Chapter 87 covers motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles and other non-mechanical vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. The scope of this chapter includes complete vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles) as well as parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles, but excludes certain general-purpose parts (such as bearings, motors, etc.), which are classified according to their own material or function. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles (headings 8701 to 8705), including body parts, braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, radiators, etc. Parts under this heading must be specially designed or principally designed for motor vehicles, rather than general-purpose parts. Wheels and their parts and accessories are all classified under this heading. The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87 (Vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling-stock). The 3rd-4th digits 08 indicate heading 8708 (Parts and accessories of motor vehicles). The 5th-6th digits 73 indicate subheading 8708.73, specifically 'Wheel hub caps', i.e., cap-shaped parts installed on wheel hubs for decorative or protective purposes. This subheading is a specific named subheading under 8708, specifically for wheel hub caps. Wheel hub caps are dedicated parts of motor vehicle wheels, used to cover the hub center or the entire hub, serving aesthetic, dustproof, and waterproof purposes. They do not belong to general-purpose plastic or metal products under other headings, because they are specially designed for motor vehicles, so they are classified under 8708. Under 8708, subheading 8708.73 explicitly names 'Wheel hub caps', so they are directly classified under this code, rather than other subheadings such as 8708.70 (Wheels and their parts) or 8708.99 (Other parts).
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles and other non-mechanical vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. The scope of this chapter includes complete vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles) as well as parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles, but excludes certain general-purpose parts (such as bearings, motors, etc.), which are classified according to their own material or function.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles (headings 8701 to 8705), including body parts, braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, radiators, etc. Parts under this heading must be specially designed or principally designed for motor vehicles, rather than general-purpose parts. Wheels and their parts and accessories are all classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87 (Vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling-stock). The 3rd-4th digits 08 indicate heading 8708 (Parts and accessories of motor vehicles). The 5th-6th digits 73 indicate subheading 8708.73, specifically 'Wheel hub caps', i.e., cap-shaped parts installed on wheel hubs for decorative or protective purposes. This subheading is a specific named subheading under 8708, specifically for wheel hub caps.
Classification Basis
Wheel hub caps are dedicated parts of motor vehicle wheels, used to cover the hub center or the entire hub, serving aesthetic, dustproof, and waterproof purposes. They do not belong to general-purpose plastic or metal products under other headings, because they are specially designed for motor vehicles, so they are classified under 8708. Under 8708, subheading 8708.73 explicitly names 'Wheel hub caps', so they are directly classified under this code, rather than other subheadings such as 8708.70 (Wheels and their parts) or 8708.99 (Other parts).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as 'Wheel hub cap' or 'hub cap', and indicate the English 'Wheel hub cap'. Brand: Fill in the name of the manufacturer or brand; if there is no brand, fill in 'No brand'. The brand is auxiliary information for determining the source and classification of the part. Applicable vehicle model: Indicate the type of motor vehicle to which the hub cap applies, such as sedan, SUV, truck, etc., preferably providing the specific model or series. Material: Declare the main material of the hub cap, such as plastic, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. Material affects its processing technology and classification, but under this code material is not the determining factor. Size: Provide the diameter or size specification of the hub cap, usually expressed in inches or millimeters, such as '16 inches'. Size helps confirm its applicability. Model: Fill in the manufacturer's product model or part number for easy identification and verification. Whether original factory part: Indicate whether it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part, which affects price and declared value. Use: Briefly explain the use, such as 'used to cover the wheel hub, for decoration and protection'. Product name: Wheel hub cap; Brand: ABC; Applicable vehicle model: Toyota Corolla 2018; Material: ABS plastic; Size: 16 inches; Model: HC-1234; Whether original factory part: Aftermarket part; Use: Cover the center of the wheel hub, for decoration and dustproof. Misclassifying wheel hub caps under 8708.70 (Wheels and their parts), when in fact 8708.73 is a more specific named subheading. Ignoring the 'Applicable vehicle model' in the declaration elements, causing customs to question its specificity. False declaration of material, such as reporting plastic as metal, may trigger inspection and classification disputes.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as 'Wheel hub cap' or 'hub cap', and indicate the English 'Wheel hub cap'.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'wheel hub' or 'wheel decorative cover', leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the name of the manufacturer or brand; if there is no brand, fill in 'No brand'. The brand is auxiliary information for determining the source and classification of the part.
⚠️ Misreporting a distributor brand as a production brand, or omitting the brand.
Applicable vehicle model
Indicate the type of motor vehicle to which the hub cap applies, such as sedan, SUV, truck, etc., preferably providing the specific model or series.
⚠️ Filling in only 'automobile' is too general and may affect classification determination.
Material
Declare the main material of the hub cap, such as plastic, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. Material affects its processing technology and classification, but under this code material is not the determining factor.
⚠️ Misreporting the material as 'metal' without specific explanation, or confusing plastic and metal materials.
Size
Provide the diameter or size specification of the hub cap, usually expressed in inches or millimeters, such as '16 inches'. Size helps confirm its applicability.
⚠️ Failing to provide size or providing incorrect size, resulting in mismatch with the wheel.
Model
Fill in the manufacturer's product model or part number for easy identification and verification.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistency with the actual product.
Whether original factory part
Indicate whether it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part, which affects price and declared value.
⚠️ Misreporting an aftermarket part as an original factory part, or vice versa.
Use
Briefly explain the use, such as 'used to cover the wheel hub, for decoration and protection'.
⚠️ The use description is too simple, such as 'for automobile', which cannot reflect the specific function.
Example： Product name: Wheel hub cap; Brand: ABC; Applicable vehicle model: Toyota Corolla 2018; Material: ABS plastic; Size: 16 inches; Model: HC-1234; Whether original factory part: Aftermarket part; Use: Cover the center of the wheel hub, for decoration and dustproof.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying wheel hub caps under 8708.70 (Wheels and their parts), when in fact 8708.73 is a more specific named subheading.
Ignoring the 'Applicable vehicle model' in the declaration elements, causing customs to question its specificity.
False declaration of material, such as reporting plastic as metal, may trigger inspection and classification disputes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and its notes. Wheel hub caps are dedicated parts of motor vehicle wheels, conforming to the description of heading 8708 'Parts and accessories of motor vehicles'. At the subheading level, 8708.73 explicitly names 'Wheel hub caps', so they should be preferentially classified under this subheading. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, goods explicitly named in subheading texts should be classified under that subheading, rather than other subheadings. 870870 Wheels and their parts and accessories: 870870 covers complete wheels and their parts (such as rims, spokes), while 870873 specifically refers to wheel hub caps. Hub caps are decorative/protective parts independent of the wheel, so they are classified under 870873. 870899 Other parts and accessories: 870899 is a residual subheading under 8708, used for other parts not otherwise named. Wheel hub caps already have a specific name, so they are not classified under 870899. 392690 Other articles of plastics: If the hub cap is made of plastic and not specially designed for motor vehicles, it might be classified under 392690. But because it is specially designed for motor vehicles, it is classified under 870873. 761699 Other articles of aluminum: Aluminum hub caps, if not clearly intended for motor vehicles, might be classified under 761699. But according to their use, they should be classified under 870873. Confirm whether the commodity is a part specially designed for motor vehicles. Confirm whether the commodity is explicitly named in 8708.73. Check whether the material affects classification (usually it does not). Check whether it is confused with 8708.70 or 8708.99. Confirm whether the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and its notes. Wheel hub caps are dedicated parts of motor vehicle wheels, conforming to the description of heading 8708 'Parts and accessories of motor vehicles'. At the subheading level, 8708.73 explicitly names 'Wheel hub caps', so they should be preferentially classified under this subheading. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, goods explicitly named in subheading texts should be classified under that subheading, rather than other subheadings.
Confused Codes：
870870 - Wheels and their parts and accessories
870870 covers complete wheels and their parts (such as rims, spokes), while 870873 specifically refers to wheel hub caps. Hub caps are decorative/protective parts independent of the wheel, so they are classified under 870873.
870899 - Other parts and accessories
870899 is a residual subheading under 8708, used for other parts not otherwise named. Wheel hub caps already have a specific name, so they are not classified under 870899.
392690 - Other articles of plastics
If the hub cap is made of plastic and not specially designed for motor vehicles, it might be classified under 392690. But because it is specially designed for motor vehicles, it is classified under 870873.
761699 - Other articles of aluminum
Aluminum hub caps, if not clearly intended for motor vehicles, might be classified under 761699. But according to their use, they should be classified under 870873.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is a part specially designed for motor vehicles.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is explicitly named in 8708.73.
✓ Check whether the material affects classification (usually it does not).
✓ Check whether it is confused with 8708.70 or 8708.99.
✓ Confirm whether the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between a wheel hub cap and a wheel hub? Are the HS codes the same? A wheel hub cap is a cap-shaped part installed on the wheel hub, mainly for decoration and protection; while the wheel hub is the central part of the wheel, a structural component that carries the wheel. Their HS codes are different: hub caps are classified under 870873, while wheel hubs (which are wheel parts) are usually classified under 870870. How to inquire about the HS code for wheel hub caps? You can check the customs tariff, HS code inquiry websites, or consult a customs broker. First determine that the commodity is a motor vehicle part, then look for heading 8708 in Chapter 87, and then find 870873 according to the subheading text. Note to confirm whether the commodity is specially designed for motor vehicles. Are the HS codes the same for plastic wheel hub caps and metal ones? Yes, as long as they are specially designed for motor vehicles, regardless of whether the material is plastic, metal, or other, they are classified under 870873. Because HS classification is based first on use and function, not material. However, if the material affects processing technology or use, it must be truthfully filled in during declaration. What are common errors in the declaration elements for wheel hub caps? Common errors include: declaring the product name as 'wheel hub' or 'decorative cover', failing to indicate the applicable vehicle model, not specifying the material, omitting the model, and misreporting aftermarket parts as original factory parts. These errors may lead to classification disputes or customs clearance delays. What is the import tariff rate for wheel hub caps? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest customs tariff or obtain it through official channels. Usually a certificate of origin is required to enjoy preferential rates. For cross-border e-commerce sales of wheel hub caps, how to choose the HS code? If the wheel hub caps sold through cross-border e-commerce are specially designed for motor vehicles, they should be classified under 870873. Note that the first 6 digits of HS codes may be the same in different countries, but the latter digits may differ. It is recommended to confirm the complete code according to the destination country's customs requirements. Are wheel hub caps and wheel decorative covers the same thing? Usually wheel hub caps are wheel decorative covers, but strictly speaking, a hub cap may cover the entire hub, while a decorative cover may only cover part. In HS classification, both are classified under 870873, as long as they are specially designed for motor vehicles. If the wheel hub cap is a universal part that may be used for multiple vehicles, how to classify it? As long as it is mainly used for motor vehicles, it is still classified under 870873. But if it can be used for non-motor vehicles or general machinery, it may be classified by material. It is recommended to provide applicable vehicle model information to prove its specificity.
Q: What is the difference between a wheel hub cap and a wheel hub? Are the HS codes the same?
A: A wheel hub cap is a cap-shaped part installed on the wheel hub, mainly for decoration and protection; while the wheel hub is the central part of the wheel, a structural component that carries the wheel. Their HS codes are different: hub caps are classified under 870873, while wheel hubs (which are wheel parts) are usually classified under 870870.
Q: How to inquire about the HS code for wheel hub caps?
A: You can check the customs tariff, HS code inquiry websites, or consult a customs broker. First determine that the commodity is a motor vehicle part, then look for heading 8708 in Chapter 87, and then find 870873 according to the subheading text. Note to confirm whether the commodity is specially designed for motor vehicles.
Q: Are the HS codes the same for plastic wheel hub caps and metal ones?
A: Yes, as long as they are specially designed for motor vehicles, regardless of whether the material is plastic, metal, or other, they are classified under 870873. Because HS classification is based first on use and function, not material. However, if the material affects processing technology or use, it must be truthfully filled in during declaration.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for wheel hub caps?
A: Common errors include: declaring the product name as 'wheel hub' or 'decorative cover', failing to indicate the applicable vehicle model, not specifying the material, omitting the model, and misreporting aftermarket parts as original factory parts. These errors may lead to classification disputes or customs clearance delays.
Q: What is the import tariff rate for wheel hub caps?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest customs tariff or obtain it through official channels. Usually a certificate of origin is required to enjoy preferential rates.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of wheel hub caps, how to choose the HS code?
A: If the wheel hub caps sold through cross-border e-commerce are specially designed for motor vehicles, they should be classified under 870873. Note that the first 6 digits of HS codes may be the same in different countries, but the latter digits may differ. It is recommended to confirm the complete code according to the destination country's customs requirements.
Q: Are wheel hub caps and wheel decorative covers the same thing?
A: Usually wheel hub caps are wheel decorative covers, but strictly speaking, a hub cap may cover the entire hub, while a decorative cover may only cover part. In HS classification, both are classified under 870873, as long as they are specially designed for motor vehicles.
Q: If the wheel hub cap is a universal part that may be used for multiple vehicles, how to classify it?
A: As long as it is mainly used for motor vehicles, it is still classified under 870873. But if it can be used for non-motor vehicles or general machinery, it may be classified by material. It is recommended to provide applicable vehicle model information to prove its specificity.
⚠️ 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.