RE: The tariff classification of automotive snap rings from South Korea

U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Commodity Specialist Division One World Trade Center, Suite 51.201 New York, NY 10007 U.S. Customs and Border Protection N364782 September 16, 2026 CLA-2-87:OT:RR:NC:N2:206 CATEGORY: Classification TARIFF NO.: 8708.99.6890 Jae Young Son Hyundai Motor Company 231, Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul 06797 South Korea RE: The tariff classification of automotive snap rings from South Korea Dear Mr. Son: In your letter dated September 2, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling. The articles under consideration are four snap rings, part numbers 45956-01980, 49556-02320, 49556-02420, and 49556-02590. The snap rings are designed for incorporation into a motor vehicle drive shaft assembly. Part number 49556-01980 measures 1.2 × 25 × 25 mm; part number 49556-02320 measures 1.2 × 27.7 × 27.7 mm; part number 49556-02420 measures 1.2 × 28.7 × 28.7 mm; and part number 49556-02590 measures 1.2 × 30.4 × 30.4 mm. The four articles share the same configuration and function and differ only in their dimensions. The subject snap rings are manufactured from SK5 high-carbon steel. During manufacture, the steel is blanked to form the shape of the snap ring, heat treated to increase its strength and hardness, barreled to remove residual burrs, and inspected for dimensional accuracy, hardness, and elasticity. Within the drive shaft assembly, each snap ring is inserted into a machined groove on the shaft and functions to secure the trunnion in its designated position. The snap ring prevents axial movement and dislodgement of the trunnion resulting from loads and vibrations generated during vehicle operation. Additionally, during the telescoping or plunging movement of the drive shaft assembly, the snap ring maintains the trunnion in its proper position. You suggested classifying the snap rings in subheading 8708.99, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). We agree. The applicable subheading for the automotive snap rings, part numbers 45956-01980, 49556-02320, 49556-02420, and 49556-02590, will be 8708.99.6890, HTSUS, which provides for “Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705: Other parts and accessories: Other: Other: Other parts for power trains: Other.” The general rate of duty will be 2.5 percent ad valorem. The duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided at https://hts.usitc.gov/. This ruling does not address the applicability of any additional duties, taxes, fees, exactions and/or other charges, which may apply to the goods discussed herein. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs and other duties as provided for in Subchapter III to Chapter 99, HTSUS. Thus, for example, in addition to the classification stated above, the merchandise covered by this ruling may also need to be reported with either the Chapter 99 provision under which an additional tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions covering exceptions to such tariffs. For further information to assist with the importation process, please refer to the frequently updated Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service and the Trade Remedies page at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies. The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2. Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic verification by CBP. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, please contact National Import Specialist Liana Alvarez at liana.alvarez@cbp.dhs.gov. Sincerely, (for) James P. Forkan Director National Commodity Specialist Division