The hardware industry consists of wholesale manufacturers and distributors of various metallic items like chains, nuts, springs, clamps, brackets, etc. China is one of the top hardware exporters. The US, on the other hand, is one of the top importers. Importing hardware from China to the US involves product compliance, tariffs, documents, and production areas.
Where is hardware produced in China?
Hardware equipment consists of everyday hardware like hinges, keys, chains, locks, cutlery, machine parts and alike. The main feature of hardware instruments is that they are made of metal. Chinese hardware manufacturers are mainly located in Shandong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong Provinces. See the breakdown below:
- Hardware accessories: Qingdao, Linyi (Shandong); Hangzhou (Zhejiang); Dongguan (Guangdong)
- Hydraulic parts: Ningbo (Zhejiang); Qingdao, Yantai (Shandong); Yangzhou (Jiangsu)
- Wheel and caster: Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Foshan (Guangdong); Qingdao (Shandong)
- Yongkang in Zhejiang is known as “Metal City” and China’s main doors and hardware production area.
Tariffs on hardware from China to the US
Before starting a hardware importing business, or sourcing any product for that matter, you should estimate how much customs duties you will pay. You can find the current tariffs in the HTS System (Harmonized Tariff Schedule System). Keep in mind that there are additional tariffs on imports from China to the US.
HTS codes and tariffs on hardware from China:
- Bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of high-nickel alloy steel (7221.00.00.05) – free + 7.5%
- Secateurs and similar one-handed pruners and shears (including poultry shears), and parts thereof (8201.50.00.0) – 1¢ each + 2.8% + 25%
- Tweezers (8203.20.20.00) – 4% + 25%
- Drilling, threading or tapping tools, and parts thereof (8205.10.00.00) – 6.2%+ 25%
- Equipment for scaffolding, shuttering, propping or pit- propping (8205.10.00.00) – free + 25%
- Thumb tacks (7317.00.10.00) – free + 7.5%
- Coach screws (7318.11.00.00) – 12.5% + 25%
- Screw hooks and screw rings having shanks or threads with a diameter of 6 mm or more (7318.13.00.60) – 5.7% + 25%
- Padlocks, not over 3.8 cm in width (8301.10.20.00) – 2.3%+ 7.5%
- Locks of a kind used on motor vehicles, non-integral steering wheel immobilizer devices (8301.20.00.30) – 5.7% + 25%
- Cam locks and other locks suitable for use with chests, drawers and similar items (8301.30.00.60) – 5.7% + 25%
- Hinges, and parts thereof, suitable for interior and exterior doors (except garage, overhead or sliding doors) (8302.10.60.30) – 3.5% + 25%
- Hinges, and parts thereof, suitable for furniture and cabinets (8302.10.60.60) – 3.5% + 25%
Importing hardware from China to the US
Products introduced into the US market have to comply with specific obligatory norms regarding safety, quality, or other factors. All imports must adhere to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
For customs clearance, prepare the following documents:
- Commercial invoice from the exporter
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L, BOL) – for sea freight and Import Security Filing “10+2”
- Air Waybill (AWB) – for airfreight
- Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533)
- Certificate of Origin.
Hardware from China – trade shows
Trade shows are events that showcase products and technologies. Attending these events in China is a great opportunity to keep up to date with new technological innovations in the industry and find reliable Chinese suppliers.
Explore trade shows in the hardware industry below:
Hardware & Electric Tool Exhibition
- Venue: Changsha International Convention & Exhibition Centre, China
- Website: gfi-expo.com
- Hardware & Electric Tool Exhibition (Garden + Forest Industry Expo) covers a wide range of garden machinery, outdoor power, hardware tools, electric tools, flowers, maintenance materials, and landscape gardening.
China International Hardware Fair – CIHF
- Venue: Shanghai – National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), China
- Website: hardware-fair.com
- China International Hardware Fair (CIHF) is the largest hardware fair in China. It attracts over 2600 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors.
China International Hardware Show – CIHS
- Venue: Shanghai – National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), China
- Website: hardwareshow-china.com
- China International Hardware Show is Asia’s leading trade fair for hardware and the do-it-yourself industry, attracting over 40,000 visitors. It is the world’s second-largest hardware show after Germany’s International Hardware Fair Cologne.
Zhengzhou Hardware and Electromechanical Exhibition
- Venue: Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ZZICEC), China
- Website: zzwjz.zzhaiming.com
- The large exhibition, with over 90,000 professional visitors, is divided into five sectors: hardware tools, electromechanical, pump and motor, welding, and labor protection.
Guangdong (Foshan) Hardware and Electromechanical Exhibition
- Venue: Foshan International Conference & Exhibition Center, China
- Website: foshan.ciex-expo.com/cn
- Guangdong (Foshan) Hardware and Electromechanical Exhibition showcases products in categories: welding equipment, electromechanical products, fasteners, small machinery, gardening tools, abrasives, and others.
Sourcing hardware from China to the US – to sum up
- China’s top hardware production areas are Shandong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong Provinces.
- Although tariffs on hardware from China are low, additional Chinese tariffs are applicable.
- Every product imported into the US, including hardware, has to comply with US standards.
- Order a report about your supplier from China to ensure it is reliable.
- Check duty rates for tools imported from China.