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, trucks, motorcycles), non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles, horse-drawn carriages), and parts and accessories specially designed or mainly used for these vehicles. Wheel balance weights, as key accessories of the vehicle running system, are used to correct wheel dynamic balance and fall within the scope of parts and accessories of this chapter. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including parts and accessories of vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705 (such as tractors, passenger vehicles, freight vehicles, special-purpose vehicles). Parts under this heading must be specially designed or mainly used for the above motor vehicles, rather than general-purpose mechanical parts. Wheel balance weights, as counterweight components installed on rims, are specially used for dynamic balance correction of motor vehicle wheels, and are therefore classified under this heading. HS code 870875 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '87' represent Chapter 87 vehicles and their parts and accessories; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 8708, i.e., parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6 '75' represent subheading 8708.75, specifically 'wheel balance weights'. In the HS classification system, subheadings further subdivide part types, and wheel balance weights, due to their clear function and independence from other parts, are listed as a separate subheading. Wheel balance weights are specially used for motor vehicle wheels, correcting dynamic balance through counterweighting, and belong to accessories of the vehicle running system. They are not classified under Chapter 73 iron and steel articles because they are not general-purpose iron and steel items but are specially used for vehicles; nor under Chapter 40 rubber articles, even if some contain a rubber layer, their core function is still vehicle counterweighting. Therefore, according to the principle of being specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicle parts, they are classified under 8708.75.
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, trucks, motorcycles), non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles, horse-drawn carriages), and parts and accessories specially designed or mainly used for these vehicles. Wheel balance weights, as key accessories of the vehicle running system, are used to correct wheel dynamic balance and fall within the scope of parts and accessories of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including parts and accessories of vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705 (such as tractors, passenger vehicles, freight vehicles, special-purpose vehicles). Parts under this heading must be specially designed or mainly used for the above motor vehicles, rather than general-purpose mechanical parts. Wheel balance weights, as counterweight components installed on rims, are specially used for dynamic balance correction of motor vehicle wheels, and are therefore classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 870875 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '87' represent Chapter 87 vehicles and their parts and accessories; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 8708, i.e., parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6 '75' represent subheading 8708.75, specifically 'wheel balance weights'. In the HS classification system, subheadings further subdivide part types, and wheel balance weights, due to their clear function and independence from other parts, are listed as a separate subheading.
Classification Basis
Wheel balance weights are specially used for motor vehicle wheels, correcting dynamic balance through counterweighting, and belong to accessories of the vehicle running system. They are not classified under Chapter 73 iron and steel articles because they are not general-purpose iron and steel items but are specially used for vehicles; nor under Chapter 40 rubber articles, even if some contain a rubber layer, their core function is still vehicle counterweighting. Therefore, according to the principle of being specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicle parts, they are classified under 8708.75.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'wheel balance weight' or 'automotive wheel balance weight'. Material: The main material of the declared balance weight, such as lead, zinc, steel, iron, or composite materials. Material affects classification and environmental requirements. Brand: The brand or trademark of the declared commodity. If no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Brand affects customs intellectual property protection. Model: The model or specification of the declared commodity, such as weight specifications like '5g', '10g', or applicable rim size. Applicable Vehicle Type: The vehicle type to which the balance weight applies, such as 'car', 'truck', 'motorcycle', must be consistent with the scope of heading 8708. Installation Method: The installation method of the declared balance weight, such as 'adhesive', 'knock-on', 'clip-on', affects function determination. Lead Content: Whether the product contains lead. Lead-containing products must comply with environmental regulations and import/export restrictions. Purpose: The specific purpose of the declared commodity, such as 'used for wheel dynamic balance correction', must clearly indicate its dedicated use for vehicles. Product Name: Wheel Balance Weight; Material: Lead; Brand: ABC; Model: 5g; Applicable Vehicle Type: Car; Installation Method: Adhesive; Lead Content: Yes; Purpose: Used for wheel dynamic balance correction. Material declaration is untrue, such as declaring lead as iron, which may involve environmental violations and classification errors. Failure to specify the applicable vehicle type, leading to misclassification under other headings such as 8708.99 (other parts). Omission of brand and model, affecting customs intellectual property protection and subsequent traceability.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'wheel balance weight' or 'automotive wheel balance weight'.
⚠️ Incorrect declaration as vague names such as 'counterweight', 'iron block', etc., leading to classification disputes.
Material
The main material of the declared balance weight, such as lead, zinc, steel, iron, or composite materials. Material affects classification and environmental requirements.
⚠️ Only declaring 'metal' without specifying, or concealing lead-containing materials to evade environmental supervision.
Brand
The brand or trademark of the declared commodity. If no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Brand affects customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Failing to truthfully declare the brand, or infringing on others' trademark rights.
Model
The model or specification of the declared commodity, such as weight specifications like '5g', '10g', or applicable rim size.
⚠️ Incomplete model declaration, resulting in inability to correspond to actual goods.
Applicable Vehicle Type
The vehicle type to which the balance weight applies, such as 'car', 'truck', 'motorcycle', must be consistent with the scope of heading 8708.
⚠️ Declaring as 'universal' or not specifying the vehicle type, which may lead to misclassification under other headings.
Installation Method
The installation method of the declared balance weight, such as 'adhesive', 'knock-on', 'clip-on', affects function determination.
⚠️ Not declaring the installation method, resulting in inability to confirm whether it is dedicated to wheels.
Lead Content
Whether the product contains lead. Lead-containing products must comply with environmental regulations and import/export restrictions.
⚠️ Concealing lead content, violating environmental requirements.
Purpose
The specific purpose of the declared commodity, such as 'used for wheel dynamic balance correction', must clearly indicate its dedicated use for vehicles.
⚠️ Too broad a purpose description, such as 'counterweight', easily misclassified under other chapters.
Example： Product Name: Wheel Balance Weight; Material: Lead; Brand: ABC; Model: 5g; Applicable Vehicle Type: Car; Installation Method: Adhesive; Lead Content: Yes; Purpose: Used for wheel dynamic balance correction.
Common Mistakes：
Material declaration is untrue, such as declaring lead as iron, which may involve environmental violations and classification errors.
Failure to specify the applicable vehicle type, leading to misclassification under other headings such as 8708.99 (other parts).
Omission of brand and model, affecting customs intellectual property protection and subsequent traceability.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. Wheel balance weights must be specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicles (headings 8701-8705), and their function is to correct wheel dynamic balance. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, they should be classified under subheading 8708.75. If the product can be used universally for other machinery, it is not classified under this heading. Material should also be considered, but material does not affect subheading division. 8708.99 Other parts and accessories of motor vehicles: 8708.99 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. Wheel balance weights are already named under 8708.75, so they are not classified under 8708.99. 7326.90 Other articles of iron or steel: 7326.90 is for general iron and steel articles. If the balance weight is not dedicated to vehicles, it might be classified here. But wheel balance weights are dedicated to vehicles, so they are classified under 8708.75. 4016.99 Other articles of vulcanized rubber: Some balance weights contain a rubber layer, but the core function is counterweighting, and they are dedicated to vehicles, so they are not classified as rubber articles. 8505.19 Other permanent magnets: If the balance weight contains magnetism, but the main function is not as a magnet but as a counterweight, it is not classified under 8505. 8714.99 Parts and accessories of motorcycles: If the balance weight is dedicated to motorcycles, it should be classified under 8714.99; but if it is universal or mainly used for automobiles, it is classified under 8708.75. Is the product specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicles? Is the product's function to correct wheel dynamic balance? Does the material affect classification? Have other heading names been excluded? Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. Wheel balance weights must be specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicles (headings 8701-8705), and their function is to correct wheel dynamic balance. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, they should be classified under subheading 8708.75. If the product can be used universally for other machinery, it is not classified under this heading. Material should also be considered, but material does not affect subheading division.
Confused Codes：
8708.99 - Other parts and accessories of motor vehicles
8708.99 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. Wheel balance weights are already named under 8708.75, so they are not classified under 8708.99.
7326.90 - Other articles of iron or steel
7326.90 is for general iron and steel articles. If the balance weight is not dedicated to vehicles, it might be classified here. But wheel balance weights are dedicated to vehicles, so they are classified under 8708.75.
4016.99 - Other articles of vulcanized rubber
Some balance weights contain a rubber layer, but the core function is counterweighting, and they are dedicated to vehicles, so they are not classified as rubber articles.
8505.19 - Other permanent magnets
If the balance weight contains magnetism, but the main function is not as a magnet but as a counterweight, it is not classified under 8505.
8714.99 - Parts and accessories of motorcycles
If the balance weight is dedicated to motorcycles, it should be classified under 8714.99; but if it is universal or mainly used for automobiles, it is classified under 8708.75.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicles?
✓ Is the product's function to correct wheel dynamic balance?
✓ Does the material affect classification?
✓ Have other heading names been excluded?
✓ Are the declaration elements complete and accurate?
❓ FAQ
Why are wheel balance weights classified under 8708.75 instead of 8708.99? 8708.75 is a named subheading specifically for wheel balance weights, while 8708.99 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, a named subheading should be given priority, so wheel balance weights are classified under 8708.75. What should be noted when declaring lead-containing wheel balance weights? Lead-containing balance weights must truthfully declare the material and lead content, because lead is an environmentally controlled substance and may involve import/export restrictions or require relevant declarations. Concealment may lead to penalties. Are adhesive balance weights and knock-on balance weights classified the same? They are classified the same, both under 8708.75. The installation method does not affect subheading division, but it must be truthfully declared for customs to confirm product attributes. Which code are wheel balance weights for motorcycles classified under? Motorcycle parts are classified under 8714. If the balance weight is dedicated to motorcycles, it should be classified under 8714.99 (other motorcycle parts and accessories). But if the balance weight is universal or mainly used for automobiles, it is classified under 8708.75. How to check the latest tariff rate for wheel balance weights? Tariff rates change. It is recommended to check the latest import tariff rates and regulatory conditions by entering HS code 870875 through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. What regulatory documents are required for exporting wheel balance weights? Generally, no special documents are required for export, but if they contain lead, they may need to comply with environmental requirements. Specific requirements can be checked through customs regulatory conditions or by consulting local customs. If the balance weight material is zinc alloy, does the classification change? The classification remains the same, still under 8708.75. Material does not affect subheading division, but the material must be truthfully declared for customs statistics and supervision. If the balance weight is installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, is the classification different? The classification remains the same. As long as it is specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicles, whether original equipment or aftermarket, it is classified under 8708.75.
Q: Why are wheel balance weights classified under 8708.75 instead of 8708.99?
A: 8708.75 is a named subheading specifically for wheel balance weights, while 8708.99 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, a named subheading should be given priority, so wheel balance weights are classified under 8708.75.
Q: What should be noted when declaring lead-containing wheel balance weights?
A: Lead-containing balance weights must truthfully declare the material and lead content, because lead is an environmentally controlled substance and may involve import/export restrictions or require relevant declarations. Concealment may lead to penalties.
Q: Are adhesive balance weights and knock-on balance weights classified the same?
A: They are classified the same, both under 8708.75. The installation method does not affect subheading division, but it must be truthfully declared for customs to confirm product attributes.
Q: Which code are wheel balance weights for motorcycles classified under?
A: Motorcycle parts are classified under 8714. If the balance weight is dedicated to motorcycles, it should be classified under 8714.99 (other motorcycle parts and accessories). But if the balance weight is universal or mainly used for automobiles, it is classified under 8708.75.
Q: How to check the latest tariff rate for wheel balance weights?
A: Tariff rates change. It is recommended to check the latest import tariff rates and regulatory conditions by entering HS code 870875 through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for exporting wheel balance weights?
A: Generally, no special documents are required for export, but if they contain lead, they may need to comply with environmental requirements. Specific requirements can be checked through customs regulatory conditions or by consulting local customs.
Q: If the balance weight material is zinc alloy, does the classification change?
A: The classification remains the same, still under 8708.75. Material does not affect subheading division, but the material must be truthfully declared for customs statistics and supervision.
Q: If the balance weight is installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, is the classification different?
A: The classification remains the same. As long as it is specially designed or mainly used for motor vehicles, whether original equipment or aftermarket, it is classified under 8708.75.
⚠️ 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.