Chapter 83 covers miscellaneous articles of base metal, including locks, hardware, tableware, ornaments, etc. Although these goods are made of base metal, they differ from the basic materials or tools of Chapters 72-82, being finished products with specific functions. Goods of this chapter are typically used in buildings, furniture, vehicles, luggage, etc., emphasizing their independent function as metal articles rather than mechanical or electrical equipment. Heading 8301 covers locks of base metal (including key locks, combination locks, electronic locks, etc.) and clasps, frames with clasps, keys, etc. Specifically includes padlocks, vehicle locks, furniture locks, luggage locks, etc., as well as their dedicated parts such as lock cylinders and keys. However, it excludes electronic locks of Chapter 85 (such as fingerprint locks) if their electrical part constitutes the essential function. Code 830120 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 83 represent Chapter 83 "Miscellaneous articles of base metal"; digits 3-4, 01, represent heading 8301 "Locks and clasps of base metal"; digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 830120 "Locks for vehicles". This subheading specifically refers to locks used for automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles, including ignition locks, door locks, steering wheel locks, etc., whether or not with keys. Vehicle locks are made of base metal, have the basic function of locks, and are dedicated to vehicles, therefore classified under 830120. If the lock is an electronic combination lock and the electronic part constitutes the essential function, it may be classified under Chapter 85; if it is a plastic lock, it is classified under Chapter 39. Correct classification requires comprehensive judgment based on material, function, and use.
Chapter
Chapter 83 covers miscellaneous articles of base metal, including locks, hardware, tableware, ornaments, etc. Although these goods are made of base metal, they differ from the basic materials or tools of Chapters 72-82, being finished products with specific functions. Goods of this chapter are typically used in buildings, furniture, vehicles, luggage, etc., emphasizing their independent function as metal articles rather than mechanical or electrical equipment.
Heading
Heading 8301 covers locks of base metal (including key locks, combination locks, electronic locks, etc.) and clasps, frames with clasps, keys, etc. Specifically includes padlocks, vehicle locks, furniture locks, luggage locks, etc., as well as their dedicated parts such as lock cylinders and keys. However, it excludes electronic locks of Chapter 85 (such as fingerprint locks) if their electrical part constitutes the essential function.
Digit Breakdown
Code 830120 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 83 represent Chapter 83 "Miscellaneous articles of base metal"; digits 3-4, 01, represent heading 8301 "Locks and clasps of base metal"; digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 830120 "Locks for vehicles". This subheading specifically refers to locks used for automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles, including ignition locks, door locks, steering wheel locks, etc., whether or not with keys.
Classification Basis
Vehicle locks are made of base metal, have the basic function of locks, and are dedicated to vehicles, therefore classified under 830120. If the lock is an electronic combination lock and the electronic part constitutes the essential function, it may be classified under Chapter 85; if it is a plastic lock, it is classified under Chapter 39. Correct classification requires comprehensive judgment based on material, function, and use.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "automobile ignition lock", "motorcycle steering wheel lock", etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: State the main material of the lock, such as "of base metal (iron and steel, copper, zinc alloy, etc.)"; if plastic, etc., is included, indicate the proportion. Use: Clearly state the applicable vehicle type of the lock, such as "for automobile doors", "for motorcycles", etc. Brand: Declare the brand name (if no brand, fill in "no brand"), used for verification of intellectual property customs protection recordation. Model: Fill in the manufacturer's model or part number, facilitating customs identification and classification. Whether with key: State whether the lock is accompanied by a key, such as "with key" or "without key". Working principle: Briefly describe the opening method of the lock, such as "mechanical key opening", "electronic combination opening", etc. Product name: automobile ignition lock; Material: of base metal (zinc alloy); Use: for automobile ignition system; Brand: XX brand; Model: ABC-123; Whether with key: with key; Working principle: mechanical key opening. Incorrectly classifying vehicle locks under 830110 (padlocks), ignoring their dedicated vehicle attribute. Electronic vehicle locks, if the electronic part constitutes the essential function, should be classified under Chapter 85, not 830120. Failing to declare brand or model, resulting in customs inability to verify intellectual property or classification.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "automobile ignition lock", "motorcycle steering wheel lock", etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Declaring generically as "locks" or "hardware" without specifying the vehicle use.
Material
State the main material of the lock, such as "of base metal (iron and steel, copper, zinc alloy, etc.)"; if plastic, etc., is included, indicate the proportion.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without distinguishing base metal from precious metal, leading to classification errors.
Use
Clearly state the applicable vehicle type of the lock, such as "for automobile doors", "for motorcycles", etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate the vehicle type, incorrectly classified as furniture locks or padlocks.
Brand
Declare the brand name (if no brand, fill in "no brand"), used for verification of intellectual property customs protection recordation.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring as "no brand" when there is actually a brand.
Model
Fill in the manufacturer's model or part number, facilitating customs identification and classification.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Whether with key
State whether the lock is accompanied by a key, such as "with key" or "without key".
⚠️ Failing to declare whether with key, affecting subheading determination.
Working principle
Briefly describe the opening method of the lock, such as "mechanical key opening", "electronic combination opening", etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring an electronic lock as a mechanical lock, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product name: automobile ignition lock; Material: of base metal (zinc alloy); Use: for automobile ignition system; Brand: XX brand; Model: ABC-123; Whether with key: with key; Working principle: mechanical key opening.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying vehicle locks under 830110 (padlocks), ignoring their dedicated vehicle attribute.
Electronic vehicle locks, if the electronic part constitutes the essential function, should be classified under Chapter 85, not 830120.
Failing to declare brand or model, resulting in customs inability to verify intellectual property or classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Vehicle locks must satisfy: 1) material is base metal; 2) have lock function; 3) dedicated to vehicles. If the lock is made of plastic, classified under Chapter 39; if it is an electronic lock and the electronic part is the essential function, classified under Chapter 85; if it is a padlock, classified under 830110. 830110 Padlocks: Padlocks are independent locks, usually used for doors, boxes, etc., not dedicated to vehicles; vehicle locks are designed specifically for vehicles, such as ignition locks, door locks. 830130 Furniture locks: Furniture locks are used for furniture, drawers, etc.; vehicle locks are used for vehicles, different uses. 830140 Other locks: Other locks include luggage locks, safe locks, etc.; vehicle locks have a dedicated subheading, classified preferentially under 830120. 851230 Electronic locks: If the vehicle lock is an electronic combination lock and the electronic part constitutes the essential function, classified under 851230; if it is only a mechanical lock or the electronic part is auxiliary, still classified under 830120. Is the material base metal? Is it dedicated to vehicles? Does it have the basic function of a lock? Is it with a key? Does the electronic part constitute the essential function?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Vehicle locks must satisfy: 1) material is base metal; 2) have lock function; 3) dedicated to vehicles. If the lock is made of plastic, classified under Chapter 39; if it is an electronic lock and the electronic part is the essential function, classified under Chapter 85; if it is a padlock, classified under 830110.
Confused Codes：
830110 - Padlocks
Padlocks are independent locks, usually used for doors, boxes, etc., not dedicated to vehicles; vehicle locks are designed specifically for vehicles, such as ignition locks, door locks.
830130 - Furniture locks
Furniture locks are used for furniture, drawers, etc.; vehicle locks are used for vehicles, different uses.
830140 - Other locks
Other locks include luggage locks, safe locks, etc.; vehicle locks have a dedicated subheading, classified preferentially under 830120.
851230 - Electronic locks
If the vehicle lock is an electronic combination lock and the electronic part constitutes the essential function, classified under 851230; if it is only a mechanical lock or the electronic part is auxiliary, still classified under 830120.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material base metal?
✓ Is it dedicated to vehicles?
✓ Does it have the basic function of a lock?
✓ Is it with a key?
✓ Does the electronic part constitute the essential function?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire the HS code for vehicle locks? You can check the General Administration of Customs website, HS code inquiry platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter keywords "vehicle lock" or "automobile lock", filter Chapter 83, and you will find 830120. Note to confirm material and use. What is the difference between HS codes for vehicle locks and padlocks? Vehicle locks are classified under 830120, padlocks under 830110. The main difference is use: vehicle locks are dedicated to vehicles, padlocks are general-purpose locks. If a padlock is used for a vehicle, it should still be classified as a vehicle lock. Which HS code should electronic vehicle locks be classified under? If the electronic part of the electronic vehicle lock (such as fingerprint recognition, keypad) constitutes the essential function, it should be classified under Chapter 85 (such as 851230); if it is only a mechanical lock with electronic assistance (such as remote control key), still classified under 830120. What elements need attention when declaring vehicle locks? Need to declare product name, material, use, brand, model, whether with key, working principle, etc. Ensure the material is base metal, the use is clearly for vehicles, avoiding incorrect classification under other subheadings. What is the import tariff rate for vehicle locks? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements, etc. It is recommended to check the latest Import and Export Tariff or inquire through the customs website. Pay attention to MFN rates, agreement rates, etc. What is the export tax rebate rate for vehicle locks? Export tax rebate rates are also adjusted; check the latest tax rebate rate library of the State Taxation Administration. Usually base metal articles have corresponding rebate rates, but official announcements prevail. If a vehicle lock has remote control function, will the classification change? If the remote control function is only auxiliary and the main function is still a mechanical lock, classified under 830120; if the remote control constitutes the essential function (such as keyless entry system), it may be classified under Chapter 85. Judgment based on specific functions is required. How to avoid classification errors for vehicle locks? It is recommended to provide detailed product descriptions, material certificates, use statements, and refer to the HS Explanatory Notes or pre-classification decisions. If necessary, apply to customs for pre-classification to ensure compliance.
Q: How to inquire the HS code for vehicle locks?
A: You can check the General Administration of Customs website, HS code inquiry platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter keywords "vehicle lock" or "automobile lock", filter Chapter 83, and you will find 830120. Note to confirm material and use.
Q: What is the difference between HS codes for vehicle locks and padlocks?
A: Vehicle locks are classified under 830120, padlocks under 830110. The main difference is use: vehicle locks are dedicated to vehicles, padlocks are general-purpose locks. If a padlock is used for a vehicle, it should still be classified as a vehicle lock.
Q: Which HS code should electronic vehicle locks be classified under?
A: If the electronic part of the electronic vehicle lock (such as fingerprint recognition, keypad) constitutes the essential function, it should be classified under Chapter 85 (such as 851230); if it is only a mechanical lock with electronic assistance (such as remote control key), still classified under 830120.
Q: What elements need attention when declaring vehicle locks?
A: Need to declare product name, material, use, brand, model, whether with key, working principle, etc. Ensure the material is base metal, the use is clearly for vehicles, avoiding incorrect classification under other subheadings.
Q: What is the import tariff rate for vehicle locks?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreements, etc. It is recommended to check the latest Import and Export Tariff or inquire through the customs website. Pay attention to MFN rates, agreement rates, etc.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for vehicle locks?
A: Export tax rebate rates are also adjusted; check the latest tax rebate rate library of the State Taxation Administration. Usually base metal articles have corresponding rebate rates, but official announcements prevail.
Q: If a vehicle lock has remote control function, will the classification change?
A: If the remote control function is only auxiliary and the main function is still a mechanical lock, classified under 830120; if the remote control constitutes the essential function (such as keyless entry system), it may be classified under Chapter 85. Judgment based on specific functions is required.
Q: How to avoid classification errors for vehicle locks?
A: It is recommended to provide detailed product descriptions, material certificates, use statements, and refer to the HS Explanatory Notes or pre-classification decisions. If necessary, apply to customs for pre-classification to ensure compliance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.