Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. This includes motor vehicles (such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special purpose vehicles (such as fire engines, cranes), as well as their chassis, bodies, and parts. However, it excludes certain specific parts such as batteries, tires, engines, etc. (which are classified under other chapters). Brake calipers, as key parts of a vehicle's braking system, fall within the scope of parts under this chapter. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including braking systems, transmissions, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. However, it applies only to vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705. Brake calipers, as the actuating component of the braking system used in disc brakes, fall under subheading 8708.30 (brakes and parts thereof) within this heading. First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, vehicles and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 08: indicates heading 8708, parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 34: indicates subheading 8708.34, brakes and parts thereof, designed for disc brakes. Therefore, 870834 is a six-digit subheading. In the HS code, 8708.34 is further subdivided into brake calipers, etc. Note: 8708.34 is a subheading, while 8708.30 is the general subheading for brakes and parts, but 8708.34 specifically refers to disc brake parts. Brake calipers are dedicated parts for disc brakes, therefore classified under 8708.34 (brakes and parts thereof, for disc brakes), rather than 8708.30 (brakes and parts thereof, other). 8708.30 covers drum brakes and other brake parts. Since disc brakes are widely used in modern vehicles, 8708.34 was specifically established for them.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. This includes motor vehicles (such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special purpose vehicles (such as fire engines, cranes), as well as their chassis, bodies, and parts. However, it excludes certain specific parts such as batteries, tires, engines, etc. (which are classified under other chapters). Brake calipers, as key parts of a vehicle's braking system, fall within the scope of parts under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including braking systems, transmissions, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. However, it applies only to vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705. Brake calipers, as the actuating component of the braking system used in disc brakes, fall under subheading 8708.30 (brakes and parts thereof) within this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, vehicles and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 08: indicates heading 8708, parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 34: indicates subheading 8708.34, brakes and parts thereof, designed for disc brakes. Therefore, 870834 is a six-digit subheading. In the HS code, 8708.34 is further subdivided into brake calipers, etc. Note: 8708.34 is a subheading, while 8708.30 is the general subheading for brakes and parts, but 8708.34 specifically refers to disc brake parts.
Classification Basis
Brake calipers are dedicated parts for disc brakes, therefore classified under 8708.34 (brakes and parts thereof, for disc brakes), rather than 8708.30 (brakes and parts thereof, other). 8708.30 covers drum brakes and other brake parts. Since disc brakes are widely used in modern vehicles, 8708.34 was specifically established for them.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the commodity name accurately as "brake caliper" or "brake caliper", avoiding colloquial terms such as "brake sub-pump". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "BOSCH", "TRW", etc. If no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model or part number, such as "CP1234", used to identify specific specifications. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the applicable vehicle type or specific model, such as "suitable for Volkswagen Magotan 2018". Material: Main material, such as "aluminum alloy", "cast iron", etc., affecting classification and valuation. Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the brake caliper, such as "hydraulically driven piston pushes brake pads". For Disc Brake Use: Clearly state whether it is a part for disc brakes, which is the key to classification under 8708.34. Complete Set of Knock-Down Parts or Finished Product: Declaration status: finished product, complete set of knock-down parts, or semi-finished product, affecting classification and tax rate. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Brake Caliper
Brand: BOSCH
Model: CP1234
Applicable Vehicle Model: Suitable for Volkswagen Magotan 2018
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Working Principle: Hydraulically driven piston pushes brake pads
For Disc Brake Use: Yes
Complete Set of Knock-Down Parts or Finished Product: Finished Product
HS Code: 870834
Legal Unit: Piece
Quantity: 100 pieces
Unit Price: USD 50
Total Price: USD 5000 Mistakenly classifying brake calipers under 8708.30 (other brake parts), failing to note the dedicated subheading 8708.34 for disc brakes. Inaccurate declaration of brand and model, leading to customs questioning intellectual property rights or valuation. Applicable vehicle model filled in too broadly, such as "for automobile use", which may require supplementary declaration.
Product Name
Declare the commodity name accurately as "brake caliper" or "brake caliper", avoiding colloquial terms such as "brake sub-pump".
⚠️ Misreporting as "brake" or "brake pump", leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "BOSCH", "TRW", etc. If no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting the brand, making it impossible to confirm intellectual property rights.
Model
Fill in the specific model or part number, such as "CP1234", used to identify specific specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the applicable vehicle type or specific model, such as "suitable for Volkswagen Magotan 2018".
⚠️ Only writing "for automobile use", which is too general.
Material
Main material, such as "aluminum alloy", "cast iron", etc., affecting classification and valuation.
⚠️ Incorrect material description, such as misreporting aluminum alloy as cast iron.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the brake caliper, such as "hydraulically driven piston pushes brake pads".
⚠️ Description too simple to reflect disc brake characteristics.
For Disc Brake Use
Clearly state whether it is a part for disc brakes, which is the key to classification under 8708.34.
⚠️ Not specified, which may result in classification under 8708.30.
Complete Set of Knock-Down Parts or Finished Product
Declaration status: finished product, complete set of knock-down parts, or semi-finished product, affecting classification and tax rate.
⚠️ Mistaking knock-down parts as finished product, or vice versa.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Brake Caliper
Brand: BOSCH
Model: CP1234
Applicable Vehicle Model: Suitable for Volkswagen Magotan 2018
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Working Principle: Hydraulically driven piston pushes brake pads
For Disc Brake Use: Yes
Complete Set of Knock-Down Parts or Finished Product: Finished Product
HS Code: 870834
Legal Unit: Piece
Quantity: 100 pieces
Unit Price: USD 50
Total Price: USD 5000
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying brake calipers under 8708.30 (other brake parts), failing to note the dedicated subheading 8708.34 for disc brakes.
Inaccurate declaration of brand and model, leading to customs questioning intellectual property rights or valuation.
Applicable vehicle model filled in too broadly, such as "for automobile use", which may require supplementary declaration.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: Brake calipers are dedicated parts for disc brakes, with the function of clamping the brake disc to achieve braking. According to HS notes, 8708.34 is specifically for disc brake parts, while 8708.30 covers other brakes (such as drum brakes) and parts. Therefore, a distinction must be made based on the brake type (disc or drum). At the same time, it must be confirmed whether the goods are for motor vehicles (8701-8705) and are not specifically listed under other headings. 870830 Other brakes and parts thereof: 870830 covers drum brakes and other brake parts not elsewhere specified, while 870834 is specifically for disc brake parts. If a brake caliper is used for drum brakes (rare), it is classified under 870830. 870839 Other brake parts: 870839 is a further subdivision under 870830, but applies only to non-disc brake parts. Brake calipers are generally not classified here. 870899 Other vehicle parts: 870899 is the residual subheading under 8708 for parts not elsewhere specified. Brake calipers already have a specific subheading and should not be classified here. 841221 Hydraulic cylinders: If a brake caliper is imported separately as a general-purpose hydraulic cylinder, it may be classified under 8412, but as a dedicated vehicle part, it should be classified under 8708. 848310 Transmission shafts and cranks: Completely unrelated, but sometimes confused due to the character "shaft" in the name. Brake calipers are not transmission components. Is it for disc brakes? Is it dedicated for motor vehicles (8701-8705)? Does it include brake pads? If so, they must be classified separately. Are the brand and model declared accurately? Is it a complete set of knock-down parts? If knock-down, it may be classified as a complete vehicle.
Basis
Core basis for classification: Brake calipers are dedicated parts for disc brakes, with the function of clamping the brake disc to achieve braking. According to HS notes, 8708.34 is specifically for disc brake parts, while 8708.30 covers other brakes (such as drum brakes) and parts. Therefore, a distinction must be made based on the brake type (disc or drum). At the same time, it must be confirmed whether the goods are for motor vehicles (8701-8705) and are not specifically listed under other headings.
Confused Codes:
870830 - Other brakes and parts thereof
870830 covers drum brakes and other brake parts not elsewhere specified, while 870834 is specifically for disc brake parts. If a brake caliper is used for drum brakes (rare), it is classified under 870830.
870839 - Other brake parts
870839 is a further subdivision under 870830, but applies only to non-disc brake parts. Brake calipers are generally not classified here.
870899 - Other vehicle parts
870899 is the residual subheading under 8708 for parts not elsewhere specified. Brake calipers already have a specific subheading and should not be classified here.
841221 - Hydraulic cylinders
If a brake caliper is imported separately as a general-purpose hydraulic cylinder, it may be classified under 8412, but as a dedicated vehicle part, it should be classified under 8708.
848310 - Transmission shafts and cranks
Completely unrelated, but sometimes confused due to the character "shaft" in the name. Brake calipers are not transmission components.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it for disc brakes?
✓ Is it dedicated for motor vehicles (8701-8705)?
✓ Does it include brake pads? If so, they must be classified separately.
✓ Are the brand and model declared accurately?
✓ Is it a complete set of knock-down parts? If knock-down, it may be classified as a complete vehicle.
❓ FAQ
Is the HS code for brake calipers 870834? Yes, 870834 is the subheading in the HS code specifically for disc brake parts (including brake calipers). However, note that 870834 is a six-digit subheading and may be further subdivided in China Customs' ten-digit code, such as 8708340000. It is recommended to consult the latest version of the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" for confirmation. How to distinguish whether brake calipers should be classified under 870830 or 870834? The key is the brake type: if for disc brakes, classify under 870834; if for drum brakes or other brakes, classify under 870830. Brake calipers are usually used in disc brakes, so they are generally classified under 870834. When declaring, indicate "for disc brake use". What are the declaration elements for brake calipers? Main declaration elements include: product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, working principle, for disc brake use, complete set of knock-down parts or finished product. Among these, "for disc brake use" is the key to classification and must be filled in accurately. What is the import tax rate for brake calipers? Tax rates change and vary depending on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It is recommended to consult the "Import and Export Tariff" issued by the General Administration of Customs or use customs classification advance rulings. MFN rate, general rate, agreement rate, etc. must be determined according to specific circumstances. How are brake calipers with brake pads classified? If brake calipers and brake pads are imported together, whether the brake pads are installed or not, they should generally be classified separately. Brake calipers are classified under 870834, and brake pads under 870830 (brake parts). If as a complete set of knock-down parts, they may be classified as a complete vehicle, but generally parts are declared separately. Can used brake calipers be imported? Import of used mechanical and electrical products must comply with national regulations, and some used auto parts are prohibited from import. Brake calipers, as safety components, may be subject to strict restrictions. It is recommended to consult the local customs to confirm whether import is permitted and what documents are required. What are the considerations for the HS code of brake calipers when exporting? Accurate declaration is required during export to avoid tax rebate differences or customs penalties due to incorrect codes. Also pay attention to brand intellectual property rights; if it is a well-known brand, an authorization letter is required. In addition, HS codes may differ slightly between countries and must be adjusted according to the destination country's requirements. How to query the HS code for brake calipers? You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code query platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword "brake caliper" and the system will suggest relevant codes. However, manual confirmation of whether it is for disc brakes is required to ensure accuracy.
Q: Is the HS code for brake calipers 870834?
A: Yes, 870834 is the subheading in the HS code specifically for disc brake parts (including brake calipers). However, note that 870834 is a six-digit subheading and may be further subdivided in China Customs' ten-digit code, such as 8708340000. It is recommended to consult the latest version of the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" for confirmation.
Q: How to distinguish whether brake calipers should be classified under 870830 or 870834?
A: The key is the brake type: if for disc brakes, classify under 870834; if for drum brakes or other brakes, classify under 870830. Brake calipers are usually used in disc brakes, so they are generally classified under 870834. When declaring, indicate "for disc brake use".
Q: What are the declaration elements for brake calipers?
A: Main declaration elements include: product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, working principle, for disc brake use, complete set of knock-down parts or finished product. Among these, "for disc brake use" is the key to classification and must be filled in accurately.
Q: What is the import tax rate for brake calipers?
A: Tax rates change and vary depending on the country of origin, trade agreements, etc. It is recommended to consult the "Import and Export Tariff" issued by the General Administration of Customs or use customs classification advance rulings. MFN rate, general rate, agreement rate, etc. must be determined according to specific circumstances.
Q: How are brake calipers with brake pads classified?
A: If brake calipers and brake pads are imported together, whether the brake pads are installed or not, they should generally be classified separately. Brake calipers are classified under 870834, and brake pads under 870830 (brake parts). If as a complete set of knock-down parts, they may be classified as a complete vehicle, but generally parts are declared separately.
Q: Can used brake calipers be imported?
A: Import of used mechanical and electrical products must comply with national regulations, and some used auto parts are prohibited from import. Brake calipers, as safety components, may be subject to strict restrictions. It is recommended to consult the local customs to confirm whether import is permitted and what documents are required.
Q: What are the considerations for the HS code of brake calipers when exporting?
A: Accurate declaration is required during export to avoid tax rebate differences or customs penalties due to incorrect codes. Also pay attention to brand intellectual property rights; if it is a well-known brand, an authorization letter is required. In addition, HS codes may differ slightly between countries and must be adjusted according to the destination country's requirements.
Q: How to query the HS code for brake calipers?
A: You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, HS code query platforms, or consult a customs broker. Enter the keyword "brake caliper" and the system will suggest relevant codes. However, manual confirmation of whether it is for disc brakes is required to ensure accuracy.
⚠️ 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.