Japan Ministry of Finance reevaluated its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and excluded China's steel screws from the target of 2018 preferential tariff. China's steel screws have been entitled to zero tariff so far, but recently they were partially excluded and will be subject to tax starting April 2018, effective for a year. Because China is expected to be considered for 3 consecutive years as a "country of high income" just like the G7 countries, China's steel screws may become completely excluded regarding the period after April 2019.

The affected products are steel screws under the HS code 7318, and the steel springs under the HS code 7320.

Source:Japan Ministry of Finance