Draft Gear Buffer Assembly from China
Draft gear buffer assemblies include friction housings and elastomeric pads that cushion coupling impacts on 8605/8606 locomotives and rolling stock. They mount within the coupler pocket to manage longitudinal forces. HTS 8607.30.10 includes these as parts of buffers and coupling devices.
Duty Rate — China → United States
38.6%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0225%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.12, 9903.88.17, 9903.88.20, 9903.88.54, 9903.88.59, 9903.88.61, 9903.88.63, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, 9903.88.69, or 9903.88.70, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(c) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(d)
Import Tips
• Provide load testing data showing compliance with 50 CFR Part 231 standards for freight car buffers
• Avoid bulk packaging without vehicle-specific markings, as it risks reclassification as general steel parts
• Declare exact composition (e.g
• steel/urethane) to counter potential Chapter 73 material-based claims