How Much Is the Import Tariff on Bearings from China?

One of the most common questions I receive from overseas buyers is surprisingly not about bearing quality, lead time, or price.

Instead, they ask:

“How much import duty will I pay if I buy bearings from China?”

It is a reasonable question because import duties directly affect the total landed cost of every purchase.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer.

If someone tells you,

“The tariff on Chinese bearings is 25%,”

or

“All bearings are duty-free,”

they are almost certainly oversimplifying the issue.

The reality is that there is no universal tariff for bearings imported from China.

In this article, I’ll explain how import duties actually work, why different buyers pay different rates, and how you can quickly determine the correct tariff before placing your order.

Why There Isn’t One Fixed Tariff Rate

Many buyers assume that every bearing imported from China is taxed at the same rate.

That isn’t how international customs systems work.

The final import duty depends on several factors, including:

• The destination country
• The product’s HS (Harmonized System) code
• The country of origin
• Applicable trade agreements
• Anti-dumping duties (if applicable)
• Additional tariffs imposed by local governments

Changing any one of these factors may change the duty rate.

What Determines the Import Duty?

1. Destination Country

The first factor is where the goods are imported.

For example:

• United States
• Canada
• Germany
• Australia
• Brazil
• India

Each country has its own customs tariff schedule.

Even if two companies purchase exactly the same bearing from the same Chinese factory, they may pay completely different import duties.

2. HS Code

This is probably the most important factor.

Every bearing is classified under an international customs code known as the HS Code (Harmonized System Code).

Different bearing types may fall under different tariff classifications.

For example:

• Deep Groove Ball Bearings
• Tapered Roller Bearings
• Cylindrical Roller Bearings
• Needle Roller Bearings
• Slewing Bearings
• Bearing Parts

Each classification may have a different tariff treatment depending on the importing country’s customs regulations.

If the HS code is incorrect, the calculated duty may also be incorrect.

3. Country of Origin

Customs authorities determine duties based on the product’s country of origin, not simply where it is shipped from.

If a bearing is manufactured in China, customs will generally treat it as Chinese origin, even if it is exported through another country.

This distinction is important because some countries apply additional trade measures to goods originating from specific countries.

4. Additional Trade Measures

Besides the normal customs duty, some countries may apply additional measures such as:

• Anti-dumping duties
• Countervailing duties
• Section 301 tariffs (United States)
• Safeguard measures
• Temporary trade remedies

These measures may significantly increase the total duty for certain products.

Not every bearing is affected, and the applicable rules depend on the importing country’s current trade policies.

How Can I Find the Correct Tariff?

This is the question buyers really want answered.

Whenever customers ask me about import duties, I recommend the following process.

Step 1

Identify the exact bearing model.

Example:

6205-2RS

22320CA/W33

Cross Roller Bearing

Slewing Bearing

Step 2

Determine the correct HS Code.

Your supplier can usually assist with this, although the final classification is determined by the customs authority in the importing country.

Step 3

Visit your country’s official customs tariff database.

Some examples include:

United States

• U.S. International Trade Commission (HTS Search)

European Union

• TARIC Database

United Kingdom

• UK Trade Tariff

Canada

• Canada Customs Tariff

Australia

• Australian Border Force Tariff

Most countries provide online tariff search systems.

Simply enter the HS code to view the applicable customs duty.

Step 4

Consult your customs broker.

If the shipment is valuable or technically complex, your customs broker can confirm the applicable duty before the order is shipped.

This helps avoid unexpected costs after arrival.

Can My Bearing Supplier Calculate My Import Duty?

Many buyers ask me:

“Can you tell me exactly how much import duty I will pay?”

The honest answer is:

Not with certainty.

As a manufacturer, I can provide:

• Product specifications
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Country of origin information
• Suggested HS code
• Product description

However, the final customs classification and duty assessment are always determined by the importing country’s customs authority.

No responsible supplier should guarantee a customs duty rate.

Why Buyers Should Calculate Landed Cost Instead of Only Comparing Product Prices

Many purchasing decisions are based solely on FOB or EXW prices.

I believe this can be misleading.

The real cost should include:

• Product price
• Ocean or air freight
• Insurance
• Import duty
• VAT or GST (where applicable)
• Customs clearance fees
• Inland transportation
• Brokerage fees

This is commonly referred to as the Total Landed Cost.

Sometimes a supplier offering a lower product price may not provide the lowest overall landed cost.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Over the years, I’ve seen several common mistakes.

Assuming all bearings have the same tariff

Different bearing categories may have different classifications.

Using an incorrect HS code

Even a small classification error can change the applicable duty.

Relying on outdated tariff information

Trade policies change.

Always verify the latest information before shipment.

Ignoring additional trade measures

Normal customs duty is only one part of the total import cost.

How VKUKEN Helps Overseas Buyers

Although I cannot determine your final customs duty, I can help make the process much easier.

When customers work with VKUKEN, we can provide:

• Complete product specifications
• Commercial documentation
• Country of origin information
• Suggested HS code reference
• Packing details
• Shipping dimensions
• Gross and net weight
• Technical support during customs preparation

Our goal is to help buyers prepare accurate import documents and avoid unnecessary customs delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all bearings imported from China subject to the same tariff?

No.

The duty depends on the destination country, HS code, origin, and current trade regulations.

Can two buyers importing the same bearing pay different duties?

Yes.

If they import into different countries—or even under different customs classifications—they may pay different duty rates.

Does the bearing manufacturer decide the import duty?

No.

The final tariff is determined by the customs authority of the importing country.

Can VKUKEN provide the HS code?

Yes.

We can provide a suggested HS code based on the product description.

However, the final customs classification always rests with the destination country’s customs authority.

Final Thoughts

If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this:

There is no universal import tariff for bearings from China.

The correct duty depends on your product, your country’s customs regulations, and the applicable HS classification.

Before placing an order, I always recommend confirming the HS code, checking your country’s official customs tariff database, and consulting your customs broker if necessary.

A few minutes of preparation can prevent unexpected costs and customs delays later.

At VKUKEN, my goal is not only to supply reliable bearings but also to help buyers make informed purchasing decisions. If you need assistance identifying the appropriate HS code, preparing shipping documents, or understanding the information customs authorities typically require, my team and I are always happy to help.