Product classification
HS code for Self-tapping screws: 7318.14
Iron or steel, threaded self-tapping screws.
Classification of self-tapping screws under HS 7318.14
Self-tapping screws are classified under HS code 7318.14, which is situated within Chapter 73 for articles of iron or steel. Heading 7318 covers a wide range of fasteners, including screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers, and similar articles. Subheading 7318.14 specifically identifies threaded self-tapping screws. These fasteners are characterized by their ability to drill their own hole or form their own threads as they are driven into materials like metal, plastic, or wood. Unlike standard machine screws that require a pre-tapped hole, self-tapping screws feature a hardened thread and often a pointed or drill-like tip. The classification is based on the physical characteristic of the thread and the intended application of the fastener. For customs purposes, the material must be iron or steel; fasteners made of other metals like copper or aluminum would be classified under their respective chapters, such as 7415 or 7616. The precision of this classification is vital for the enforcement of anti-dumping duties which frequently target specific types of steel fasteners.
- Covers
- Sheet metal self-tapping screws
- Thread-forming steel screws
- Self-drilling screws (Tek screws)
- Stainless steel self-tapping screws
- Hardened steel thread-cutting screws
- Also under 7318.14
- SFS intec self-drilling screws
- ITW Buildex Tek screws
- Phillips II self-tapping screws
- Hilti self-tapping anchors
Codes often confused with 7318.14
Common mistake. Self-tapping screws are frequently confused with wood screws classified under 7318.12. While both may have pointed tips, the thread pitch and hardness of self-tapping screws are designed for metal or plastic substrates. They are also often misclassified under the general category of "other screws and bolts" in 7318.15. It is important to distinguish them from self-drilling screws if the local tariff has a specific split, though internationally both usually fall under 7318.14 if they are self-tapping. Screws made of non-ferrous metals must not be placed here.
Top exporters and importers of HS 731814 (the code used for self-tapping screws), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 731814 (the code used for self-tapping screws) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 731814, not only self-tapping screws.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$1.6B 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $1.1B 22% of world exports
- 3 Germany $728M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $416M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 France $170M 3.8% of world imports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for self-tapping screws
Brazil classifies self-tapping screws under NCM 7318.14.00: HS 7318.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about self-tapping screws
What is the HS code for Self-tapping screws?
The HS code for Self-tapping screws is 731814 (Iron or steel; threaded self-tapping screws). The HS code for threaded self-tapping screws made of iron or steel is 7318.14.
How do I classify Self-tapping screws for customs?
Self-tapping screws is classified under HS code 731814 — Iron or steel; threaded self-tapping screws. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can stainless steel screws be classified under 7318.14?
Yes, as long as the screws are made of a steel alloy (including stainless) and possess self-tapping threads, they fall under 7318.14.
Which countries are the top exporters of self-tapping screws (HS 731814)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 731814 (the code used for self-tapping screws) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $1.6B, 32% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Germany ($728M). World exports came to about $5.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of self-tapping screws (HS 731814)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 731814 (the code used for self-tapping screws) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 26% of world imports), Germany ($416M) and France ($170M). World imports came to about $4.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Self-tapping screws the same in all countries?
The base HS code 731814 for Self-tapping screws is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for self-tapping screws in Brazil?
In Brazil, self-tapping screws (HS 731814) is classified under NCM 7318.14.00.