Non-threaded articles - Spring washers and other lock washers

Subheading 7318 21 of the Combined Nomenclature covers spring lock washers of iron or steel, designed to prevent threaded fasteners from loosening due to vibration. These products are used extensively in mechanical engineering, automotive, railway, aerospace and construction applications to secure bolted connections. Common types include split lock washers (Grower washers), Belleville disc spring washers, toothed lock washers and wave spring washers. Classification under this subheading requires the product to be made of iron or steel and to possess spring characteristics - flat washers without spring properties are classified under subheading 7318 22. Correct distinction between spring washers (7318 21) and other washers (7318 22) is based on the construction and mechanical properties of the product. Import of spring washers from China into the EU may be subject to anti-dumping duties on steel fasteners - the current status of AD measures must be verified in the European Commission TARIC database for the specific TARIC code and country of origin. Importers should also verify safeguard measures applicable to steel products from Chapter 73.

Importing spring washers classified under subheading 7318 21 into the European Union is subject to the Union Customs Code regulations. The importer must hold an EORI number and file a customs declaration with the correct CN code. Import documentation includes a commercial invoice with technical specification (inner diameter, outer diameter, thickness, steel grade, protective coating), packing list, transport document and certificate of origin for preferential tariff rates. Spring washers used in structural steelwork are subject to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011/EU) and may require CE marking and a declaration of performance. Products must comply with REACH Regulation requirements regarding chemical substances and with the GPSR Regulation on general product safety. Steel fasteners are covered by the CBAM mechanism from 1 January 2026, requiring the importer to register as an authorised CBAM declarant and submit quarterly emission declarations for the imported products. Current tariff rates and trade measures should be verified in the TARIC system of the European Commission.

Spring washers from subheading 7318 21 may be subject to several categories of EU trade defence measures. Anti-dumping duties on steel fasteners from China have been in force for a number of years and cover a wide range of products - importers must verify in TARIC whether the specific subheading and exporter are covered by current AD measures. The EU steel safeguard system operates through tariff rate quotas (TRQ), with additional duties applied once the quota is exceeded. Imports of steel products from Russia and Belarus are prohibited or restricted under EU sanctions packages. Preferential tariff rates may be available under EU free trade agreements such as CETA with Canada, the EPA with Japan, and agreements with South Korea and Vietnam, subject to compliance with rules of origin and presentation of valid EUR.1 certificates, invoice declarations or REX entries. From 2026, steel fasteners are subject to CBAM, adding administrative obligations and costs for the importer. Total import cost should include base MFN or preferential duty, any AD/CVD duties, safeguard duties, CBAM charges and VAT. All trade measures are available in the TARIC system.

The import procedure for spring lock washers of steel (CN code 7318 21) into the European Union requires filing a customs declaration in the national import system. Essential documents include a commercial invoice, transport document, certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates) and quality certificates confirming compliance with EN standards. Steel articles may be subject to EU safeguard measures and anti-dumping duties depending on the country of origin. The standard duty rate ranges from 0% to 3.7% depending on the specific TARIC subheading. Import VAT is charged on the customs.