Yes, aluminum tariffs can apply to finished goods, but only if the product’s HTS code is on a Section 232 list, and for many listed products only if aluminum makes up at least 15% of the product’s weight. That weight test applies to listed goods classified outside HTS chapters 72, 73, 74 and 76. Goods inside those chapters pay regardless of weight. This rule, current as of October 2026, decides many finished-goods cases.
Key Takeaways
- Finished goods pay aluminum tariffs only if their code is listed.
- Listed goods outside chapters 72–76 need at least 15% covered metal by weight.
- Metals on multiple lists are added together, but charged once.
- Keep weight records; misstating them is a misdeclaration.
How the 15% Weight Rule Works
The rule sits in the U.S. notes added to Chapter 99 of the tariff schedule by Proclamation 11021. For a listed product classified outside chapters 72, 73, 74 and 76, the Section 232 duty applies only where the weight of the listed metal is at least 15% of the weight of the imported article. If the product appears on more than one metal list, the weights of those metals are added together. Listed derivatives with no aluminum, steel or copper at all are not subject to the duty.
Hypothetical Examples
These products are invented to show the logic. Real outcomes depend on the actual code and weights.
| Product (hypothetical) | Listed? | Covered metal by weight | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum extrusion, chapter 76 | Yes | Any | Duty applies; weight test does not apply |
| Unequipped electrical cabinet base, aluminum, HTS 8538.10 | Yes (25% list) | 60% aluminum | Duty applies on full value |
| Listed appliance with a small aluminum frame | Yes | 10% aluminum only | No Section 232 duty |
| Product on both aluminum and steel lists | Yes | 8% aluminum + 9% steel = 17% | Duty applies, charged once |
| Charger housing inside a complete charger, HTS 8504.40 | Not found on the June 2026 lists | Any | No Section 232 duty |
Documentation You Should Keep
- A bill of materials listing the weight of aluminum, steel and copper parts.
- The net weight of the finished product as imported.
- Supplier declarations of smelt and cast country where you claim a reduced rate.
- Your broker’s classification notes for each product.
Weight claims can be checked. Overstating non-metal weight or understating metal content to fall under 15% is a misdeclaration and can lead to penalties. Our factory audit checklist covers how to verify what a supplier tells you.
What It Means for EV Charger Buyers
A complete charger is usually classified as a power converter or similar, and heading 8504.40 did not appear on the June 2026 lists. The weight rule becomes relevant when you import parts or accessories that are listed, such as cabinet bases or cable assemblies, or when lists change. EVDANCE can provide weights per part for chargers like the EV-ACT3204PE 22 kW wallbox, and our US customs guide explains classification. Rates and rules here are as of October 2026; confirm the current proclamation and HTS notes before you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 15% rule apply to aluminum sheet or extrusions?
No. Goods classified in chapter 76 pay the aluminum tariff regardless of weight share.
Is the 15% measured by value or by weight?
By weight of the imported article. The duty, once due, is then charged on full customs value.
Do aluminum tariffs apply to products made in the US with imported aluminum?
No. Section 232 is an import duty. It applies to imported goods, not to goods made in the U.S.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- EV Charger Factory Audit Checklist for Importers
- Chinese EV Charger Manufacturers: Factory, Trading Company or Marketplace Seller?
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
