Chapter 87 covers all land motor vehicles and their parts other than railway vehicles, including automobiles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. This chapter includes not only complete vehicles but also parts specially designed or principally used for these vehicles, such as brake systems, gearboxes, drive axles, etc. As a key component of a vehicle's braking system, a brake disc falls within the scope of parts under Chapter 87. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, specifically including parts and accessories of vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705 (such as tractors, buses, passenger cars, trucks, etc.). These parts must be specially designed or principally used for the above-mentioned vehicles, rather than general-purpose machinery parts. As a core component of the braking system, a brake disc is clearly classified under this heading. Code 870832 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 87 represent Chapter 87 (Vehicles and their parts); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 8708 (Parts and accessories of motor vehicles); digits 5-6, 32, represent subheading 870832, specifically brakes and their parts, including brake discs, brake drums, etc. Among these, subheading 870832 is further subdivided into brake discs (87083210) and brake drums (87083290), but according to HS coding rules, 870832 itself covers brakes and their parts, and a brake disc as a brake part is classified under this subheading. A brake disc is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle's braking system and meets the definition of heading 8708 as 'parts specially designed or principally used for motor vehicles.' It is not a general-purpose machinery part (such as transmission shafts under heading 8483), nor is it a specifically named commodity under other chapters. Therefore, classification under 8708 is correct; note should be taken of the subheading subdivision rather than the adjacent 870830 (brakes and their parts).
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers all land motor vehicles and their parts other than railway vehicles, including automobiles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. This chapter includes not only complete vehicles but also parts specially designed or principally used for these vehicles, such as brake systems, gearboxes, drive axles, etc. As a key component of a vehicle's braking system, a brake disc falls within the scope of parts under Chapter 87.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, specifically including parts and accessories of vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705 (such as tractors, buses, passenger cars, trucks, etc.). These parts must be specially designed or principally used for the above-mentioned vehicles, rather than general-purpose machinery parts. As a core component of the braking system, a brake disc is clearly classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870832 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 87 represent Chapter 87 (Vehicles and their parts); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 8708 (Parts and accessories of motor vehicles); digits 5-6, 32, represent subheading 870832, specifically brakes and their parts, including brake discs, brake drums, etc. Among these, subheading 870832 is further subdivided into brake discs (87083210) and brake drums (87083290), but according to HS coding rules, 870832 itself covers brakes and their parts, and a brake disc as a brake part is classified under this subheading.
Classification Basis
A brake disc is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle's braking system and meets the definition of heading 8708 as 'parts specially designed or principally used for motor vehicles.' It is not a general-purpose machinery part (such as transmission shafts under heading 8483), nor is it a specifically named commodity under other chapters. Therefore, classification under 8708 is correct; note should be taken of the subheading subdivision rather than the adjacent 870830 (brakes and their parts).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'brake disc' or 'brake rotor,' with the English term 'Brake disc' noted. Material: Declare the main material of the brake disc, such as cast iron, alloy steel, ceramic composite materials, etc. Material affects classification and tariff rates. Applicable Vehicle Model: Note the vehicle type for which the brake disc is applicable, such as passenger car, truck, bus, etc., as well as the specific brand or model. Brand: Declare the brand or trademark of the brake disc; if unbranded, note 'no brand.' Model: Declare the specific model or part number of the brake disc to facilitate customs identification and classification. Whether Used in Braking System: Clearly declare whether the commodity is used in a motor vehicle's braking system to confirm classification. Processing Technique: Briefly describe the processing technique of the brake disc, such as casting, forging, machining, etc., which affects classification and customs valuation. Product Name: Brake disc; Material: Cast iron; Applicable Vehicle Model: Toyota Corolla 1.8L passenger car; Brand: TOYOTA; Model: 43512-02180; Whether Used in Braking System: Yes; Processing Technique: Casting followed by machining. Incorrectly classifying the brake disc under 870830 (brakes and their parts), but 870830 is for brake assemblies, and brake discs should be classified under 870832. Neglecting to declare the applicable vehicle model, resulting in failure to prove it is specially designed for motor vehicles and possible classification as a general-purpose part. Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only 'metal,' affecting classification and tariff application.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'brake disc' or 'brake rotor,' with the English term 'Brake disc' noted.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as 'brake pad' or 'brake assembly,' leading to classification errors.
Material
Declare the main material of the brake disc, such as cast iron, alloy steel, ceramic composite materials, etc. Material affects classification and tariff rates.
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' is too general and fails to specify whether it is cast iron or steel.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Note the vehicle type for which the brake disc is applicable, such as passenger car, truck, bus, etc., as well as the specific brand or model.
⚠️ Failure to provide the applicable vehicle model makes it impossible to determine whether it is specially designed for motor vehicles.
Brand
Declare the brand or trademark of the brake disc; if unbranded, note 'no brand.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring another brand.
Model
Declare the specific model or part number of the brake disc to facilitate customs identification and classification.
⚠️ Incomplete model number or inconsistency with the actual product.
Whether Used in Braking System
Clearly declare whether the commodity is used in a motor vehicle's braking system to confirm classification.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as a part of another system, such as the transmission system.
Processing Technique
Briefly describe the processing technique of the brake disc, such as casting, forging, machining, etc., which affects classification and customs valuation.
⚠️ Failure to provide the processing technique makes it impossible to determine whether it is a finished part.
Example： Product Name: Brake disc; Material: Cast iron; Applicable Vehicle Model: Toyota Corolla 1.8L passenger car; Brand: TOYOTA; Model: 43512-02180; Whether Used in Braking System: Yes; Processing Technique: Casting followed by machining.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying the brake disc under 870830 (brakes and their parts), but 870830 is for brake assemblies, and brake discs should be classified under 870832.
Neglecting to declare the applicable vehicle model, resulting in failure to prove it is specially designed for motor vehicles and possible classification as a general-purpose part.
Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only 'metal,' affecting classification and tariff application.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: a brake disc is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle's braking system and meets the description of heading 8708 and its subheading 870832. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 870832 specifically refers to brakes and their parts, including brake discs, brake drums, etc. As a working component of the brake that directly participates in friction braking, a brake disc is classified under this subheading. If the brake disc is used for non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles), it is classified under 8714; if it is a general-purpose machinery brake part, it may be classified under 8483. 870830 Brakes and their parts: 870830 is for brake assemblies (such as brake calipers, brake housings), while 870832 is for specific parts such as brake discs and brake drums. A brake disc is a component of a brake, but when declared separately, it is classified under 870832. 870839 Other brakes and their parts: 870839 covers brake parts not otherwise specified, but brake discs are specifically named under 870832, so they are not classified under 870839. 8714 Parts of bicycles and other non-motor vehicles: 8714 applies to parts of bicycles, wheelchairs, and other non-motor vehicles. If a brake disc is used for such vehicles, it is classified under 8714, not 870832. 8483 Transmission shafts and cranks, etc.: 8483 is for general-purpose mechanical transmission parts. If a brake disc is used for non-vehicle machinery (such as industrial equipment), it may be classified under 8483, but brake discs for vehicles are clearly classified under 870832. Confirm whether the brake disc is specially designed for motor vehicles (headings 8701-8705). Confirm whether the brake disc belongs to the braking system rather than the transmission or steering system. Confirm whether the brake disc is declared separately rather than together with a brake assembly. Confirm whether the material affects classification (e.g., ceramic brake discs are still classified under 870832). Confirm whether it is specifically named under 870832 to avoid classification under 870839.
Basis
The core basis for classification is: a brake disc is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle's braking system and meets the description of heading 8708 and its subheading 870832. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, 870832 specifically refers to brakes and their parts, including brake discs, brake drums, etc. As a working component of the brake that directly participates in friction braking, a brake disc is classified under this subheading. If the brake disc is used for non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles), it is classified under 8714; if it is a general-purpose machinery brake part, it may be classified under 8483.
Confused Codes：
870830 - Brakes and their parts
870830 is for brake assemblies (such as brake calipers, brake housings), while 870832 is for specific parts such as brake discs and brake drums. A brake disc is a component of a brake, but when declared separately, it is classified under 870832.
870839 - Other brakes and their parts
870839 covers brake parts not otherwise specified, but brake discs are specifically named under 870832, so they are not classified under 870839.
8714 - Parts of bicycles and other non-motor vehicles
8714 applies to parts of bicycles, wheelchairs, and other non-motor vehicles. If a brake disc is used for such vehicles, it is classified under 8714, not 870832.
8483 - Transmission shafts and cranks, etc.
8483 is for general-purpose mechanical transmission parts. If a brake disc is used for non-vehicle machinery (such as industrial equipment), it may be classified under 8483, but brake discs for vehicles are clearly classified under 870832.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the brake disc is specially designed for motor vehicles (headings 8701-8705).
✓ Confirm whether the brake disc belongs to the braking system rather than the transmission or steering system.
✓ Confirm whether the brake disc is declared separately rather than together with a brake assembly.
✓ Confirm whether the material affects classification (e.g., ceramic brake discs are still classified under 870832).
✓ Confirm whether it is specifically named under 870832 to avoid classification under 870839.
❓ FAQ
Are both brake discs and brake drums classified under 870832? Yes, subheading 870832 covers brakes and their parts, including brake discs and brake drums. However, according to China Customs subheading subdivisions, 87083210 is for brake discs and 87083290 is for brake drums, and further distinction is required at declaration. How can I check the import tariff rate for brake discs? Tariff rates are adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website or China International Trade Single Window. Typically, you need to enter HS code 870832 and the country of origin, and the system will display the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Do I need to provide the brand and model when declaring brake discs? Yes, brand and model are declaration elements that help customs confirm commodity classification and valuation. If there is no brand, note 'no brand,' and the model should be accurately filled in to avoid customs clearance delays due to incomplete information. Do ceramic brake discs and cast iron brake discs have the same HS code? Yes, both are classified under 870832 because HS codes are based on the use and function of the commodity, not the material. However, material affects tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and must be truthfully declared. If a brake disc is used for motorcycles, which code should it be classified under? Motorcycle parts are classified under 8714, but if a brake disc is specially designed for motorcycles, it should be classified under 871410 (motorcycle parts). Note that 870832 only applies to motor vehicles under headings 8701-8705. What certifications are required to export brake discs to the United States? Exporting to the United States typically requires compliance with DOT certification (for braking systems), depending on customer requirements. It is recommended to confirm with the importer and ensure the product complies with the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). How do I distinguish between 870832 and 870830 when classifying brake discs? 870830 is for brake assemblies (such as brake calipers, brake housings), while 870832 is for specific parts such as brake discs and brake drums. If the brake disc is declared together with a brake assembly, it is classified according to the assembly; if declared separately, it is classified under 870832. How do I choose the HS code for brake discs sold via cross-border e-commerce? For brake discs sold via cross-border e-commerce, if they are for motor vehicles, 870832 should be selected. Note the difference in declaration between personal items and commercial parcels; commercial parcels require formal customs declaration with complete declaration elements.
Q: Are both brake discs and brake drums classified under 870832?
A: Yes, subheading 870832 covers brakes and their parts, including brake discs and brake drums. However, according to China Customs subheading subdivisions, 87083210 is for brake discs and 87083290 is for brake drums, and further distinction is required at declaration.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for brake discs?
A: Tariff rates are adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website or China International Trade Single Window. Typically, you need to enter HS code 870832 and the country of origin, and the system will display the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc.
Q: Do I need to provide the brand and model when declaring brake discs?
A: Yes, brand and model are declaration elements that help customs confirm commodity classification and valuation. If there is no brand, note 'no brand,' and the model should be accurately filled in to avoid customs clearance delays due to incomplete information.
Q: Do ceramic brake discs and cast iron brake discs have the same HS code?
A: Yes, both are classified under 870832 because HS codes are based on the use and function of the commodity, not the material. However, material affects tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and must be truthfully declared.
Q: If a brake disc is used for motorcycles, which code should it be classified under?
A: Motorcycle parts are classified under 8714, but if a brake disc is specially designed for motorcycles, it should be classified under 871410 (motorcycle parts). Note that 870832 only applies to motor vehicles under headings 8701-8705.
Q: What certifications are required to export brake discs to the United States?
A: Exporting to the United States typically requires compliance with DOT certification (for braking systems), depending on customer requirements. It is recommended to confirm with the importer and ensure the product complies with the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Q: How do I distinguish between 870832 and 870830 when classifying brake discs?
A: 870830 is for brake assemblies (such as brake calipers, brake housings), while 870832 is for specific parts such as brake discs and brake drums. If the brake disc is declared together with a brake assembly, it is classified according to the assembly; if declared separately, it is classified under 870832.
Q: How do I choose the HS code for brake discs sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: For brake discs sold via cross-border e-commerce, if they are for motor vehicles, 870832 should be selected. Note the difference in declaration between personal items and commercial parcels; commercial parcels require formal customs declaration with complete declaration elements.
⚠️ 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.