A wide range of hardware articles originating in China are subject to Section 301 tariffs, which has prompted many US importers to shift procurement to Vietnam, Taiwan, India, and other alternative suppliers. However, importers must be alert to country-of-origin rules: hardware assembled in a third country from Chinese-origin components may still be subject to Section 301 if the processing does not constitute a substantial transformation.

Hardware articles can fall under multiple HTS chapters depending on their primary material (base metal type), function (fastener vs. hinge vs. lock), and end-use context (builders' hardware vs. machinery component). Misclassification is common and can result in underpayment or overpayment of duties. A licensed customs broker with experience in metal articles should review new hardware SKUs before importation.