HS Code: 870880
Suspension systems and their parts.
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 87 covers various land motor vehicles other than railway vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, wheelchairs, etc., and their parts and accessories. It includes finished vehicles (such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles) as well as parts dedicated to or mainly used for these vehicles (such as engines, gearboxes, suspension systems, braking systems, etc.). However, it does not include certain general-purpose parts (such as bearings, motors) or products used in other chapters.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, specifically including: bumpers and parts thereof, body parts, braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, non-drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, radiators, silencers, exhaust pipes, clutches, steering wheels, steering columns, steering gears, and other parts and accessories not elsewhere specified. However, this heading applies only to parts dedicated to or mainly used for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870880 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87: Vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway or tramway rolling stock. Digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 8708: Parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Digits 5-6 "80" represent subheading 870880: Suspension systems and parts thereof. Among these, suspension systems include shock absorbers, suspension springs, stabilizer bars, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and other components dedicated to suspension. Note: If parts of suspension systems are declared separately, as long as they are clearly dedicated to suspension systems, they are also classified under this subheading.
Classification Basis
This commodity is suspension systems and parts thereof, dedicated to motor vehicles (such as passenger cars, trucks), which conforms to the description of heading 8708 "parts of motor vehicles." Suspension systems do not belong to specific parts of other headings (such as braking systems under 8708.30, gearboxes under 8708.40), and are therefore classified under 8708.80. If they are general-purpose springs (not dedicated to vehicles), they should be classified under Chapter 73; if they are motorcycle suspensions, they should be classified under 8714.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "shock absorber for automobile suspension system," "front suspension control arm," etc. It is necessary to clarify whether it is a complete suspension system or a part.
⚠️ Writing only "suspension" or "auto parts," which is too general.
Use
Explain what type of vehicle the commodity is used for, such as "for small passenger cars," "for heavy trucks," and it must correspond to the vehicle type.
⚠️ Writing "for automobiles" without specifying the type, which may cause classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the commodity brand, such as "Toyota," "Volkswagen," or "No Brand." If there is no brand, it must be noted.
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the vehicle brand, or omitting to fill in no brand.
Model
Fill in the commodity model or part number, such as "ABC-123," to facilitate identification of specific specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistency with the actual item.
Material
Main material, such as "steel," "aluminum," "rubber + steel." For suspension parts, the main material must be stated.
⚠️ Writing only "metal," without distinguishing steel, aluminum, etc.
Applicable Vehicle Model
The specific applicable vehicle model or series, such as "applicable to Toyota Corolla 2018 model."
⚠️ Filling in "universal" or "multiple vehicle models," which may lead to unclear classification.
Whether Assembly
State whether it is a suspension system assembly or a separate part, such as "shock absorber assembly" or "suspension spring."
⚠️ Misreporting a part as an assembly, or vice versa.
OEM or Aftermarket Part
Indicate whether it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket (after-sales market) part. Does this affect price and classification? But classification mainly depends on use.
⚠️ Ignoring this information, but customs may require it.
Example:
Product Name: Shock absorber for automobile suspension system; Use: For small passenger cars; Brand: KYB; Model: 341234; Material: Steel cylinder + rubber; Applicable Vehicle Model: Toyota Corolla 2018 model; Whether Assembly: Single shock absorber; OEM or Aftermarket Part: Aftermarket part.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The commodity must be dedicated to or mainly used for motor vehicles of headings 8701-8705; 2) The commodity must be a suspension system or parts thereof, including shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars, control arms, etc.; 3) If the commodity is a general-purpose part (such as a standard spring), even if it can be used for vehicles, it is not classified under this code; 4) If the commodity is a motorcycle suspension, it should be classified under 8714; 5) If the commodity is an electronic control unit for a suspension system, it may be classified under 8708.99 or 8543.
Confused Codes:
870830 - Braking systems and parts thereof
Braking systems include brake pads, brake discs, brake calipers, etc., while suspension systems include shock absorbers, springs, etc. The two have different functions, but may appear similar (such as certain brackets), and judgment should be based on use.
870840 - Gearboxes and parts thereof
Gearboxes are used for transmission, while suspensions are used for support and shock absorption. Gearbox parts such as gears, shafts, etc., are clearly different from suspension parts such as control arms.
870899 - Other parts and accessories
This code is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. If suspension system parts are already clearly under 870880, they should not be classified under 870899. However, if they are electronic sensors for suspension systems, they may be classified under 870899.
871410 - Motorcycle parts
Motorcycle suspension systems are classified under 8714.10, not 8708.80. The difference lies in the vehicle type: 8708 is for motor vehicles (passenger cars, trucks, etc.), and 8714 is for motorcycles and bicycles.
732020 - Iron or steel helical springs
General-purpose helical springs are classified under 7320, even if they can be used for vehicles. However, if the spring is dedicated to vehicle suspension and forms an assembly with other components, it is classified under 870880. Separately declared suspension springs that are clearly dedicated to vehicles are still classified under 870880.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to query the tariff rate for 870880?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, country of origin, etc. It is recommended to query the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or professional customs declaration software. Also note whether free trade agreement rates apply.
Q: Which code should an electronic control unit for a suspension system be classified under?
A: If the electronic control unit is dedicated to a suspension system and is part of the suspension system, it is usually classified under 870880. However, if it is a general-purpose controller, it may be classified under 870899 or 8543. Judgment should be based on specific functions and specificity.
Q: Are automobile shock absorbers always classified under 870880?
A: Yes, shock absorbers are core components of suspension systems, dedicated to motor vehicles, and should be classified under 870880. However, if they are motorcycle shock absorbers, they are classified under 871410.
Q: How to distinguish suspension springs from general-purpose springs?
A: Suspension springs usually have specific dimensions, shapes, and mounting interfaces, and are dedicated to specific vehicle models; general-purpose springs are standard parts that can be used in various machines. If a spring is clearly dedicated to vehicle suspension, it is classified under 870880; otherwise, it is classified under 7320.
Q: What are the risks of incomplete declaration elements at customs declaration?
A: It may lead to customs rejection, inspection, classification disputes, or even fines. It is recommended to completely fill in the product name, use, brand, model, material, applicable vehicle model, etc., to ensure consistency with the actual item.
Q: Are suspension system assemblies and parts classified the same?
A: Both are classified under 870880, but when declaring, it is necessary to indicate whether it is an assembly or a part for customs statistics and valuation. Assemblies may involve higher value and require a detailed list.
Q: How to classify imported used suspension system parts?
A: They are still classified under 870880, but note that used parts may involve import prohibitions or restrictions. When declaring, it is necessary to indicate "used" and the condition, and provide relevant certificates.
Q: How to declare suspension system parts if they are used for multiple vehicle models?
A: The main applicable vehicle model should be declared, and "universal" or "applicable to multiple vehicle models" should be noted. If it cannot be determined, it is recommended to provide technical documentation to prove that it is dedicated to motor vehicle suspension systems.
⚠️ 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.