EU and US Import Duties on Chinese Fasteners in 2026

Main duties as of November 2026

The EU rate depends on which factory made the goods. The US rate depends on the tariff line and origin. Both can change, so check TARIC or the HTSUS and your customs broker before you confirm an order.

EU duty on headed fasteners: Regulation 2022/191

The measure took effect on 18 February 2022. It covers carbon and alloy steel wood screws, self-tapping screws, other screws and bolts with heads, and washers. It does not cover stainless steel, coach screws or screws and bolts for fixing railway track. Nuts are not in its product description, but check your CN code.

How a new producer can get the 39.6 % rate

New exporters can apply for new exporting producer treatment. They must show that they did not export during the original investigation period, are not related to a company under the measure, and have since exported to the EU. Regulation (EU) 2026/1785 added Zhejiang Yitai Mechanical Technology under this route in July 2026, and other companies have been added the same way.

• Ask which producer actually made the goods.
• Ask for that producer's TARIC additional code.
• Check the code and rate in TARIC before you agree a price.

EU duty on screws without heads: Regulation 2025/2153

This separate measure covers screws and bolts without heads, of iron or steel other than stainless steel, under CN codes 7318 15 42 and 7318 15 48. The regulation was published on 23 October 2025. Check whether your threaded rod or stud falls under these codes.

US tariffs on heading 7318

Since April 2026, US Section 232 duties have been charged on the full customs value of listed goods. All 7318 lines appear in Annex I-A, the 50 % list. Published annexes from June 2026 did not move heading 7318 to a lower list.

Chinese goods in this heading also face a 25 % Section 301 duty. The normal duty rate then applies on top, and it varies by line. Published tariff calculators show 83.5 % in total for China-origin goods under 7318.15.80 in November 2026, made up of 8.5 % normal duty, 25 % and 50 %.

Other US measures may also apply, and some are being challenged in court. Ask a licensed customs broker for the current total before you commit.

Do not reroute goods to avoid duty

Duty follows the true origin of the goods, not the port they ship from. Relabelling Chinese fasteners or sending them through a third country to hide their origin is customs fraud, and the importer of record carries the risk. Treat any supplier who offers this as a warning sign. HEXVARO states the true origin on its documents.

Markets without these measures

The rates above apply to the EU and the US. Other markets have their own rules. Buyers in ASEAN countries may be able to reduce duty with an ACFTA Form E certificate, while Gulf buyers should check their local conformity rules. Ask your broker to confirm the position for your country.

What to check before you order

• The exact CN or HTS code for each line.
• The named producer and, for the EU, its TARIC additional code.
• Which party pays the duty under the Incoterm. DDP is available on request, but it needs a current duty figure.
• Whether the measure is due for expiry or review during your contract.
• Whether a stainless steel option changes the duty and the total cost.