Chapter 87 covers railway and tramway locomotives, rolling stock and parts thereof; other vehicles and parts thereof (including motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.), excluding railway and tramway track fixtures and fittings and signaling equipment. This chapter is the core chapter for transport vehicles, covering complete vehicles and specialized parts and accessories. Heading 8708 specifically covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including body, chassis, transmission system, steering system, braking system and other components, applicable to vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. This heading is one of the most important headings in the automotive parts trade. Code 870853 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87 vehicles and parts thereof; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708 motor vehicle parts and accessories; digits 5-6, 53, indicate subheading 8708.53, specifically referring to half shafts, which are drive axle parts. The half shaft is a key transmission component that transmits power from the differential to the wheels. The half shaft is a core part of a motor vehicle drive axle, used to transmit torque to the wheels, meeting the definition of 8708 'motor vehicle parts.' It does not belong to 8707 (body parts) or 8709 (short-distance transport vehicles), nor to 8483 (transmission shafts), because it is specifically designed for motor vehicle drive systems, and is therefore classified under 8708.53.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers railway and tramway locomotives, rolling stock and parts thereof; other vehicles and parts thereof (including motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.), excluding railway and tramway track fixtures and fittings and signaling equipment. This chapter is the core chapter for transport vehicles, covering complete vehicles and specialized parts and accessories.
Heading
Heading 8708 specifically covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including body, chassis, transmission system, steering system, braking system and other components, applicable to vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. This heading is one of the most important headings in the automotive parts trade.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870853 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87 vehicles and parts thereof; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708 motor vehicle parts and accessories; digits 5-6, 53, indicate subheading 8708.53, specifically referring to half shafts, which are drive axle parts. The half shaft is a key transmission component that transmits power from the differential to the wheels.
Classification Basis
The half shaft is a core part of a motor vehicle drive axle, used to transmit torque to the wheels, meeting the definition of 8708 'motor vehicle parts.' It does not belong to 8707 (body parts) or 8709 (short-distance transport vehicles), nor to 8483 (transmission shafts), because it is specifically designed for motor vehicle drive systems, and is therefore classified under 8708.53.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity shall be accurately described as 'half shaft' or 'Half shaft,' avoiding colloquial terms. Material: The main material of the declared half shaft, such as alloy steel, carbon steel, etc., which affects classification and customs valuation. Brand: The manufacturer or brand name declared; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand.' Model: The specific model or part number of the declared half shaft, used to identify the applicable vehicle model. Applicable Vehicle Model: The vehicle type to which the declared half shaft applies, such as passenger car, truck, construction machinery, etc. For Drive Axle Use: Confirm whether the half shaft is used for a drive axle, which is the key to classification under 8708.53. OEM or Aftermarket Part: Declare whether it is an original equipment part or aftermarket part, which affects price and regulatory conditions. Product Name: Half shaft; Material: alloy steel; Brand: GKN; Model: HS-2024; Applicable Vehicle Model: light truck; For Drive Axle Use: yes; OEM Part: yes; Purpose: transmit torque to wheels. Misclassifying the half shaft under 8483 (transmission shaft), ignoring its motor-vehicle-specific nature. Failing to declare the applicable vehicle model, making it impossible to determine whether it falls under 8708.53. Inaccurate material declaration, affecting anti-dumping or tariff quota.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared commodity shall be accurately described as 'half shaft' or 'Half shaft,' avoiding colloquial terms.
⚠️ Misdeclaring as 'drive shaft' or 'axle,' resulting in incorrect classification.
Material
The main material of the declared half shaft, such as alloy steel, carbon steel, etc., which affects classification and customs valuation.
⚠️ Only writing 'steel' without specifying the specific steel type or grade.
Brand
The manufacturer or brand name declared; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand.'
⚠️ Omitting the brand or misdeclaring as the trader's brand.
Model
The specific model or part number of the declared half shaft, used to identify the applicable vehicle model.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Applicable Vehicle Model
The vehicle type to which the declared half shaft applies, such as passenger car, truck, construction machinery, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'automobile' without distinguishing the specific vehicle model.
For Drive Axle Use
Confirm whether the half shaft is used for a drive axle, which is the key to classification under 8708.53.
⚠️ Misdeclaring as a non-drive-axle part, resulting in classification under other subheadings.
OEM or Aftermarket Part
Declare whether it is an original equipment part or aftermarket part, which affects price and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Confusing OEM with aftermarket, leading to valuation disputes.
Misclassifying the half shaft under 8483 (transmission shaft), ignoring its motor-vehicle-specific nature.
Failing to declare the applicable vehicle model, making it impossible to determine whether it falls under 8708.53.
Inaccurate material declaration, affecting anti-dumping or tariff quota.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: The half shaft is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle drive axle, used to transmit torque output from the differential to the wheels, and belongs to subheading 8708.53. According to HS notes, 8708 includes parts for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705; as a drive axle part, the half shaft must meet the condition of being 'solely or principally used' for motor vehicle drive systems. 870850 Drive axles and parts thereof: 870850 covers drive axle assemblies and parts thereof, while 870853 refers only to half shafts. If the half shaft is presented together with the drive axle, it should be classified under 870850. 848310 Transmission shafts and cranks: 848310 is for general mechanical transmission shafts and is not dedicated to motor vehicles; the half shaft is dedicated to motor vehicles, so it is classified under 870853. 870899 Other motor vehicle parts: 870899 is for other parts not specified under heading 8708; the half shaft already has a specific subheading 870853 and cannot be classified under 870899. 870870 Wheels and parts thereof: 870870 covers wheels, hubs, etc.; the half shaft is a transmission component and is not a wheel part. Is it dedicated to motor vehicle drive axles? Is it presented together with the drive axle assembly? Does the material affect classification? Is it already named under 870853? Is it confused with a general transmission shaft?
Basis
Core basis for classification: The half shaft is a dedicated part of a motor vehicle drive axle, used to transmit torque output from the differential to the wheels, and belongs to subheading 8708.53. According to HS notes, 8708 includes parts for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705; as a drive axle part, the half shaft must meet the condition of being 'solely or principally used' for motor vehicle drive systems.
Confused Codes：
870850 - Drive axles and parts thereof
870850 covers drive axle assemblies and parts thereof, while 870853 refers only to half shafts. If the half shaft is presented together with the drive axle, it should be classified under 870850.
848310 - Transmission shafts and cranks
848310 is for general mechanical transmission shafts and is not dedicated to motor vehicles; the half shaft is dedicated to motor vehicles, so it is classified under 870853.
870899 - Other motor vehicle parts
870899 is for other parts not specified under heading 8708; the half shaft already has a specific subheading 870853 and cannot be classified under 870899.
870870 - Wheels and parts thereof
870870 covers wheels, hubs, etc.; the half shaft is a transmission component and is not a wheel part.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it dedicated to motor vehicle drive axles?
✓ Is it presented together with the drive axle assembly?
✓ Does the material affect classification?
✓ Is it already named under 870853?
✓ Is it confused with a general transmission shaft?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between a half shaft and a transmission shaft? Are the HS codes different? A half shaft is the shaft inside the drive axle connecting the differential and the wheel, dedicated to motor vehicles, classified under 870853; a transmission shaft is the shaft connecting the gearbox and the drive axle, belonging to general mechanical parts, classified under 848310. Their functional positions differ, and the codes differ. How can I check the import tariff rate for half shafts? Tariff rates change; it is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 870853 and the country of origin, and the system will display the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Is a certificate of origin required when declaring half shafts? If the importing country grants tariff preferences, a valid certificate of origin is required to enjoy the agreement rate. Otherwise, the MFN rate or general rate will apply. Half shafts are classified under 870853; does this apply to all materials? 870853 is classified by function; material does not affect the subheading, but different materials may affect customs valuation and regulatory conditions. For example, alloy steel half shafts may involve anti-dumping. If half shafts are exported to the United States, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the U.S. HS code are the same as China's, both 870853, but the last 4 digits may differ. Export declaration requires checking the specific code under the U.S. HTSUS. If half shafts are imported together with the drive axle, how should they be declared? If the half shaft is presented together with the drive axle assembly, it should be classified as a drive axle part under 870850. If the half shaft is imported separately, it is classified under 870853. How should the 'Applicable Vehicle Model' declaration element for half shafts be filled in? The specific vehicle model should be provided, such as 'Toyota Corolla 1.8L,' 'heavy truck,' etc. If it is a universal type, 'universal for multiple vehicle models' may be entered, but the main scope of application must be provided.
Q: What is the difference between a half shaft and a transmission shaft? Are the HS codes different?
A: A half shaft is the shaft inside the drive axle connecting the differential and the wheel, dedicated to motor vehicles, classified under 870853; a transmission shaft is the shaft connecting the gearbox and the drive axle, belonging to general mechanical parts, classified under 848310. Their functional positions differ, and the codes differ.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for half shafts?
A: Tariff rates change; it is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 870853 and the country of origin, and the system will display the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc.
Q: Is a certificate of origin required when declaring half shafts?
A: If the importing country grants tariff preferences, a valid certificate of origin is required to enjoy the agreement rate. Otherwise, the MFN rate or general rate will apply.
Q: Half shafts are classified under 870853; does this apply to all materials?
A: 870853 is classified by function; material does not affect the subheading, but different materials may affect customs valuation and regulatory conditions. For example, alloy steel half shafts may involve anti-dumping.
Q: If half shafts are exported to the United States, is the HS code the same?
A: The first 6 digits of the U.S. HS code are the same as China's, both 870853, but the last 4 digits may differ. Export declaration requires checking the specific code under the U.S. HTSUS.
Q: If half shafts are imported together with the drive axle, how should they be declared?
A: If the half shaft is presented together with the drive axle assembly, it should be classified as a drive axle part under 870850. If the half shaft is imported separately, it is classified under 870853.
Q: How should the 'Applicable Vehicle Model' declaration element for half shafts be filled in?
A: The specific vehicle model should be provided, such as 'Toyota Corolla 1.8L,' 'heavy truck,' etc. If it is a universal type, 'universal for multiple vehicle models' may be entered, but the main scope of application must be provided.
⚠️ 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.