Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories under the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special-purpose vehicles (such as fire trucks, crane vehicles), and their parts and accessories. Brake hoses, as key components of vehicle braking systems, fall within the scope of parts under this chapter. Heading 8708 is specifically for parts and accessories of motor vehicles, covering: brake system parts, transmissions, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings based on part type and vehicle type. Brake hoses, as part of the braking system, are classified under this heading. Code 870838 is a 6-digit HS code: the first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87 (vehicles and their parts, accessories); digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 8708 (parts and accessories of motor vehicles); digits 5-6 "38" represent subheading 8708.38, specifically brake hoses. In HS classification, subheadings further refine part types, and brake hoses are distinguished from other brake parts (such as brakes, brake pads, etc.). Brake hoses are hydraulic or pneumatic transmission components specifically designed for braking systems with a specific function, and are therefore classified under 8708.38 rather than other subheadings. They are not general-purpose hoses (e.g., plastic hoses are classified under 3917), nor are they other vehicle parts (e.g., 8708.30 brakes). Their specificity determines the uniqueness of their classification.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories under the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special-purpose vehicles (such as fire trucks, crane vehicles), and their parts and accessories. Brake hoses, as key components of vehicle braking systems, fall within the scope of parts under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8708 is specifically for parts and accessories of motor vehicles, covering: brake system parts, transmissions, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings based on part type and vehicle type. Brake hoses, as part of the braking system, are classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870838 is a 6-digit HS code: the first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87 (vehicles and their parts, accessories); digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 8708 (parts and accessories of motor vehicles); digits 5-6 "38" represent subheading 8708.38, specifically brake hoses. In HS classification, subheadings further refine part types, and brake hoses are distinguished from other brake parts (such as brakes, brake pads, etc.).
Classification Basis
Brake hoses are hydraulic or pneumatic transmission components specifically designed for braking systems with a specific function, and are therefore classified under 8708.38 rather than other subheadings. They are not general-purpose hoses (e.g., plastic hoses are classified under 3917), nor are they other vehicle parts (e.g., 8708.30 brakes). Their specificity determines the uniqueness of their classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "brake hose" or "Brake hose", avoiding colloquial terms. Material: Describe the main material of the hose, such as rubber, plastic, metal braided reinforcement layer, etc., and whether it has fittings. Use: Clearly specify which vehicle's braking system it is used for, such as "for motor vehicle braking systems". Brand: Declare the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: Fill in the product model or part number to facilitate identification of specific specifications. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the applicable vehicle type or specific model, such as "suitable for Toyota Corolla". With or Without Fittings: Indicate whether metal fittings are installed at both ends of the hose, which affects classification and declaration. Product Name: Brake hose; Material: Rubber, with metal braided reinforcement layer and metal fittings at both ends; Use: For motor vehicle braking systems; Brand: Bosch; Model: BOSCH-0986; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Passat; With or Without Fittings: Yes. Misdeclaring brake hoses as ordinary rubber hoses, leading to classification errors. Ignoring the reinforcement layer or fittings in the material, affecting subheading determination. Use description being too broad without specifying the braking system, which may result in classification under other parts.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "brake hose" or "Brake hose", avoiding colloquial terms.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "brake tube", "oil pipe", or other inaccurate names.
Material
Describe the main material of the hose, such as rubber, plastic, metal braided reinforcement layer, etc., and whether it has fittings.
⚠️ Only writing "rubber" without specifying whether it contains a reinforcement layer or fittings.
Use
Clearly specify which vehicle's braking system it is used for, such as "for motor vehicle braking systems".
⚠️ Vaguely writing "for automobiles" without specifying the braking system.
Brand
Declare the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring a trader's brand.
Model
Fill in the product model or part number to facilitate identification of specific specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model number or inconsistent with the actual product.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the applicable vehicle type or specific model, such as "suitable for Toyota Corolla".
⚠️ Failing to indicate the applicable vehicle model, leading to classification disputes.
With or Without Fittings
Indicate whether metal fittings are installed at both ends of the hose, which affects classification and declaration.
⚠️ Ignoring fitting information, which may result in misclassification under other codes.
Example: Product Name: Brake hose; Material: Rubber, with metal braided reinforcement layer and metal fittings at both ends; Use: For motor vehicle braking systems; Brand: Bosch; Model: BOSCH-0986; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Passat; With or Without Fittings: Yes.
Common Mistakes:
Misdeclaring brake hoses as ordinary rubber hoses, leading to classification errors.
Ignoring the reinforcement layer or fittings in the material, affecting subheading determination.
Use description being too broad without specifying the braking system, which may result in classification under other parts.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: Brake hoses are parts specifically designed for motor vehicle braking systems, meeting the description of heading 8708 "parts and accessories of motor vehicles". According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, brake hoses are brake system parts and should be classified under subheading 8708.38. If the hose is a general-purpose rubber hose and is not clearly intended for braking systems, it may be classified under Chapter 40. Therefore, the key determination lies in its specificity and function. 870830 Brakes, power brakes and parts thereof: 870830 covers brake assemblies and parts, such as brake pads and brake discs; while 870838 specifically refers to brake hoses, which are transmission components in the braking system with a different function. 400931 Rubber hoses, reinforced or combined with metal: 400931 is for general-purpose rubber hoses; if not clearly intended for motor vehicle braking systems, they are classified under this code; brake hoses are classified under 870838 due to their specificity. 391739 Plastic hoses, other: 391739 is for plastic hoses; if a brake hose is made of plastic and not reinforced, it may be classified under this code, but brake hoses are typically made of rubber or composite materials. 870899 Other parts of motor vehicles: 870899 is for parts not elsewhere specified; if brake hoses were not specifically named, they might be classified under this code, but 870838 specifically names them, so they should be classified there with priority. Confirm whether the product is specifically designed for motor vehicle braking systems. Check whether the material contains rubber or plastic and whether it has a reinforcement layer. Verify whether it has metal fittings, which affects classification. Confirm whether it is specifically named under 870838. Rule out the possibility of general-purpose hose codes (such as 4009, 3917).
Basis
Core classification basis: Brake hoses are parts specifically designed for motor vehicle braking systems, meeting the description of heading 8708 "parts and accessories of motor vehicles". According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, brake hoses are brake system parts and should be classified under subheading 8708.38. If the hose is a general-purpose rubber hose and is not clearly intended for braking systems, it may be classified under Chapter 40. Therefore, the key determination lies in its specificity and function.
Confused Codes:
870830 - Brakes, power brakes and parts thereof
870830 covers brake assemblies and parts, such as brake pads and brake discs; while 870838 specifically refers to brake hoses, which are transmission components in the braking system with a different function.
400931 - Rubber hoses, reinforced or combined with metal
400931 is for general-purpose rubber hoses; if not clearly intended for motor vehicle braking systems, they are classified under this code; brake hoses are classified under 870838 due to their specificity.
391739 - Plastic hoses, other
391739 is for plastic hoses; if a brake hose is made of plastic and not reinforced, it may be classified under this code, but brake hoses are typically made of rubber or composite materials.
870899 - Other parts of motor vehicles
870899 is for parts not elsewhere specified; if brake hoses were not specifically named, they might be classified under this code, but 870838 specifically names them, so they should be classified there with priority.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm whether the product is specifically designed for motor vehicle braking systems.
✓ Check whether the material contains rubber or plastic and whether it has a reinforcement layer.
✓ Verify whether it has metal fittings, which affects classification.
✓ Confirm whether it is specifically named under 870838.
✓ Rule out the possibility of general-purpose hose codes (such as 4009, 3917).
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between brake hoses and ordinary rubber hoses? Brake hoses are parts specifically designed for motor vehicle braking systems and are classified under 870838; while ordinary rubber hoses, if their use is not clearly specified, are typically classified under Chapter 40 (such as 4009). The key difference lies in specificity: brake hoses must be used in braking systems and typically have fittings and reinforcement layers. How to determine whether a brake hose should be classified under 870838? First confirm that the product is used in motor vehicle braking systems, then check the material and structure. If it is made of rubber or plastic, has a reinforcement layer and metal fittings, and is specifically designed for braking systems, it should be classified under 870838. If it is a general-purpose hose, consider Chapter 40 or Chapter 39. What key information is needed when declaring brake hoses? Product name, material, use, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, whether it has fittings, etc. are required. The material should specify in detail whether it contains a reinforcement layer, the use should clearly state the braking system, and the applicable vehicle model helps confirm specificity. After brake hoses are classified under 870838, how to check the tax rate? Tax rates should be checked according to the latest Customs Tariff. They can be found through the General Administration of Customs website or professional databases. Note that different countries of origin and trade agreements may apply different rates. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use official query tools. If a brake hose is used for motorcycles, is it also classified under 870838? Yes, 8708 covers parts of motor vehicles (including motorcycles). However, note that motorcycle parts may also be classified under 8714, but brake hoses, as brake system parts, are typically classified under 8708. Specific confirmation should be based on the Explanatory Notes. Does a brake hose with metal fittings affect classification? Having metal fittings typically does not affect classification under 870838, as fittings are integral components of the hose. However, if fittings are declared separately, they may be classified under other codes (such as 7307). When declared as a whole, they are still classified as brake hoses. How to determine the HS code for brake hoses sold through cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce sellers can refer to the product's use and material. If it is specifically designed for automotive braking systems, it is classified under 870838. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use customs pre-classification services to ensure compliance. What is the difference between a brake hose and a brake pipe? A brake hose typically refers to a flexible connecting hose used to transmit hydraulic or pneumatic pressure; a brake pipe may refer to a hard pipe or a flexible hose. In HS codes, if both are brake system parts, they may both be classified under 870838, but specific determination depends on material and function.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between brake hoses and ordinary rubber hoses?
A: Brake hoses are parts specifically designed for motor vehicle braking systems and are classified under 870838; while ordinary rubber hoses, if their use is not clearly specified, are typically classified under Chapter 40 (such as 4009). The key difference lies in specificity: brake hoses must be used in braking systems and typically have fittings and reinforcement layers.
Q: How to determine whether a brake hose should be classified under 870838?
A: First confirm that the product is used in motor vehicle braking systems, then check the material and structure. If it is made of rubber or plastic, has a reinforcement layer and metal fittings, and is specifically designed for braking systems, it should be classified under 870838. If it is a general-purpose hose, consider Chapter 40 or Chapter 39.
Q: What key information is needed when declaring brake hoses?
A: Product name, material, use, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, whether it has fittings, etc. are required. The material should specify in detail whether it contains a reinforcement layer, the use should clearly state the braking system, and the applicable vehicle model helps confirm specificity.
Q: After brake hoses are classified under 870838, how to check the tax rate?
A: Tax rates should be checked according to the latest Customs Tariff. They can be found through the General Administration of Customs website or professional databases. Note that different countries of origin and trade agreements may apply different rates. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or use official query tools.
Q: If a brake hose is used for motorcycles, is it also classified under 870838?
A: Yes, 8708 covers parts of motor vehicles (including motorcycles). However, note that motorcycle parts may also be classified under 8714, but brake hoses, as brake system parts, are typically classified under 8708. Specific confirmation should be based on the Explanatory Notes.
Q: Does a brake hose with metal fittings affect classification?
A: Having metal fittings typically does not affect classification under 870838, as fittings are integral components of the hose. However, if fittings are declared separately, they may be classified under other codes (such as 7307). When declared as a whole, they are still classified as brake hoses.
Q: How to determine the HS code for brake hoses sold through cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce sellers can refer to the product's use and material. If it is specifically designed for automotive braking systems, it is classified under 870838. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use customs pre-classification services to ensure compliance.
Q: What is the difference between a brake hose and a brake pipe?
A: A brake hose typically refers to a flexible connecting hose used to transmit hydraulic or pneumatic pressure; a brake pipe may refer to a hard pipe or a flexible hose. In HS codes, if both are brake system parts, they may both be classified under 870838, but specific determination depends on material and function.
⚠️ 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.