HS Code: 870883
Suspension control arm
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. It includes motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles), tractors, and parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles. This chapter is a core chapter for the classification of automotive products in international trade, involving the distinction between complete vehicles and parts, and has a significant impact on tariffs, trade controls, and rules of origin.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories specially designed for motor vehicles (8701 to 8705), including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. This heading is one of the most important headings in automotive parts trade, and its subheadings are further divided according to part function or the system to which they belong.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, namely vehicles and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 08: indicates heading 8708, namely parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 83: indicates subheading 8708.83, specifically suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock absorbers). Among these, 8708.83 is further subdivided into suspension shock absorbers and other parts of suspension systems. This code 870883, namely suspension control arm, belongs to other parts of suspension systems.
Classification Basis
The suspension control arm is a key component of a motor vehicle's suspension system, used to connect the wheel to the vehicle frame and control the wheel's trajectory. It is specially designed for motor vehicles, meets the definition of "parts" under heading 8708, and is not listed in other subheadings (such as 8708.80 suspension shock absorbers), and is therefore classified under other parts of suspension systems under 8708.83.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "suspension control arm".
⚠️ Misreporting it as "suspension arm" or "control arm", failing to reflect the specificity of the "suspension system".
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the trader's name as the brand, or omitting the brand and causing customs questioning.
Model
Fill in the specific model or part number of the commodity to distinguish different specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or use of internal codes, resulting in failure to correspond to the actual goods.
Applicable Vehicle Models
Indicate the vehicle brand, model, and year range to which the control arm applies.
⚠️ Only filling in "universal" or "multiple vehicle models" without providing specific applicable information.
Material
Main material, such as aluminum alloy, cast iron, forged steel, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "metal" without distinguishing the specific material.
Whether It Includes a Ball Joint
State whether the control arm includes accessories such as a ball joint or bushing.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, leading to disputes over classification or price review.
Origin
The country or region of manufacture.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the exporting country or transit country, failing to determine according to rules of origin.
GTIN
If there is a Global Trade Item Number, it must be filled in.
⚠️ Leaving it blank when there is no GTIN, but failing to indicate "none".
Example:
Product Name: Suspension Control Arm; Brand: TRW; Model: JTC1234; Applicable Vehicle Models: Toyota Corolla 2014-2019; Material: Forged Steel; Whether It Includes a Ball Joint: Includes ball joint; Origin: Germany; GTIN: 4012345678901.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Classification basis: According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, the suspension control arm belongs to parts of the suspension system of motor vehicles. Heading 8708 covers parts of motor vehicles, and subheading 8708.83 specifically refers to suspension systems and parts thereof. As a component of the suspension system, and not listed under 8708.80 (shock absorbers), the control arm is classified under 8708.83. At the same time, it must be confirmed that it is specially designed or principally designed for vehicles of 87.01-87.05.
Confused Codes:
870880 - Suspension Shock Absorbers
870880 specifically refers to suspension shock absorbers, while the control arm is a structural component, not a shock absorber. If the control arm has a shock-absorbing function, classification should be determined based on its principal function.
870899 - Other Parts of Motor Vehicles
870899 is for other parts not elsewhere specified or included; the control arm is already explicitly listed under 870883, so it is not classified under 870899.
870850 - Drive Axles and Parts Thereof
Drive axle parts involve power transmission, while the control arm belongs to the suspension guide mechanism, with a different function.
870894 - Parts of Steering Systems
Steering system parts such as steering tie rods have different functions from control arms, but sometimes look similar and must be distinguished based on installation position and function.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How are suspension control arms and suspension shock absorbers distinguished in HS codes?
A: Suspension control arms are classified under 870883, and suspension shock absorbers under 870880. The control arm is a guiding structural component, while the shock absorber is a damping element. If the control arm integrates a shock-absorbing function, it should be classified according to its principal function, usually still as a control arm.
Q: How can I inquire about the import tax rate for 870883?
A: You can use the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party inquiry platforms, enter HS code 870883, select the origin and trade mode, and then inquire about the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax. Note that tax rates are adjusted with policy changes and the latest published rates shall prevail.
Q: What are the consequences of filling in the brand and model incorrectly at declaration?
A: It may lead to customs classification doubts, an increased inspection rate, and even administrative penalties for inaccurate declaration. It is recommended to fill in truthfully and retain relevant technical documents for inspection.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for suspension control arms?
A: The export tax rebate rate must be checked according to the latest policy. At present, the rebate rate for auto parts is usually 13%, but it may be adjusted. It is recommended to confirm through the electronic tax bureau or by consulting a professional customs broker.
Q: If the control arm is used for non-motor vehicles, which code should it be classified under?
A: If it is used for non-motor vehicles (such as aircraft or ships), it is classified under the corresponding chapter. For example, aircraft parts are classified under Chapter 88, and ship parts under Chapter 89. Only parts used for vehicles of Chapter 87 are classified under 8708.
Q: What should be noted when selling suspension control arms via cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to ensure the HS code is accurate and to understand the destination country's tariffs and certification requirements. Personal mailing may be subject to personal postal articles tax, but bulk sales must be declared under general trade. It is recommended to prepare product technical parameters and certificate of origin in advance.
Q: Is the classification of suspension control arms affected by material?
A: Material does not affect the HS code, but it may affect the filling in of declaration elements and customs valuation. Whether made of aluminum alloy or steel, as long as it is used for the suspension system of motor vehicles, it is classified under 870883.
Q: How can one determine whether a control arm is specially designed for motor vehicles?
A: Determine based on design, structure, and use. If it can only be used for vehicles of 87.01-87.05 and cannot be used for other machinery, it is considered specially designed. Usually, the list of applicable vehicle models provided by the supplier can serve as evidence.
⚠️ 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.