Chapter 87 covers all land vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling stock, including motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers, etc. This chapter is the core chapter for the classification of automobiles and parts in international trade, involving the distinction between complete vehicles and parts, and the determination of complete knocked-down sets and spare parts. Heading 8708 is dedicated to parts and accessories of motor vehicles and is a high-frequency chapter for import and export declaration in the automotive industry chain. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. However, it should be noted that certain parts, if they themselves constitute complete goods of other headings (such as bearings, motors, pumps), may not be classified under 8708 but should be classified according to their own characteristics. Drive axle bearings, as dedicated parts of drive axles, need to be determined based on whether they are dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles. Code 870856 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87 land vehicles; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708 motor vehicle parts and accessories; digits 5-6, 56, indicate subheading 8708.56 drive axle bearings. The 5th digit 5 represents drive axles and their parts, and the 6th digit 6 further subdivides into bearings. This code is a relatively detailed subheading in the HS classification, specifically for bearings for drive axles, distinct from other bearings (such as 8482) and other drive axle parts (such as 8708.50 drive axle assemblies). Drive axle bearings are bearings dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles, possessing both the general function of bearings and serving as dedicated parts of drive axles. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, if the bearing is dedicated for use in a drive axle and does not constitute a complete good of another heading, it should be classified under 8708.56. However, if the bearing is a general-purpose bearing and can be used in other machinery, it may be classified under 8482. Therefore, the key determination lies in whether it is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers all land vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling stock, including motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers, etc. This chapter is the core chapter for the classification of automobiles and parts in international trade, involving the distinction between complete vehicles and parts, and the determination of complete knocked-down sets and spare parts. Heading 8708 is dedicated to parts and accessories of motor vehicles and is a high-frequency chapter for import and export declaration in the automotive industry chain.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. However, it should be noted that certain parts, if they themselves constitute complete goods of other headings (such as bearings, motors, pumps), may not be classified under 8708 but should be classified according to their own characteristics. Drive axle bearings, as dedicated parts of drive axles, need to be determined based on whether they are dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870856 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87 land vehicles; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708 motor vehicle parts and accessories; digits 5-6, 56, indicate subheading 8708.56 drive axle bearings. The 5th digit 5 represents drive axles and their parts, and the 6th digit 6 further subdivides into bearings. This code is a relatively detailed subheading in the HS classification, specifically for bearings for drive axles, distinct from other bearings (such as 8482) and other drive axle parts (such as 8708.50 drive axle assemblies).
Classification Basis
Drive axle bearings are bearings dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles, possessing both the general function of bearings and serving as dedicated parts of drive axles. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, if the bearing is dedicated for use in a drive axle and does not constitute a complete good of another heading, it should be classified under 8708.56. However, if the bearing is a general-purpose bearing and can be used in other machinery, it may be classified under 8482. Therefore, the key determination lies in whether it is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "drive axle bearing" or "Drive axle bearing". Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the bearing; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: Fill in the model or part number of the bearing to facilitate customs confirmation of specifications and applicability. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the type of motor vehicle or drive axle model to which the bearing applies, such as "heavy truck drive axle". Material: Fill in the main material of the bearing, such as bearing steel, ceramics, etc. Structure Type: Indicate the bearing type, such as tapered roller bearing, cylindrical roller bearing, etc. Whether Dedicated for Drive Axle: Declare whether the bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles, used to distinguish 8708.56 from 8482. Product Name: drive axle bearing; Brand: SKF; Model: BT1-0016; Applicable Vehicle Model: heavy truck drive axle; Material: bearing steel; Structure Type: tapered roller bearing; Whether Dedicated for Drive Axle: yes. Mistakenly classifying drive axle bearings under 8482, ignoring their dedicated use in motor vehicle drive axles. Failure to provide the applicable vehicle model at declaration, making it impossible to prove dedication, which may lead customs to question the classification. Confusing drive axle bearings with drive axle assemblies, the latter of which should be classified under 8708.50.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "drive axle bearing" or "Drive axle bearing".
⚠️ Only writing "bearing" or "auto parts" without specifying drive axle dedication.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the bearing; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the model or part number of the bearing to facilitate customs confirmation of specifications and applicability.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or use of internal codes that cannot correspond to the actual commodity.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the type of motor vehicle or drive axle model to which the bearing applies, such as "heavy truck drive axle".
⚠️ Failure to fill in the applicable vehicle model, making it impossible to prove dedication for use in motor vehicles.
Material
Fill in the main material of the bearing, such as bearing steel, ceramics, etc.
⚠️ Material description too general, such as "metal".
Structure Type
Indicate the bearing type, such as tapered roller bearing, cylindrical roller bearing, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the structure type, affecting subheading determination.
Whether Dedicated for Drive Axle
Declare whether the bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles, used to distinguish 8708.56 from 8482.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as a general-purpose bearing, leading to classification errors.
Mistakenly classifying drive axle bearings under 8482, ignoring their dedicated use in motor vehicle drive axles.
Failure to provide the applicable vehicle model at declaration, making it impossible to prove dedication, which may lead customs to question the classification.
Confusing drive axle bearings with drive axle assemblies, the latter of which should be classified under 8708.50.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification determination is: whether the bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles. If dedicated for use in drive axles and does not constitute a complete good of another heading, it should be classified under 8708.56; if it is a general-purpose bearing that can be used in various machinery, it should be classified under 8482. At the same time, reference should be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System regarding parts of heading 8708, as well as General Rules 1 and 6. 8482 Rolling bearings: 8482 covers general-purpose rolling bearings, not limited to motor vehicles; 8708.56 is dedicated to bearings for motor vehicle drive axles. If the bearing can be used generally, it should be classified under 8482. 870850 Drive axle assemblies: 8708.50 covers drive axle assemblies (including axle housings, half-shafts, etc.), while 8708.56 covers only bearings for drive axles, which are parts of drive axles rather than assemblies. 870899 Other parts of motor vehicles: 8708.99 covers other parts not elsewhere specified or included; if the bearing is not dedicated for use in drive axles, it may be classified under this code, but 8708.56 must first be excluded. 848330 Bearing housings and plain shaft bearings: 8483.30 covers bearing housings and plain shaft bearings, which are different from rolling bearings and are not dedicated for use in drive axles. Is the bearing dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles? Is the bearing a rolling bearing rather than a plain shaft bearing? Can it be classified under 8482 as a general-purpose bearing? Does it belong to a drive axle assembly rather than a part? Do the declaration elements fully prove dedication?
Basis
The core basis for classification determination is: whether the bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles. If dedicated for use in drive axles and does not constitute a complete good of another heading, it should be classified under 8708.56; if it is a general-purpose bearing that can be used in various machinery, it should be classified under 8482. At the same time, reference should be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System regarding parts of heading 8708, as well as General Rules 1 and 6.
Confused Codes：
8482 - Rolling bearings
8482 covers general-purpose rolling bearings, not limited to motor vehicles; 8708.56 is dedicated to bearings for motor vehicle drive axles. If the bearing can be used generally, it should be classified under 8482.
870850 - Drive axle assemblies
8708.50 covers drive axle assemblies (including axle housings, half-shafts, etc.), while 8708.56 covers only bearings for drive axles, which are parts of drive axles rather than assemblies.
870899 - Other parts of motor vehicles
8708.99 covers other parts not elsewhere specified or included; if the bearing is not dedicated for use in drive axles, it may be classified under this code, but 8708.56 must first be excluded.
848330 - Bearing housings and plain shaft bearings
8483.30 covers bearing housings and plain shaft bearings, which are different from rolling bearings and are not dedicated for use in drive axles.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the bearing dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles?
✓ Is the bearing a rolling bearing rather than a plain shaft bearing?
✓ Can it be classified under 8482 as a general-purpose bearing?
✓ Does it belong to a drive axle assembly rather than a part?
✓ Do the declaration elements fully prove dedication?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between drive axle bearings and ordinary bearings? If a drive axle bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles, it should be classified under 8708.56; ordinary general-purpose bearings are classified under 8482. The key difference lies in whether it is dedicated for use in drive axles, and proof such as applicable vehicle models must be provided. How can it be determined whether a drive axle bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicles? This can be based on product specification sheets, lists of applicable vehicle models, brand part numbers, etc. If the bearing's design and dimensions are only suitable for a specific drive axle and cannot be used in other machinery, it is considered dedicated. What declaration elements must be provided when declaring drive axle bearings? Product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, structure type, and whether dedicated for drive axle must be provided. Among these, the applicable vehicle model and the declaration of dedication are key. After drive axle bearings are classified under 8708.56, how can the tax rate be checked? You may visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China to check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, etc., according to 8708.56. Tax rates may change, and the latest tariff shall prevail. If drive axle bearings are imported as complete knocked-down sets, how should they be classified? If the complete knocked-down set already has the essential character of a drive axle assembly, it should be classified under 8708.50; if it consists only of multiple bearings, it is still classified under 8708.56. This should be determined according to General Rule 2(a). How is the HS code for drive axle bearings applied in cross-border e-commerce? For cross-border e-commerce exports, the HS code must be accurately declared to determine regulatory conditions and tax refunds. 8708.56 applies to bearings dedicated for use in drive axles; if mistakenly declared as 8482, it may affect tax refunds and compliance. What is the difference in classification between drive axle bearings and wheel hub bearings? Wheel hub bearings are generally classified under 8708.70 (wheels and their parts), while drive axle bearings are classified under 8708.56. The difference lies in installation position and function: wheel hub bearings are used for wheels, while drive axle bearings are used for drive axles.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between drive axle bearings and ordinary bearings?
A: If a drive axle bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicle drive axles, it should be classified under 8708.56; ordinary general-purpose bearings are classified under 8482. The key difference lies in whether it is dedicated for use in drive axles, and proof such as applicable vehicle models must be provided.
Q: How can it be determined whether a drive axle bearing is dedicated for use in motor vehicles?
A: This can be based on product specification sheets, lists of applicable vehicle models, brand part numbers, etc. If the bearing's design and dimensions are only suitable for a specific drive axle and cannot be used in other machinery, it is considered dedicated.
Q: What declaration elements must be provided when declaring drive axle bearings?
A: Product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, structure type, and whether dedicated for drive axle must be provided. Among these, the applicable vehicle model and the declaration of dedication are key.
Q: After drive axle bearings are classified under 8708.56, how can the tax rate be checked?
A: You may visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China to check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, etc., according to 8708.56. Tax rates may change, and the latest tariff shall prevail.
Q: If drive axle bearings are imported as complete knocked-down sets, how should they be classified?
A: If the complete knocked-down set already has the essential character of a drive axle assembly, it should be classified under 8708.50; if it consists only of multiple bearings, it is still classified under 8708.56. This should be determined according to General Rule 2(a).
Q: How is the HS code for drive axle bearings applied in cross-border e-commerce?
A: For cross-border e-commerce exports, the HS code must be accurately declared to determine regulatory conditions and tax refunds. 8708.56 applies to bearings dedicated for use in drive axles; if mistakenly declared as 8482, it may affect tax refunds and compliance.
Q: What is the difference in classification between drive axle bearings and wheel hub bearings?
A: Wheel hub bearings are generally classified under 8708.70 (wheels and their parts), while drive axle bearings are classified under 8708.56. The difference lies in installation position and function: wheel hub bearings are used for wheels, while drive axle bearings are used for drive axles.
⚠️ 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.