The general duty rate is 3% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 74 (74th percentile of 89 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $300 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 1.4% to 3%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 7415.33.10 (muntz or yellow metal bolts), at 1.4%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 1.6 percentage points.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 45%, 15.0 times the general rate.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Automotive Products Trade Act, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, and 13 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7415.10.00 | Nails and tacks, drawing pins, staples and similar articles | 2.5% |
| 7415.29.00 | Other articles, not threaded: other | 3% |
| 7415.33.05 | Screws, bolts and nuts: screws for wood | 3% |
| 7415.33.10 | Muntz or yellow metal bolts | 1.4% |
| 7415.33.80 | Screws, bolts and nuts: other screws and bolts; nuts | 3% |
| 7415.39.00 | Other threaded articles: other | 3% |