Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. It includes motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special purpose vehicles (such as fire engines, crane trucks), as well as their chassis, bodies, parts and accessories. This chapter does not include railway vehicles (Chapter 86), aircraft (Chapter 88) or ships (Chapter 89). Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. Specifically includes brakes, servo-brakes and parts thereof; gearboxes and parts thereof; drive axles and parts thereof; wheels and parts thereof; suspension shock absorbers; radiators; silencers; clutches and parts thereof; steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes; and other parts and accessories not elsewhere specified. Code 870831 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87, vehicles and parts and accessories thereof; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708, namely parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6, 31, indicate subheading 870831, specifically brake linings (friction material). This subheading is further subdivided into 87083110 (unmounted brake linings) and 87083190 (mounted brake linings), but this code only goes to 6 digits and does not show the more detailed 8-10 digits. This commodity is brake linings, which are key parts of motor vehicle braking systems, and therefore classified in Chapter 87. Since they are parts rather than complete vehicles, they are classified under heading 8708. Under 8708, brake linings have a dedicated subheading 870831, so they are not classified under other brake parts (such as 870830 brakes and servo-brakes) or parts not elsewhere specified (870899).
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. It includes motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special purpose vehicles (such as fire engines, crane trucks), as well as their chassis, bodies, parts and accessories. This chapter does not include railway vehicles (Chapter 86), aircraft (Chapter 88) or ships (Chapter 89).
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. Specifically includes brakes, servo-brakes and parts thereof; gearboxes and parts thereof; drive axles and parts thereof; wheels and parts thereof; suspension shock absorbers; radiators; silencers; clutches and parts thereof; steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes; and other parts and accessories not elsewhere specified.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870831 has 6 digits. The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87, vehicles and parts and accessories thereof; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708, namely parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6, 31, indicate subheading 870831, specifically brake linings (friction material). This subheading is further subdivided into 87083110 (unmounted brake linings) and 87083190 (mounted brake linings), but this code only goes to 6 digits and does not show the more detailed 8-10 digits.
Classification Basis
This commodity is brake linings, which are key parts of motor vehicle braking systems, and therefore classified in Chapter 87. Since they are parts rather than complete vehicles, they are classified under heading 8708. Under 8708, brake linings have a dedicated subheading 870831, so they are not classified under other brake parts (such as 870830 brakes and servo-brakes) or parts not elsewhere specified (870899).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be stated as brake linings or friction material, and the applicable vehicle model should be indicated. Material: Explain the composition of the friction material, such as semi-metallic, ceramic, organic materials, etc., as well as the backing plate material (such as steel backing). Brand: Declare the brand of the commodity (such as Bosch, Textar, etc.); if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the manufacturer's part number or model, used to identify specific specifications. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the applicable vehicle type and specific model, such as car, truck, and list displacement or tonnage. Whether Mounted: State whether the brake linings are already mounted on brake shoes or brake calipers, which affects subheading subdivision. Origin: Declare the country or region of production of the commodity, which affects tariffs and trade policy. GTIN or CAS: If there is a Global Trade Item Number or Chemical Abstracts Service number, it must be provided. Product Name: Brake linings (friction material); Material: Semi-metallic friction material, steel backing; Brand: Bosch; Model: 0986AB1234; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Passat 1.8T sedan; Whether Mounted: Unmounted; Origin: Germany; GTIN: 1234567890123. Confusing brake linings with brake assemblies, incorrectly classifying under 870830. Failing to distinguish whether mounted, leading to incorrect subheading classification. Ignoring material composition, affecting friction material classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be stated as brake linings or friction material, and the applicable vehicle model should be indicated.
⚠️ Writing only 'brake pads' without indicating material or vehicle model, leading to classification disputes.
Material
Explain the composition of the friction material, such as semi-metallic, ceramic, organic materials, etc., as well as the backing plate material (such as steel backing).
⚠️ Ignoring the backing plate material and writing only 'friction material', affecting classification.
Brand
Declare the brand of the commodity (such as Bosch, Textar, etc.); if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to provide brand information.
Model
Fill in the manufacturer's part number or model, used to identify specific specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry, making it impossible to match.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the applicable vehicle type and specific model, such as car, truck, and list displacement or tonnage.
⚠️ Writing only 'for automobile use', which is too general.
Whether Mounted
State whether the brake linings are already mounted on brake shoes or brake calipers, which affects subheading subdivision.
⚠️ Failing to specify whether mounted, leading to incorrect classification under 87083110 or 87083190.
Origin
Declare the country or region of production of the commodity, which affects tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ Confusing origin with place of dispatch.
GTIN or CAS
If there is a Global Trade Item Number or Chemical Abstracts Service number, it must be provided.
⚠️ Neglecting to provide it, affecting customs data matching.
Confusing brake linings with brake assemblies, incorrectly classifying under 870830.
Failing to distinguish whether mounted, leading to incorrect subheading classification.
Ignoring material composition, affecting friction material classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: whether the commodity is brake linings (friction material) for motor vehicles. According to the Import and Export Tariff, brake linings are parts of motor vehicle braking systems and should be classified under heading 8708. Under 8708, there is a dedicated subheading 870831. Note: brake linings must be for motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks), not bicycles or aircraft. If used for other vehicles, they are classified under the corresponding heading. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish whether mounted; unmounted is classified under 87083110, mounted under 87083190. 870830 Brakes and servo-brakes and parts thereof: 870830 covers brake assemblies, servos and parts thereof, while 870831 specifically refers to brake linings. If brake linings are assembled with brake shoes or brake calipers into an assembly, they may be classified under 870830. 681381 Unmounted friction material and articles thereof: 681381 covers unmounted friction material (such as asbestos, non-asbestos), used for brakes, clutches. However, if clearly intended for motor vehicles and unmounted, they should still be classified under 87083110, because 870831 is a more specific subheading. 871410 Motorcycle parts: Motorcycle brake linings are classified under 871410, not 870831. 870831 applies only to motor vehicles (not motorcycles). 870899 Other motor vehicle parts: 870899 is for parts not elsewhere specified; if brake linings do not meet the definition of 870831 (such as not being friction material), they may be classified here. Confirm whether the commodity is brake linings for motor vehicles. Confirm whether they are mounted on brake shoes or brake calipers. Confirm whether the material is friction material. Confirm the applicable vehicle type (car, truck, etc.). Confirm that declaration elements such as brand and model are complete.
Basis
The core basis for classification is: whether the commodity is brake linings (friction material) for motor vehicles. According to the Import and Export Tariff, brake linings are parts of motor vehicle braking systems and should be classified under heading 8708. Under 8708, there is a dedicated subheading 870831. Note: brake linings must be for motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks), not bicycles or aircraft. If used for other vehicles, they are classified under the corresponding heading. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish whether mounted; unmounted is classified under 87083110, mounted under 87083190.
Confused Codes：
870830 - Brakes and servo-brakes and parts thereof
870830 covers brake assemblies, servos and parts thereof, while 870831 specifically refers to brake linings. If brake linings are assembled with brake shoes or brake calipers into an assembly, they may be classified under 870830.
681381 - Unmounted friction material and articles thereof
681381 covers unmounted friction material (such as asbestos, non-asbestos), used for brakes, clutches. However, if clearly intended for motor vehicles and unmounted, they should still be classified under 87083110, because 870831 is a more specific subheading.
871410 - Motorcycle parts
Motorcycle brake linings are classified under 871410, not 870831. 870831 applies only to motor vehicles (not motorcycles).
870899 - Other motor vehicle parts
870899 is for parts not elsewhere specified; if brake linings do not meet the definition of 870831 (such as not being friction material), they may be classified here.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is brake linings for motor vehicles.
✓ Confirm whether they are mounted on brake shoes or brake calipers.
✓ Confirm whether the material is friction material.
✓ Confirm the applicable vehicle type (car, truck, etc.).
✓ Confirm that declaration elements such as brand and model are complete.
❓ FAQ
Are brake linings and brake pads the same thing? Is the HS code the same? Brake linings is the professional term for brake pads, usually referring to the friction material part. The HS code is 870831 in both cases, but attention must be paid to whether mounted. Unmounted is classified under 87083110, mounted under 87083190. How to determine whether brake linings are mounted? Mounted means the brake linings are already fixed to a metal backing plate such as a brake shoe or brake caliper, forming a complete assembly; unmounted means they are only friction material blocks that require subsequent installation. When declaring, physical photos or structural descriptions must be provided. Which code should motorcycle brake linings be classified under? Motorcycle brake linings are classified under 871410, because 870831 applies only to motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks) and does not include motorcycles. What declaration elements are required for importing brake linings? Product name, material, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, whether mounted, origin, etc. are required. Some customs authorities may require GTIN or CAS numbers. Are the codes for brake linings and clutch friction plates the same? No. Brake linings are classified under 870831, and clutch friction plates under 870893. They have different uses and must be classified according to actual function. If the brake linings are for construction machinery, is the code different? If the construction machinery (such as excavators, loaders) belongs to motor vehicles, their brake linings are still classified under 870831; if it belongs to non-motor vehicles (such as certain special equipment), they may be classified under other chapters. How to check the import tariff rate for brake linings? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the China International Trade Single Window. Usually, HS code 870831 and origin need to be entered. What is the most error-prone point in classifying brake linings? Common errors include: failing to distinguish whether mounted, incorrectly classifying motorcycle-use under 870831, and ignoring material leading to classification under 681381. It is recommended to carefully check the commodity description and tariff notes.
Q: Are brake linings and brake pads the same thing? Is the HS code the same?
A: Brake linings is the professional term for brake pads, usually referring to the friction material part. The HS code is 870831 in both cases, but attention must be paid to whether mounted. Unmounted is classified under 87083110, mounted under 87083190.
Q: How to determine whether brake linings are mounted?
A: Mounted means the brake linings are already fixed to a metal backing plate such as a brake shoe or brake caliper, forming a complete assembly; unmounted means they are only friction material blocks that require subsequent installation. When declaring, physical photos or structural descriptions must be provided.
Q: Which code should motorcycle brake linings be classified under?
A: Motorcycle brake linings are classified under 871410, because 870831 applies only to motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks) and does not include motorcycles.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing brake linings?
A: Product name, material, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, whether mounted, origin, etc. are required. Some customs authorities may require GTIN or CAS numbers.
Q: Are the codes for brake linings and clutch friction plates the same?
A: No. Brake linings are classified under 870831, and clutch friction plates under 870893. They have different uses and must be classified according to actual function.
Q: If the brake linings are for construction machinery, is the code different?
A: If the construction machinery (such as excavators, loaders) belongs to motor vehicles, their brake linings are still classified under 870831; if it belongs to non-motor vehicles (such as certain special equipment), they may be classified under other chapters.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for brake linings?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the China International Trade Single Window. Usually, HS code 870831 and origin need to be entered.
Q: What is the most error-prone point in classifying brake linings?
A: Common errors include: failing to distinguish whether mounted, incorrectly classifying motorcycle-use under 870831, and ignoring material leading to classification under 681381. It is recommended to carefully check the commodity description and tariff notes.
⚠️ 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.