Revised ICP on Fasteners of Heading 7318
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a revised version of its informed compliance publication entitled, What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Fasteners of Heading 7318.
This publication was prepared by the National Commodity Specialist Division of Regulations and Rulings and provides guidance on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification of fasteners of heading 7318. The ICP was first published in January 2008 and was revised in February 2010.
According to CBP sources and a comparison to the April 2009 version of the ICP, the following substantive changes have been made:
Additional Information on Pointed Screw-Nails
The introduction of the ICP has been revised to include additional information on pointed screw-nails. The ICP now states that although pointed screw-nails perform a fastening function, their unslotted heads hamper an easy disassembly without causing damage and make them more akin to nails of HTS heading 7317. As a result, pointed screw-nails would not be classified under heading 7318.
Updated Information on Other Wood Screws
CBP revised the "7318.12 - Other Wood Screws" section of the ICP. The ICP now states that wood screws are generally tapered and will always have a gimlet point and steep cutting threads. There are times that the gimlet point will have a single slot cut partially through the point. This is known as a Type 17 point. The gimlet point may also have saw type threading.
The following sentences were removed from the ICP: "There are specific standards for the number of threads required for a wood screw. The maximum permissible variation from these standards is plus or minus 10 percent."
Deleted Information on Self-tapping Screws
CBP deleted the following text from the "7318.14 - Self-tapping Screws" section of the ICP: "There are generally more threads per inch in a tapping screw than in a wood screw."
Updated HTS Numbers/Descriptions for Bolts
CBP removed one HTS number and description and added two HTS numbers and descriptions for the "7318.15.20 - Bolts" section of the ICP.
The following HTS numbers/descriptions were added:
| 7318.15.2041 | Bent bolts - right-angle anchor bolts are bent hook bolts in the shape of an L. |
| 7318.15.2046 | Bent bolts other - would include u-bolts, hook bolts (other than right-angle bends) and eye bolts (without shoulders), such as the one to the right. |
The following HTS number/description was deleted:
| 7318.15.2040 | Bent bolts - Bent bolts would include u-bolts, hook bolts and eye bolts (without shoulders), such as the one to the right. |
Deleted Information on Nuts
CBP deleted the following text from the "7318.16 - Nuts" section of the ICP: "This provision is only for nuts used with fasteners. It does not include nuts used on pipes or tubes."
ICP Provided for Informational Purposes Only
CBP states that the information provided in this publication is for general information purposes only. CBP cautions that because many complicated factors can be involved in customs issues, an importer may wish to obtain a ruling under CBP Regulations, 19 CFR Part 177, or obtain advice from an expert (such as a licensed Customs Broker, attorney or consultant) who specializes in customs matters. Reliance solely on the general information in this ICP may not be considered reasonable care.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/23/10 news, 10032330 7, for BP summary announcing the availability of this ICP.)
ICP on fasteners of heading 7813 (posted 03/22/10) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/fasteners_head_7318.ctt/fasteners_head_7318.pdf