What an HS code is
The Harmonized System, or HS, is an international product nomenclature maintained by the World Customs Organization. Almost every country uses its first six digits to classify goods for tariffs and statistics, then adds its own digits for national duty lines. Each product has one classification, based on what it is, what it is made of and how it is presented. The same code appears on the commercial invoice, the packing list and the customs declaration, and it determines duty rates, import licences, quotas and trade remedies where they apply.
For a buyer, the code matters for three reasons: it sets the duty and tax you pay, it controls which rules apply on import, and it must be consistent between the exporter's paperwork and your broker's declaration. An inconsistent code is a common reason for a held shipment.
Heading 8482: where rolling bearings sit
Ball bearings and roller bearings are classified under heading 8482 of the HS, titled ball or roller bearings. The heading is divided into subheadings that separate ball bearings from tapered roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, needle roller bearings and parts. Parts such as balls, rollers and some rings fall under related subheadings, but the exact placement depends on the item and on the national tariff schedule of the destination.
| Product group | General placement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ball bearings | Heading 8482 | Deep groove, angular contact, self-aligning, thrust |
| Roller bearings | Heading 8482 | Tapered, cylindrical, spherical, needle |
| Bearing parts | Heading 8482 (parts lines) | Balls, rollers, some rings and cages; confirm with broker |
| Housed bearing units | Depends on the unit | Housing may be classified separately; confirm with broker |
| Plain bearings and bushings | Other headings | Not part of rolling bearing heading |
| Seals, grease, accessories | Other headings | Classified by material or function |
The table is general orientation only. Your broker confirms the exact subheading and national tariff line for each designation, because the answer depends on the destination country's schedule and on product details.
Why the exact code is confirmed with a broker
Product descriptions that look similar can be classified differently. A housed unit may be treated as a bearing assembly or as a housing with an insert. A kit that mixes bearings, seals and accessories may follow the rule for the principal component or for sets. National schedules go beyond the six-digit level, and the rate can vary by country of origin and by trade agreement. Anti-dumping or other trade measures may apply to certain bearing types in certain markets. For these reasons Rolvane states heading 8482 as general orientation and asks the customs broker at the destination to confirm the exact code before the shipment is booked.
Give the broker a clear description. For each designation include bore, outside diameter, width, type, whether it is sealed or open, the material, and whether it is a complete bearing, a part or a kit. Samples or datasheets help.
Documents a bearing export normally needs
- Commercial invoice: parties, description of each designation, quantity, unit and total value, terms of sale, HS code and country of origin.
- Packing list: cartons, pieces per carton, net and gross weights, volumes and marks.
- Transport document: bill of lading for sea, air waybill for air, courier waybill for parcels.
- Export declaration: prepared by the exporter or its forwarder on the Chinese side.
- Certificate of origin: when the destination country or a trade agreement requires it.
- Inspection report and batch records: not customs papers, but useful for claims and for the importer's own files.
- Material declarations: RoHS or REACH statements may be requested by the buyer or by retail channels.
Details such as insurance, marking and wood treatment of pallets depend on the route and the destination, and are confirmed for each shipment. See the logistics and shipping page.
Valuation and terms of sale
The customs value is not simply the price on the invoice. Many countries add freight and insurance to the goods value when they calculate duty, and the trade term in the contract decides who pays for which leg. If the term is ex works or free on board, the buyer arranges and pays the main transport; if it is delivered, the seller does. Understand the term before comparing quotations, because two offers can look equal on paper and differ materially once freight, port charges, duty and local delivery are added.
Declared value must be honest and consistent with the payment records. Under-declaration to reduce duty is a serious offence in most jurisdictions and creates risk for the buyer as the importer of record. Samples and free-of-charge replacement goods also need an invoice with a value, even if no payment is made, because customs requires a declared value for every shipment.
Keeping descriptions consistent
Customs officers compare the description on the invoice with the HS code and with the goods themselves. To avoid queries, use one naming style for each item across all documents: type, designation and key attributes. For example, a deep groove ball bearing with a standard designation, with seal type, should read the same way on the invoice, packing list and carton labels. Avoid vague terms such as spare parts, hardware or machinery accessories. If you mark your own brand, as described in private label bearings, the country of origin on the goods and the paperwork must match the place of manufacture.
Practical steps before the first shipment
- List the designations in the order with type, size, sealing and material.
- Send the list to your destination customs broker and ask for the full national tariff line, the duty and tax basis, and any special requirements.
- Give the confirmed code to the desk so that the commercial invoice and packing list carry the same number.
- Agree who is responsible for customs clearance and costs under the selected trade terms.
- Check the draft documents against the goods before the transport document is issued.
Commercial terms and delivery times are confirmed in writing for each order; see MOQ and lead time and sourcing bearings from China for the wider sequence. Questions about a specific shipment can be sent through the quote form.