Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts thereof, and is one of the chapters with the broadest commodity scope and highest technical density in the HS classification. This chapter includes general mechanical components such as power machinery, pumps, fans, bearings, gears, and seals, as well as specialized equipment for textiles, printing, food processing, and other industries. The core characteristic is that these goods perform functions through mechanical motion rather than relying on chemical or electrical principles. As a basic component for reducing friction and supporting rotating shafts, ball bearings are a typical general-purpose mechanical part. Heading 8482 specifically covers rolling bearings, including ball bearings, roller bearings, needle roller bearings, etc., as well as their parts (such as inner rings, outer rings, balls, and cages). This heading does not include plain shaft bearings (classified under 8483), bearing housings (classified under 8483), or assembled bearing units (classified as complete machines). Because ball bearings are the most widely used and most highly standardized, they constitute the largest subheading under 8482. Code 848210 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical appliances), confirming that the goods belong to the machinery category; digits 3-4 "82" represent heading 8482 (rolling bearings), narrowing the scope to rolling bearings rather than plain shaft bearings or gear drives; digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 848210 (ball bearings), further limiting it to bearings that use balls as rolling elements. If digits 5-6 were "20", it would be roller bearings; if "30", it would be needle roller bearings. Therefore, 848210 precisely points to "ball bearings within rolling bearings." Ball bearings are classified under 848210 because their rolling elements are spherical, meeting the definition of the subheading "ball bearings." If the rolling elements are cylindrical or conical, they should be classified under 848220 (roller bearings); if they are slender needles, under 848230. If the bearing is of the sliding friction type (without rolling elements), it is classified under 848330. If the bearing is assembled together with a shaft and housing into a bearing unit, it may be classified under 8483 or as a complete machine. Therefore, the shape of the rolling elements is the key to distinguishing 848210 from adjacent codes.
Chapter
Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts thereof, and is one of the chapters with the broadest commodity scope and highest technical density in the HS classification. This chapter includes general mechanical components such as power machinery, pumps, fans, bearings, gears, and seals, as well as specialized equipment for textiles, printing, food processing, and other industries. The core characteristic is that these goods perform functions through mechanical motion rather than relying on chemical or electrical principles. As a basic component for reducing friction and supporting rotating shafts, ball bearings are a typical general-purpose mechanical part.
Heading
Heading 8482 specifically covers rolling bearings, including ball bearings, roller bearings, needle roller bearings, etc., as well as their parts (such as inner rings, outer rings, balls, and cages). This heading does not include plain shaft bearings (classified under 8483), bearing housings (classified under 8483), or assembled bearing units (classified as complete machines). Because ball bearings are the most widely used and most highly standardized, they constitute the largest subheading under 8482.
Digit Breakdown
Code 848210 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical appliances), confirming that the goods belong to the machinery category; digits 3-4 "82" represent heading 8482 (rolling bearings), narrowing the scope to rolling bearings rather than plain shaft bearings or gear drives; digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 848210 (ball bearings), further limiting it to bearings that use balls as rolling elements. If digits 5-6 were "20", it would be roller bearings; if "30", it would be needle roller bearings. Therefore, 848210 precisely points to "ball bearings within rolling bearings."
Classification Basis
Ball bearings are classified under 848210 because their rolling elements are spherical, meeting the definition of the subheading "ball bearings." If the rolling elements are cylindrical or conical, they should be classified under 848220 (roller bearings); if they are slender needles, under 848230. If the bearing is of the sliding friction type (without rolling elements), it is classified under 848330. If the bearing is assembled together with a shaft and housing into a bearing unit, it may be classified under 8483 or as a complete machine. Therefore, the shape of the rolling elements is the key to distinguishing 848210 from adjacent codes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include the words "ball bearing" and indicate the brand and model series. Use: Explain the application scenario of the bearing, such as for motors, automotive wheel hubs, home appliances, industrial pumps, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or trademark name; if there is no brand, declare "no brand." Model: Fill in the model code specified by the manufacturer, such as 6205, 6308, etc., which must match the actual product. Structure Type: Indicate the specific structure, such as deep groove ball bearing, angular contact ball bearing, thrust ball bearing, etc. Inner Diameter: Fill in the bearing inner diameter in millimeters to confirm the specification. Outer Diameter: Fill in the bearing outer diameter in millimeters, which together with the inner diameter determines the dimension series. Material: Indicate the material of the rings and rolling elements, such as bearing steel, stainless steel, ceramics, etc. Product Name: Deep groove ball bearing; Use: For household air conditioner motors; Brand: NSK; Model: 6205ZZ; Structure Type: Deep groove ball bearing; Inner Diameter: 25mm; Outer Diameter: 52mm; Material: Bearing steel. The above declaration elements are complete and meet the requirements of subheading 848210. If it is an angular contact ball bearing, the structure type should be changed to "angular contact ball bearing" and the contact angle should be indicated. Mistakenly declaring roller bearings as ball bearings, resulting in classification errors, as the two have different rolling element shapes. Omitting the brand or model, which may lead customs to require supplementary declaration and delay customs clearance. Filling in incorrect units for inner and outer diameters, such as filling millimeters as centimeters, causing data contradictions. Not indicating the structure type, writing only "ball bearing," which may require more detailed classification. Mistakenly declaring bearing parts (such as steel balls) as complete bearings; parts should be classified under 8482.91.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should include the words "ball bearing" and indicate the brand and model series.
⚠️ Writing only "bearing" without specifying ball bearing, or mistakenly writing "roller bearing."
Use
Explain the application scenario of the bearing, such as for motors, automotive wheel hubs, home appliances, industrial pumps, etc.
⚠️ The use is too general, such as "used in machinery," lacking specific equipment information.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or trademark name; if there is no brand, declare "no brand."
⚠️ Mistaking the distributor's name for the brand, or omitting the brand, resulting in rejection of the declaration.
Model
Fill in the model code specified by the manufacturer, such as 6205, 6308, etc., which must match the actual product.
⚠️ The model is incomplete or inconsistent with the physical label, triggering customs scrutiny.
Structure Type
Indicate the specific structure, such as deep groove ball bearing, angular contact ball bearing, thrust ball bearing, etc.
⚠️ Writing only "ball bearing" without specifying the structure, affecting classification accuracy.
Inner Diameter
Fill in the bearing inner diameter in millimeters to confirm the specification.
⚠️ Using inches or centimeters as the unit for inner diameter, resulting in incorrect data.
Outer Diameter
Fill in the bearing outer diameter in millimeters, which together with the inner diameter determines the dimension series.
⚠️ Confusing outer diameter with inner diameter, or filling in non-critical dimensions.
Material
Indicate the material of the rings and rolling elements, such as bearing steel, stainless steel, ceramics, etc.
⚠️ Writing only "steel" without distinguishing bearing steel from ordinary carbon steel.
Example： Product Name: Deep groove ball bearing; Use: For household air conditioner motors; Brand: NSK; Model: 6205ZZ; Structure Type: Deep groove ball bearing; Inner Diameter: 25mm; Outer Diameter: 52mm; Material: Bearing steel. The above declaration elements are complete and meet the requirements of subheading 848210. If it is an angular contact ball bearing, the structure type should be changed to "angular contact ball bearing" and the contact angle should be indicated.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring roller bearings as ball bearings, resulting in classification errors, as the two have different rolling element shapes.
Omitting the brand or model, which may lead customs to require supplementary declaration and delay customs clearance.
Filling in incorrect units for inner and outer diameters, such as filling millimeters as centimeters, causing data contradictions.
Not indicating the structure type, writing only "ball bearing," which may require more detailed classification.
Mistakenly declaring bearing parts (such as steel balls) as complete bearings; parts should be classified under 8482.91.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 84 and the subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Subheading 848210 explicitly refers to "ball bearings," i.e., rolling bearings whose rolling elements are spherical. When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) whether it is a rolling bearing (not a plain shaft bearing); 2) whether the rolling elements are balls; 3) whether it is completely assembled. If it is in disassembled parts but already has the characteristics of a complete bearing, it is still classified as a complete article. If it is a bearing part, it is classified under 8482.91. If it is a bearing housing, it is classified under 8483.30. 848220 Roller bearings: The rolling elements are cylindrical or conical rollers, not balls. Load capacity is usually higher than ball bearings, used in heavy-load applications. 848230 Needle roller bearings: The rolling elements are slender needles, with small radial dimensions, suitable for applications with limited radial space. 848250 Other cylindrical roller bearings: Specifically refers to cylindrical roller bearings, including radial or thrust types, with cylindrical rollers as rolling elements. 848330 Plain shaft bearings: No rolling elements; relies on sliding friction for support, usually containing bearing shells or bushings; the friction method must be distinguished during classification. 848291 Bearing parts (steel balls): Refers only to steel balls used in ball bearings. If steel balls are imported separately, they should be classified under this code, not 848210. Are the rolling elements spherical? Is it a complete bearing rather than a part? Is the cage and inner ring already assembled? Is it used to support a rotating shaft? Does it not belong to plain shaft bearings or bearing housings?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 84 and the subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Subheading 848210 explicitly refers to "ball bearings," i.e., rolling bearings whose rolling elements are spherical. When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) whether it is a rolling bearing (not a plain shaft bearing); 2) whether the rolling elements are balls; 3) whether it is completely assembled. If it is in disassembled parts but already has the characteristics of a complete bearing, it is still classified as a complete article. If it is a bearing part, it is classified under 8482.91. If it is a bearing housing, it is classified under 8483.30.
Confused Codes：
848220 - Roller bearings
The rolling elements are cylindrical or conical rollers, not balls. Load capacity is usually higher than ball bearings, used in heavy-load applications.
848230 - Needle roller bearings
The rolling elements are slender needles, with small radial dimensions, suitable for applications with limited radial space.
848250 - Other cylindrical roller bearings
Specifically refers to cylindrical roller bearings, including radial or thrust types, with cylindrical rollers as rolling elements.
848330 - Plain shaft bearings
No rolling elements; relies on sliding friction for support, usually containing bearing shells or bushings; the friction method must be distinguished during classification.
848291 - Bearing parts (steel balls)
Refers only to steel balls used in ball bearings. If steel balls are imported separately, they should be classified under this code, not 848210.
Self-Check：
✓ Are the rolling elements spherical?
✓ Is it a complete bearing rather than a part?
✓ Is the cage and inner ring already assembled?
✓ Is it used to support a rotating shaft?
✓ Does it not belong to plain shaft bearings or bearing housings?
❓ FAQ
How are ball bearings and roller bearings distinguished in HS codes? It mainly depends on the shape of the rolling elements: ball bearings have balls as rolling elements and are classified under 848210; roller bearings have cylindrical, conical, or barrel-shaped rollers and are classified under 848220 to 848250. If the rolling elements are needles, they are classified under 848230. When declaring, the shape of the rolling elements must be accurately described to avoid confusion. What declaration elements are mandatory for imported ball bearings? Product name, use, brand, model, structure type, inner diameter, outer diameter, and material must be filled in. Among these, brand and model are key items for customs verification; if there is no brand, "no brand" must be declared. The structure type should be specified in detail, such as deep groove ball, angular contact ball, etc. Under which code should ball bearing parts (such as steel balls) be classified? Steel balls imported separately are ball bearing parts and should be classified under 848291. If the steel balls are assembled with inner rings, outer rings, etc. into a complete bearing, they are classified under 848210. Note: If steel balls are used for other purposes (such as grinding media), they may be classified under other chapters. How can I check the import tariff and regulatory conditions for ball bearings? You can check by entering 848210 on the General Administration of Customs website, the Single Window, or tariff query tools. Tariffs include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, etc. Regulatory conditions may involve O certificates (automatic import licenses), etc. The latest tariff shall prevail. Is the classification of ball bearings affected by brand? Classification is not affected by brand, but brand is one of the declaration elements. Regardless of brand, as long as the rolling elements are balls, it is classified under 848210. Different brands may lead to price differences, but the HS code remains unchanged. Are deep groove ball bearings and angular contact ball bearings classified under the same code? Yes, both belong to ball bearings and are classified under 848210. However, when declaring, the "structure type" must separately indicate "deep groove ball bearing" or "angular contact ball bearing" for customs statistics and valuation. Does the packaging method of ball bearings affect classification? Packaging method does not affect classification. Whether individually packaged or bulk packaged, as long as the product itself is a complete ball bearing, it is classified under 848210. However, if it is a complete set of disassembled parts, it is necessary to determine whether it has the characteristics of a complete article. Are HS codes consistent when exporting ball bearings to different countries? The first 6 digits of the HS code, 848210, are universally used internationally, but countries may subdivide the last 4 digits differently. For example, the U.S. HTSUS is 8482.10.50, and the EU is 8482.10.90. When exporting, the complete code must be filled in according to the destination country's customs requirements.
Q: How are ball bearings and roller bearings distinguished in HS codes?
A: It mainly depends on the shape of the rolling elements: ball bearings have balls as rolling elements and are classified under 848210; roller bearings have cylindrical, conical, or barrel-shaped rollers and are classified under 848220 to 848250. If the rolling elements are needles, they are classified under 848230. When declaring, the shape of the rolling elements must be accurately described to avoid confusion.
Q: What declaration elements are mandatory for imported ball bearings?
A: Product name, use, brand, model, structure type, inner diameter, outer diameter, and material must be filled in. Among these, brand and model are key items for customs verification; if there is no brand, "no brand" must be declared. The structure type should be specified in detail, such as deep groove ball, angular contact ball, etc.
Q: Under which code should ball bearing parts (such as steel balls) be classified?
A: Steel balls imported separately are ball bearing parts and should be classified under 848291. If the steel balls are assembled with inner rings, outer rings, etc. into a complete bearing, they are classified under 848210. Note: If steel balls are used for other purposes (such as grinding media), they may be classified under other chapters.
Q: How can I check the import tariff and regulatory conditions for ball bearings?
A: You can check by entering 848210 on the General Administration of Customs website, the Single Window, or tariff query tools. Tariffs include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, etc. Regulatory conditions may involve O certificates (automatic import licenses), etc. The latest tariff shall prevail.
Q: Is the classification of ball bearings affected by brand?
A: Classification is not affected by brand, but brand is one of the declaration elements. Regardless of brand, as long as the rolling elements are balls, it is classified under 848210. Different brands may lead to price differences, but the HS code remains unchanged.
Q: Are deep groove ball bearings and angular contact ball bearings classified under the same code?
A: Yes, both belong to ball bearings and are classified under 848210. However, when declaring, the "structure type" must separately indicate "deep groove ball bearing" or "angular contact ball bearing" for customs statistics and valuation.
Q: Does the packaging method of ball bearings affect classification?
A: Packaging method does not affect classification. Whether individually packaged or bulk packaged, as long as the product itself is a complete ball bearing, it is classified under 848210. However, if it is a complete set of disassembled parts, it is necessary to determine whether it has the characteristics of a complete article.
Q: Are HS codes consistent when exporting ball bearings to different countries?
A: The first 6 digits of the HS code, 848210, are universally used internationally, but countries may subdivide the last 4 digits differently. For example, the U.S. HTSUS is 8482.10.50, and the EU is 8482.10.90. When exporting, the complete code must be filled in according to the destination country's customs requirements.
⚠️ 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.