Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories in the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special-purpose vehicles (such as crane trucks, fire trucks, ambulances), as well as their parts and accessories. Heading 8708 specifically covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles and is one of the most frequently declared chapters in international trade. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles (including tractors), specifically including: bumpers and their parts, body parts, braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, non-drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, and other parts and accessories not elsewhere specified. Goods under this heading must be solely or principally for motor vehicles and cannot be classified under other more specific headings. 870844 is a six-digit subheading code. The first 2 digits '87' indicate Chapter 87 (Vehicles and their parts and accessories). Digits 3-4 '08' indicate heading 8708 (Parts and accessories of motor vehicles). Digits 5-6 '44' indicate subheading 870844, namely 'gear shift lever'. In HS classification, digits 5-6 are the internationally harmonized subheading level used to further subdivide goods under a heading. 870844 specifically refers to levers used in motor vehicle gearboxes, including gear shift levers, selector levers, etc., usually made of metal or plastic, which transmit the driver's gear-shifting intention through mechanical or electronic means. The gear shift lever is a key operating component of a motor vehicle gearbox and falls within the scope of vehicle parts and accessories. It is not classified under 8708.40 (gearboxes) because a gearbox is a complete assembly, whereas the shift lever is a separate part; it is not classified under 8708.99 (other parts) because 8708.44 specifically lists gear shift levers and has priority in classification. Therefore, gear shift levers solely or principally for motor vehicles should be classified under 870844.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories in the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special-purpose vehicles (such as crane trucks, fire trucks, ambulances), as well as their parts and accessories. Heading 8708 specifically covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles and is one of the most frequently declared chapters in international trade.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles (including tractors), specifically including: bumpers and their parts, body parts, braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, non-drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, and other parts and accessories not elsewhere specified. Goods under this heading must be solely or principally for motor vehicles and cannot be classified under other more specific headings.
Digit Breakdown
870844 is a six-digit subheading code. The first 2 digits '87' indicate Chapter 87 (Vehicles and their parts and accessories). Digits 3-4 '08' indicate heading 8708 (Parts and accessories of motor vehicles). Digits 5-6 '44' indicate subheading 870844, namely 'gear shift lever'. In HS classification, digits 5-6 are the internationally harmonized subheading level used to further subdivide goods under a heading. 870844 specifically refers to levers used in motor vehicle gearboxes, including gear shift levers, selector levers, etc., usually made of metal or plastic, which transmit the driver's gear-shifting intention through mechanical or electronic means.
Classification Basis
The gear shift lever is a key operating component of a motor vehicle gearbox and falls within the scope of vehicle parts and accessories. It is not classified under 8708.40 (gearboxes) because a gearbox is a complete assembly, whereas the shift lever is a separate part; it is not classified under 8708.99 (other parts) because 8708.44 specifically lists gear shift levers and has priority in classification. Therefore, gear shift levers solely or principally for motor vehicles should be classified under 870844.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should use a standardized Chinese or English name, such as 'gear shift lever'. Brand: The brand name of the declared commodity, such as 'Volkswagen', 'Toyota', etc. If there is no brand, fill in 'No Brand'. Model: The specific model or part number of the declared commodity, used to distinguish different specifications. Applicable Vehicle Model: The type of motor vehicle to which the declared commodity applies, such as 'sedan', 'truck', etc. It is best to specify the exact vehicle model. Material: The main material of the declared commodity, such as 'steel', 'aluminum alloy', 'plastic', etc. Is It an Assembly: Whether the declared commodity is a complete assembly or a part, such as 'part' or 'assembly'. Origin: The country/region where the declared commodity is produced or manufactured, such as 'China', 'Germany', etc. GTIN: The Global Trade Item Number of the declared commodity. If none, fill in 'None'. Customs declaration example: Product Name: Gear Shift Lever; Brand: Volkswagen; Model: 5Q0-711-113; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Golf sedan; Material: Steel; Is It an Assembly: Part; Origin: Germany; GTIN: None. Remarks: This commodity is a manual transmission gear shift lever, exclusively for Volkswagen Golf models. Non-standard product name declaration, using colloquial terms such as 'gear stick', causing customs to question the classification. Incomplete model filling, only filling in part of the number, unable to correspond to the specific commodity. Applicable vehicle model filled in too broadly, such as 'automobile', without specifying the model and year. Inaccurate material description, such as declaring 'aluminum alloy' as 'aluminum', affecting classification.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should use a standardized Chinese or English name, such as 'gear shift lever'.
⚠️ Filling in non-standard names such as 'shift stick' or 'gear stick', leading to classification disputes.
Brand
The brand name of the declared commodity, such as 'Volkswagen', 'Toyota', etc. If there is no brand, fill in 'No Brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or filling in incompletely, such as only 'VW' instead of 'Volkswagen'.
Model
The specific model or part number of the declared commodity, used to distinguish different specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or use of internal codes, making it impossible for customs to identify.
Applicable Vehicle Model
The type of motor vehicle to which the declared commodity applies, such as 'sedan', 'truck', etc. It is best to specify the exact vehicle model.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'automobile' without specifying the exact vehicle model or engine type.
Material
The main material of the declared commodity, such as 'steel', 'aluminum alloy', 'plastic', etc.
⚠️ Inaccurate material description, such as abbreviating alloy steel as 'steel'.
Is It an Assembly
Whether the declared commodity is a complete assembly or a part, such as 'part' or 'assembly'.
⚠️ Misreporting a part as an assembly, affecting classification and tax rates.
Origin
The country/region where the declared commodity is produced or manufactured, such as 'China', 'Germany', etc.
⚠️ Incorrect origin filling, such as mistaking the assembly location for the origin.
GTIN
The Global Trade Item Number of the declared commodity. If none, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Incorrect GTIN filling or mismatch with the commodity.
Example： Customs declaration example: Product Name: Gear Shift Lever; Brand: Volkswagen; Model: 5Q0-711-113; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Golf sedan; Material: Steel; Is It an Assembly: Part; Origin: Germany; GTIN: None. Remarks: This commodity is a manual transmission gear shift lever, exclusively for Volkswagen Golf models.
Common Mistakes：
Non-standard product name declaration, using colloquial terms such as 'gear stick', causing customs to question the classification.
Incomplete model filling, only filling in part of the number, unable to correspond to the specific commodity.
Applicable vehicle model filled in too broadly, such as 'automobile', without specifying the model and year.
Inaccurate material description, such as declaring 'aluminum alloy' as 'aluminum', affecting classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification determination basis: According to the General Rules for HS Classification, a gear shift lever, as a part of a motor vehicle, should be classified under Chapter 87. Since heading 8708 explicitly covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, and subheading 870844 specifically lists 'gear shift lever', this commodity should be classified under 870844. When determining, it is necessary to confirm whether the commodity is solely or principally for motor vehicles and whether it belongs to the gearbox control system. If the commodity can be used for other machinery (such as construction machinery), it may be classified under other chapters. 870840 Gearboxes: 870840 is a complete gearbox assembly, including housing, gears, shafts, etc.; while 870844 is a gear shift lever, which is a control part of the gearbox and does not include the gearbox itself. 870899 Other Parts of Motor Vehicles: 870899 is for other parts not elsewhere specified, while 870844 specifically lists gear shift levers, so gear shift levers should be classified under 870844 with priority. 848340 Gears and Transmission Devices: 848340 covers gears and transmission devices of general machinery, while 870844 is specifically for motor vehicles and is a control lever rather than a transmission gear. 870829 Other Body Parts: 870829 covers body parts such as doors, fenders, etc., while gear shift levers belong to the gearbox control system and are not classified as body parts. 870893 Clutches and Their Parts: 870893 is for clutches and their parts, while gear shift levers are gearbox control parts. The two have different functions and should be classified separately. Confirm whether the commodity is solely or principally for motor vehicles. Confirm whether the commodity is a gear shift lever rather than a gearbox assembly. Confirm whether the commodity has been classified under other more specific subheadings. Confirm whether the material and function of the commodity are consistent with the declaration. Confirm whether the origin and brand information are accurate.
Basis
Core classification determination basis: According to the General Rules for HS Classification, a gear shift lever, as a part of a motor vehicle, should be classified under Chapter 87. Since heading 8708 explicitly covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, and subheading 870844 specifically lists 'gear shift lever', this commodity should be classified under 870844. When determining, it is necessary to confirm whether the commodity is solely or principally for motor vehicles and whether it belongs to the gearbox control system. If the commodity can be used for other machinery (such as construction machinery), it may be classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes：
870840 - Gearboxes
870840 is a complete gearbox assembly, including housing, gears, shafts, etc.; while 870844 is a gear shift lever, which is a control part of the gearbox and does not include the gearbox itself.
870899 - Other Parts of Motor Vehicles
870899 is for other parts not elsewhere specified, while 870844 specifically lists gear shift levers, so gear shift levers should be classified under 870844 with priority.
848340 - Gears and Transmission Devices
848340 covers gears and transmission devices of general machinery, while 870844 is specifically for motor vehicles and is a control lever rather than a transmission gear.
870829 - Other Body Parts
870829 covers body parts such as doors, fenders, etc., while gear shift levers belong to the gearbox control system and are not classified as body parts.
870893 - Clutches and Their Parts
870893 is for clutches and their parts, while gear shift levers are gearbox control parts. The two have different functions and should be classified separately.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is solely or principally for motor vehicles.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is a gear shift lever rather than a gearbox assembly.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity has been classified under other more specific subheadings.
✓ Confirm whether the material and function of the commodity are consistent with the declaration.
✓ Confirm whether the origin and brand information are accurate.
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for a gear shift lever? The HS code for a gear shift lever is 870844. This code belongs to Chapter 87 motor vehicle parts, heading 8708, subheading 870844. When declaring, it is necessary to provide declaration elements such as product name, brand, model, and applicable vehicle model. How to distinguish a gear shift lever from a gearbox? A gear shift lever is a control part of the gearbox, usually rod-shaped, used to transmit gear-shifting action; a gearbox is a complete assembly containing gears, shafts, housing, etc. If a complete gearbox is imported, it should be classified under 870840; if it is only a shift lever, it should be classified under 870844. Can a gear shift lever be classified under 870899? No. 870899 is for other parts not elsewhere specified, while 870844 specifically lists gear shift levers. According to HS classification rules, specific listings take priority. Therefore, gear shift levers must be classified under 870844. What elements should be noted when declaring a gear shift lever? It is necessary to declare product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, whether it is an assembly, origin, and GTIN. Among these, applicable vehicle model and material are key, directly affecting classification and tax rates. It is recommended to provide part numbers or photos for customs inspection. What is the import tax rate for gear shift levers? Import tax rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, and origin. It is recommended to consult the Chinese Customs' 'Import and Export Tariff' or use the customs classification advance ruling service to obtain the most accurate tax rate information. Note that tax rates may be adjusted at any time. If a gear shift lever is used for construction machinery, which code should it be classified under? If the gear shift lever is exclusively for construction machinery (such as excavators, bulldozers), it may be classified under the corresponding headings of Chapter 84 or Chapter 87, such as 848340 or 870899. It needs to be determined based on specific use and design. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker. What documents are required for export declaration of gear shift levers? Usually, contracts, invoices, packing lists, customs declarations, and declaration element forms are required. If brand or model is involved, authorization letters or brand certificates may be required. Exporting to specific countries may also require certificates of origin, quality inspection certificates, etc. How to inquire about the HS code for a gear shift lever? It can be inquired through the Chinese Customs Administration's 'Import and Export Tariff', or by using customs classification advance rulings or third-party classification databases. Enter the keyword 'gear shift lever' and the system will display 870844. It is recommended to confirm based on the actual function of the commodity.
Q: What is the HS code for a gear shift lever?
A: The HS code for a gear shift lever is 870844. This code belongs to Chapter 87 motor vehicle parts, heading 8708, subheading 870844. When declaring, it is necessary to provide declaration elements such as product name, brand, model, and applicable vehicle model.
Q: How to distinguish a gear shift lever from a gearbox?
A: A gear shift lever is a control part of the gearbox, usually rod-shaped, used to transmit gear-shifting action; a gearbox is a complete assembly containing gears, shafts, housing, etc. If a complete gearbox is imported, it should be classified under 870840; if it is only a shift lever, it should be classified under 870844.
Q: Can a gear shift lever be classified under 870899?
A: No. 870899 is for other parts not elsewhere specified, while 870844 specifically lists gear shift levers. According to HS classification rules, specific listings take priority. Therefore, gear shift levers must be classified under 870844.
Q: What elements should be noted when declaring a gear shift lever?
A: It is necessary to declare product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, whether it is an assembly, origin, and GTIN. Among these, applicable vehicle model and material are key, directly affecting classification and tax rates. It is recommended to provide part numbers or photos for customs inspection.
Q: What is the import tax rate for gear shift levers?
A: Import tax rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, and origin. It is recommended to consult the Chinese Customs' 'Import and Export Tariff' or use the customs classification advance ruling service to obtain the most accurate tax rate information. Note that tax rates may be adjusted at any time.
Q: If a gear shift lever is used for construction machinery, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the gear shift lever is exclusively for construction machinery (such as excavators, bulldozers), it may be classified under the corresponding headings of Chapter 84 or Chapter 87, such as 848340 or 870899. It needs to be determined based on specific use and design. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What documents are required for export declaration of gear shift levers?
A: Usually, contracts, invoices, packing lists, customs declarations, and declaration element forms are required. If brand or model is involved, authorization letters or brand certificates may be required. Exporting to specific countries may also require certificates of origin, quality inspection certificates, etc.
Q: How to inquire about the HS code for a gear shift lever?
A: It can be inquired through the Chinese Customs Administration's 'Import and Export Tariff', or by using customs classification advance rulings or third-party classification databases. Enter the keyword 'gear shift lever' and the system will display 870844. It is recommended to confirm based on the actual function of the commodity.
⚠️ 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.