Draft Gear Buffer Assembly from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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