Import Guidelines for Brake Drums to the USA

Shipping Terms and Delivery Times

We typically offer shipping under FOB (Free On Board) terms.

Under FOB terms, TBP Auto handles the export process until your goods are loaded onto the ship at Hai Phong Port in Vietnam. You, the buyer, manage shipping, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery from the U.S. port.

We will work with you to select the shipping term that best fits your needs. Once shipped, estimated delivery times for ocean freight from Vietnam to the U.S. range from approximately 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the destination port. West Coast ports (like Los Angeles or Seattle) are reached faster (around 20–30 days transit), while East Coast deliveries can take up to 40 days. Keep in mind these are port-to-port estimates; additional time should be allotted for inland transport to your facility. For urgent orders, air freight is available and can deliver brake drums in under a week, although at a much higher transportation cost.

Import Duties and Trade Agreements

When importing brake drums, it’s important to understand the applicable import duties. The United States classifies brake drums under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 8708.30.50.20.

Brake drums from Vietnam enjoy favorable trade conditions with the U.S., typically subject only to a standard duty rate of approximately 2.5%. As of February 2025, Vietnam is not subject to additional tariffs, anti-dumping duties, or trade war restrictions that may impact imports, making our products both economical and reliable. Please note, the U.S. has recently introduced reciprocal tariffs on all countries, including Vietnam. We recommend checking the latest tariff updates directly on the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Tariff Database or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Currently, there is no bilateral free trade agreement specifically between Vietnam and the U.S. However, Vietnam is a member of the WTO, which means Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates apply. These rates for auto parts like brake drums are relatively modest compared to other countries. Importers should also be aware of any anti-dumping or countervailing duties that might exist. For example, brake drums from China and Turkey are facing anti-dumping investigations in the U.S., but Vietnam is not subject to such penalties. Always check the latest U.S. trade updates, and ensure you have a proper Certificate of Origin if you plan to claim any preferential duty programs.

Required Documentation and Customs Clearance

Bringing automotive components into the U.S. requires standard import documentation. TBP Auto provides all necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth customs clearance. Key documents include:

• Commercial Invoice: Details the sale, including the buyer and seller information, brake drum description, quantity, price, and payment terms.
• ‍Packing List: Itemizes the contents of each package or container (number of drums, weight, dimensions) to assist customs in identifying shipments.‍
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill: Issued by the carrier, this document serves as the contract of carriage and receipt of goods. It outlines the shipping details from Vietnam to the U.S.‍
• HS Code Classification: Our invoice and paperwork will list the correct HS code (870830) for brake drums , ensuring customs applies the proper duty rate.‍
• Import Customs Entry Forms: Typically handled by your customs broker, this includes CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary), which officially records the import, duties, and taxes, and any required declarations. (Brake drums generally do not require special permits; they are not hazardous or restricted items.)‍
• Certificate of Origin: If needed for confirming the product’s country of manufacture (especially if you’re leveraging a trade preference or need it for your records).‍
• Other Supporting Documents: These might include a packing declaration for wood packaging (to comply with ISPM 15 if wooden pallets are used), and insurance certificates (if CIF).

Our team is experienced with customs procedures and will ensure all documentation is accurate. We recommend you work with a licensed customs broker in the U.S. who will file the entry, pay duties on your behalf, and coordinate with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for clearance. With the correct paperwork in hand, the customs clearance process is typically straightforward.

Customs Compliance and Logistics Options

TBP Auto is committed to full customs compliance. All brake drum shipments are clearly labeled with the country of origin (e.g., “Made in Vietnam”) and accompanied by the proper documentation to meet U.S. import regulations.

In terms of logistics, you have flexible options when sourcing from us:

• Ocean Freight: The most cost-effective for large orders. Choose FCL (Full Container Load) if ordering a high volume (you’ll get a dedicated container) or LCL (Less than Container Load) for smaller shipments where you share container space. We typically ship from Hai Phong Port, a major port in Vietnam that has frequent sailings to the U.S.‍
• Air Freight: Ideal for urgent or smaller shipments (e.g., brake drum samples). We can dispatch brake drums via air cargo if you need rapid delivery, using major airlines and transit hubs in Asia. Air shipments often arrive in the U.S. in 5-7 days.‍
• Domestic Freight and Warehousing: If needed, our partners in the U.S. can assist with final delivery from the port to your warehouse. We can also discuss warehousing solutions or consignment stock if you’re planning regular orders.

Throughout the shipping process, TBP Auto provides updates and support. We supply container tracking numbers or air tracking info so you can monitor your shipment’s progress. By coordinating closely on logistics and compliance, we help you minimize delays and ensure your brake drums arrive on schedule and in perfect condition.

Benefits of Sourcing from Vietnam

There are compelling advantages to sourcing brake drums from a Vietnamese manufacturer like TBP Auto. Vietnam’s strong trade relationship with the U.S. offers stability and predictability, helping importers avoid the trade restrictions, high duties, and quotas that have affected other countries. This ensures a consistent and uninterrupted supply. Additionally, Vietnam combines cost-effective manufacturing with high-quality standards. TBP Auto’s brake drums are competitively priced while meeting international quality and safety benchmarks, delivering OEM-level performance at a lower total cost - ultimately improving your margins.

Vietnam’s modern and efficient ports, along with its strategic geographic location, provide reasonable transit times to the U.S. The country’s participation in regional trade agreements, such as ASEAN, has further enhanced its logistics infrastructure, making shipping from Vietnam as convenient as from other major global manufacturing hubs. TBP Auto also benefits from Vietnam’s skilled workforce and engineering capabilities. Our team uses advanced casting and machining techniques to produce well-crafted, reliable brake drums that meet the high standards expected in the automotive industry.

By incorporating Vietnam into your sourcing strategy, you diversify your supply chain, reducing reliance on any single country and increasing your resilience to regional disruptions. For these reasons, many global industries are turning to Vietnam as a key sourcing hub. In summary, importing TBP Auto brake drums into the USA is both smooth and cost-effective. We provide hands-on guidance at every step, from quoting shipments to supplying all necessary documentation for customs clearance. With TBP Auto, you gain a dependable supply partner that supports your business growth while ensuring full compliance with U.S. import regulations.