Other washers

Subheading 7318 22 of the Combined Nomenclature covers washers other than spring washers, made of iron or steel. These are primarily flat washers used to distribute the clamping force of a bolt or nut over a larger bearing surface area. In commercial practice, this subheading covers round flat washers conforming to DIN 125, DIN 9021 and ISO 7089-7094 standards, square washers, oval washers and wedge washers. These washers may be manufactured from carbon steel, stainless steel or alloy steel and coated with protective finishes such as electro-galvanised zinc, hot-dip galvanised zinc, phosphate or chromate. Classification under subheading 7318 22 requires the product to lack spring properties - spring washers (Grower, Belleville, toothed) are classified under 7318 21. Washers made from non-ferrous metals such as brass, copper or aluminium are classified under the relevant headings of Chapters 74-76. Importers should have technical specifications available indicating the applicable standard, dimensions and material grade.

Importing flat washers under subheading 7318 22 into the EU requires a customs declaration with the correct CN code and an EORI number. Import documents include a commercial invoice with technical specification (standard, diameter, thickness, material, coating), packing list, transport document and certificate of origin for preferential rates. Washers used in structural construction are subject to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and may require CE marking in accordance with EN 14399 (preloaded bolt assemblies) or EN 15048 (non-preloaded assemblies). Steel fasteners are covered by CBAM from 1 January 2026, requiring importer registration, emission declarations and CBAM certificate purchases. Washers imported from China may be subject to anti-dumping duties on steel fasteners, which should be verified in TARIC. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions. The GPSR Regulation (EU) 2023/988 requires importers to ensure product safety for consumer goods. Current tariff rates and trade measures should be checked in the TARIC system.

Flat steel washers under subheading 7318 22 may be subject to several EU trade defence measures. Anti-dumping duties on steel fasteners from China have been in force for years, covering a wide product range - importers must verify in TARIC whether the specific subheading and producer are covered. The EU steel safeguard system operates through tariff rate quotas with additional duties beyond the quota. Imports of steel products from Russia and Belarus are prohibited or restricted under EU sanctions. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs including CETA, the Japan EPA, and agreements with South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam, subject to proof of origin. Total import cost includes base MFN or preferential duty, any anti-dumping duties, safeguard surcharges, CBAM charges and VAT. Importers should use the TARIC tool to calculate total customs burden before placing orders. All active trade measures can be consulted in the European Commission TARIC database for the relevant CN code and country of origin combination.

Products classified under CN code 7318 22 (other flat washers of steel) must comply with applicable EU technical standards. Depending on their intended use, these may include harmonised EN standards for construction products (CPR Regulation 305/2011), the Machinery Directive or the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Construction products require CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP). Customs authorities verify compliance with technical requirements during clearance and may withhold release of goods where required documentation or certificates are missing.