HS Code: 870882
Suspension spring
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories other than railway or tramway rolling stock, including motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, special-purpose vehicles, etc. The core of this chapter is transport equipment and their dedicated parts, but not all vehicle parts are classified in this chapter; classification depends on the part's use and generality. Suspension springs, as a key component of motor vehicle suspension systems, fall within the dutiable scope of Chapter 87.
Heading
Heading 8708 is specifically for parts and accessories of motor vehicles, covering parts of vehicles listed in headings 8701 to 8705 (such as tractors, passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, special-purpose vehicles). This heading includes components such as braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. However, note that general-purpose springs, if not clearly intended for motor vehicles, may be classified in other chapters. Suspension springs, being dedicated to motor vehicle suspensions, are classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870882 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 'Parts and accessories of motor vehicles'; digits 5-6, 82, are the subheading specifically referring to suspension springs within 'Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock absorbers)'. Note that heading 8708 has multiple subheadings, such as 870810 (bumpers), 870830 (brakes), 870840 (gearboxes), etc. 870882 specifically refers to suspension springs, distinct from shock absorbers (870880) and other suspension components.
Classification Basis
The goods are suspension springs, dedicated to motor vehicle suspension systems, meeting the description of heading 8708 'Parts of motor vehicles'. They are not classified under general-purpose springs of Chapter 73 'Articles of iron or steel' (such as 7320), because 7320 covers all iron or steel springs, but according to the General Rules for Interpretation, parts dedicated to motor vehicles should be classified under Chapter 87. Nor are they classified under 870880 (shock absorbers), because shock absorbers and springs have different functions: springs are elastic elements, while shock absorbers are damping elements.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
Declare the commodity name accurately as 'suspension spring' or the specific type (such as coil spring, leaf spring); avoid writing simply 'spring'
⚠️ Writing only 'spring' without indicating suspension use, leading to classification disputes
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, write 'no brand'; must be consistent with the actual goods
⚠️ Incorrect brand declaration or omission, affecting intellectual property verification
Model
Fill in the specific model or part number for identification and classification
⚠️ Incomplete model or inconsistency with the actual goods
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the applicable motor vehicle type (such as car, truck) and specific model to prove dedication to motor vehicles
⚠️ Failure to fill in the applicable vehicle model, making it impossible to prove dedication to Chapter 87 vehicles
Material
Fill in the spring material, such as spring steel, stainless steel, etc., affecting classification and duty rate
⚠️ Incorrect material declaration, such as declaring spring steel as stainless steel
Use
Clearly state 'for motor vehicle suspension systems', distinguishing from springs for other uses
⚠️ Vague use description, such as 'for machinery', which may lead to classification under Chapter 73
Working Principle
Briefly describe the spring's role in the suspension system, such as supporting the vehicle body and cushioning vibrations
⚠️ Failure to describe the working principle, making it impossible to distinguish from shock absorbers
Whether in Complete Knock-Down Sets
If in complete knock-down sets, indicate so, affecting declaration elements and classification
⚠️ Omission of complete knock-down set information, leading to false declaration
Example:
Product Name: Suspension Spring (Coil Spring); Brand: ABC; Model: XYZ-123; Applicable Vehicle Model: Toyota Corolla 1.8L Sedan; Material: Spring Steel; Use: For motor vehicle suspension system, supporting the vehicle body and cushioning road impacts; Working Principle: Absorbs vibrations through elastic deformation; Whether in Complete Knock-Down Sets: No.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and its notes. Suspension springs are dedicated parts of motor vehicle suspension systems, meeting the description of heading 8708 'Parts and accessories of motor vehicles'. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, they should be classified under subheading 870882. Note that if the spring is a general-purpose part and not clearly intended for motor vehicles, it may be classified under 7320; but if it can be proven to be dedicated to motor vehicles, it should be classified under Chapter 87 preferentially. In addition, shock absorbers and springs have different functions and should be classified separately.
Confused Codes:
7320 - Springs and leaves for springs, of iron or steel
7320 covers all iron or steel springs regardless of use; while 870882 specifically refers to springs for motor vehicle suspension systems. If a spring is dedicated to motor vehicles, it should be classified under 870882.
870880 - Suspension shock absorbers
870880 is for shock absorbers, which dissipate vibration energy through damping; while 870882 is for springs, which store and release energy through elastic deformation. The two have different functions and must not be confused.
870899 - Other parts of motor vehicles
870899 is for other parts not elsewhere specified under heading 8708. Only if suspension springs were not specified in 870882 would they be classified here; but 870882 explicitly includes suspension springs, so they are not classified under 870899.
871690 - Parts of trailers and semi-trailers
871690 applies to parts of trailers and semi-trailers, while 870882 applies to suspension springs of motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks). The applicable vehicle types differ.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: What is the difference in HS codes between suspension springs and shock absorbers?
A: Suspension springs are classified under 870882, and shock absorbers under 870880. Springs are elastic elements that absorb vibrations through deformation; shock absorbers are damping elements that dissipate vibration energy through fluid resistance. They have different roles in the suspension system and must be distinguished by function during classification.
Q: How to determine whether a spring is classified under 7320 or 870882?
A: The key is whether it is dedicated to motor vehicles. If the spring is a general-purpose part not clearly intended for motor vehicles, it is classified under 7320; if evidence can be provided (such as applicable vehicle model, part number) proving dedication to motor vehicle suspension systems, it is classified under 870882. It is recommended to keep technical documentation for customs verification.
Q: What declaration elements must be provided when declaring suspension springs?
A: Product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, use, working principle, etc. must be provided. Among these, the applicable vehicle model and use are crucial to prove dedication to motor vehicles. If in complete knock-down sets, this must also be indicated.
Q: How to check the duty rate for suspension springs?
A: Duty rates are adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to obtain the latest rate by entering HS code 870882 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Also pay attention to free trade agreement rates, which may offer preferences if applicable.
Q: What are common customs classification errors when importing suspension springs?
A: Common errors include: mistakenly classifying suspension springs under 7320 (iron or steel springs); confusing them with shock absorbers and classifying under 870880; failing to provide the applicable vehicle model, making it impossible to prove dedication; incorrect material declaration. It is recommended to prepare detailed technical documentation in advance to ensure accurate classification.
Q: How to correctly declare the HS code for suspension springs sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual use of the goods. If the suspension spring is dedicated to motor vehicles, it should be declared under 870882. Elements such as product name, brand, model, and applicable vehicle model must be provided. Note that declaration requirements differ for personal items and commercial express shipments; consulting a customs broker is recommended.
Q: Is the classification of suspension springs affected by material?
A: Material is one reference factor for classification, but use is the primary basis. Iron or steel springs dedicated to motor vehicles are classified under 870882; if made of other materials (such as plastic), they may be classified under other chapters. However, motor vehicle suspension springs are usually made of iron or steel, so 870882 is most common.
Q: How to distinguish suspension springs from other suspension system parts?
A: Suspension systems include springs, shock absorbers, control arms, stabilizer bars, etc. Springs are classified under 870882, shock absorbers under 870880, and other parts may be classified under 870899. Classification should be determined based on the part name and function to ensure accuracy.
⚠️ 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.