Chapter 87 is the major category in the HS classification system for 'Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof'. This chapter covers various types of land vehicles from motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles to bicycles, as well as their specialized parts and accessories. As a key component of the automobile suspension system, the suspension ball joint belongs to parts of motor vehicles and is therefore classified under this chapter. Heading 8708 covers 'Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705'. This includes parts such as braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. The suspension ball joint is a component of the suspension system, used to connect the control arm and the steering knuckle, and therefore falls under heading 8708. Code 870884 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '87' represent Chapter 87 Vehicles and their parts; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 8708, i.e., parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6 '84' is the subheading, specifically 'Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock-absorbers)'. As a part of the suspension system, the suspension ball joint is classified under this subheading. Note: Subheading 8708.84 is specifically set for suspension systems and parts thereof, while other parts such as brakes are classified under 8708.30, gearboxes under 8708.40, etc. The suspension ball joint is a specialized part of the suspension system, used to connect the suspension control arm and the wheel steering knuckle, and is part of the suspension system. It is not classified under 8708.94 (steering system) because its function is suspension rather than steering; nor under 8708.99 (other parts) because the suspension system has a dedicated subheading 8708.84. Therefore, classification under 8708.84 is the most accurate.
Chapter
Chapter 87 is the major category in the HS classification system for 'Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof'. This chapter covers various types of land vehicles from motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles to bicycles, as well as their specialized parts and accessories. As a key component of the automobile suspension system, the suspension ball joint belongs to parts of motor vehicles and is therefore classified under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers 'Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705'. This includes parts such as braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, etc. The suspension ball joint is a component of the suspension system, used to connect the control arm and the steering knuckle, and therefore falls under heading 8708.
Digit Breakdown
Code 870884 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '87' represent Chapter 87 Vehicles and their parts; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 8708, i.e., parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6 '84' is the subheading, specifically 'Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock-absorbers)'. As a part of the suspension system, the suspension ball joint is classified under this subheading. Note: Subheading 8708.84 is specifically set for suspension systems and parts thereof, while other parts such as brakes are classified under 8708.30, gearboxes under 8708.40, etc.
Classification Basis
The suspension ball joint is a specialized part of the suspension system, used to connect the suspension control arm and the wheel steering knuckle, and is part of the suspension system. It is not classified under 8708.94 (steering system) because its function is suspension rather than steering; nor under 8708.99 (other parts) because the suspension system has a dedicated subheading 8708.84. Therefore, classification under 8708.84 is the most accurate.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language name of the declared commodity, which should accurately describe the commodity, such as 'suspension ball joint'. Brand: Fill in the commodity brand, such as 'Mercedes-Benz', 'BMW' or 'No Brand'. Brand is important information for customs valuation and intellectual property protection. Model: Fill in the commodity model or part number, such as '123 456 78 90'. The model helps customs confirm commodity classification and value. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the automobile brand, model and year to which the part applies, such as 'suitable for Toyota Corolla 2015-2020'. Material: Fill in the main material, such as 'steel', 'aluminum alloy', etc. Material affects classification (e.g., whether it is a base metal article) and tax rate. Use: Explain the commodity use, such as 'used in automobile suspension systems, connecting the control arm and steering knuckle'. Processing Technique: Briefly describe the processing technique, such as 'forging, machining, heat treatment'. This helps determine whether it is a finished part. Whether It Is an Assembly: Indicate whether it is an assembly, such as 'complete ball joint with ball stud, dust boot, and circlip'. The classification of assemblies and loose parts may differ. Product Name: Suspension ball joint; Brand: TRW; Model: JBJ123; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Passat 2012-2018; Material: Alloy steel; Use: Used in automobile suspension systems, connecting the control arm and steering knuckle; Processing Technique: Forging, machining, heat treatment; Whether It Is an Assembly: Yes, including ball stud, dust boot, and circlip. Mistakenly classifying the suspension ball joint under the steering system (8708.94), because its name contains 'ball joint' and is easily confused with the steering ball joint. Failing to provide the applicable vehicle model, causing customs to be unable to determine whether it is a specialized part, which may affect classification. False material declaration, such as writing cast iron as alloy steel, which may trigger classification or anti-dumping risks.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language name of the declared commodity, which should accurately describe the commodity, such as 'suspension ball joint'.
⚠️ Writing only 'ball joint' or 'auto parts', which is too general and does not reflect the suspension system use.
Brand
Fill in the commodity brand, such as 'Mercedes-Benz', 'BMW' or 'No Brand'. Brand is important information for customs valuation and intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in incompletely, such as writing only 'BOSCH' without the Chinese translation.
Model
Fill in the commodity model or part number, such as '123 456 78 90'. The model helps customs confirm commodity classification and value.
⚠️ Incorrect model entry or inconsistency with the actual item, leading to classification disputes.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the automobile brand, model and year to which the part applies, such as 'suitable for Toyota Corolla 2015-2020'.
⚠️ Failing to fill in the applicable vehicle model, or filling in too broad a range, such as 'suitable for all models'.
Material
Fill in the main material, such as 'steel', 'aluminum alloy', etc. Material affects classification (e.g., whether it is a base metal article) and tax rate.
⚠️ Inaccurate material entry, such as writing alloy steel as stainless steel.
Use
Explain the commodity use, such as 'used in automobile suspension systems, connecting the control arm and steering knuckle'.
⚠️ Vague use description, such as 'for automobiles', without specifying the suspension system.
Processing Technique
Briefly describe the processing technique, such as 'forging, machining, heat treatment'. This helps determine whether it is a finished part.
⚠️ Failing to fill in the processing technique, or filling in too simply, such as 'processing'.
Whether It Is an Assembly
Indicate whether it is an assembly, such as 'complete ball joint with ball stud, dust boot, and circlip'. The classification of assemblies and loose parts may differ.
⚠️ Declaring loose parts as an assembly, or vice versa, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product Name: Suspension ball joint; Brand: TRW; Model: JBJ123; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Passat 2012-2018; Material: Alloy steel; Use: Used in automobile suspension systems, connecting the control arm and steering knuckle; Processing Technique: Forging, machining, heat treatment; Whether It Is an Assembly: Yes, including ball stud, dust boot, and circlip.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying the suspension ball joint under the steering system (8708.94), because its name contains 'ball joint' and is easily confused with the steering ball joint.
Failing to provide the applicable vehicle model, causing customs to be unable to determine whether it is a specialized part, which may affect classification.
False material declaration, such as writing cast iron as alloy steel, which may trigger classification or anti-dumping risks.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6. The suspension ball joint is a specialized part of the motor vehicle suspension system, conforming to the description of heading 8708 'Parts and accessories of motor vehicles', and subheading 8708.84 explicitly lists 'Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock-absorbers)'. Therefore, according to its function, use and structure, it should be classified under 8708.84. Note that if the ball joint is used in the steering system (such as a steering tie rod ball joint), it should be classified under 8708.94; if it is a general-purpose part, it may be classified under other headings. 8708.94 Steering system parts: Steering system parts are used to change the vehicle's direction of travel, such as steering tie rod ball joints, steering gears, etc.; the suspension ball joint is used to connect suspension components and maintain wheel alignment, belonging to the suspension system. 8708.99 Other parts: 8708.99 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. The suspension ball joint is not classified here because there is a dedicated subheading 8708.84. 8708.50 Drive axle parts: Drive axle parts include differentials, half-shafts, etc., used to transmit power; the suspension ball joint does not transmit power and only serves to connect and support. 7318.15 Bolts and similar articles: If the ball joint is imported separately as a general-purpose fastener, it may be classified under 7318; but as a specialized part of the suspension system, it already has the character of a vehicle part and should be classified under 8708.84. Confirm whether the commodity is used in the suspension system, not the steering system. Confirm whether the commodity is specialized for motor vehicles, not a general-purpose mechanical part. Confirm whether the commodity includes a complete structure such as ball stud and dust boot. Confirm whether the commodity material is base metal and whether it affects classification. Confirm whether the commodity fully matches the description of subheading 8708.84.
Basis
The core basis for classification is General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6. The suspension ball joint is a specialized part of the motor vehicle suspension system, conforming to the description of heading 8708 'Parts and accessories of motor vehicles', and subheading 8708.84 explicitly lists 'Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock-absorbers)'. Therefore, according to its function, use and structure, it should be classified under 8708.84. Note that if the ball joint is used in the steering system (such as a steering tie rod ball joint), it should be classified under 8708.94; if it is a general-purpose part, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
8708.94 - Steering system parts
Steering system parts are used to change the vehicle's direction of travel, such as steering tie rod ball joints, steering gears, etc.; the suspension ball joint is used to connect suspension components and maintain wheel alignment, belonging to the suspension system.
8708.99 - Other parts
8708.99 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified. The suspension ball joint is not classified here because there is a dedicated subheading 8708.84.
8708.50 - Drive axle parts
Drive axle parts include differentials, half-shafts, etc., used to transmit power; the suspension ball joint does not transmit power and only serves to connect and support.
7318.15 - Bolts and similar articles
If the ball joint is imported separately as a general-purpose fastener, it may be classified under 7318; but as a specialized part of the suspension system, it already has the character of a vehicle part and should be classified under 8708.84.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is used in the suspension system, not the steering system.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is specialized for motor vehicles, not a general-purpose mechanical part.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity includes a complete structure such as ball stud and dust boot.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity material is base metal and whether it affects classification.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity fully matches the description of subheading 8708.84.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between suspension ball joints and steering ball joints? Suspension ball joints are classified under 8708.84 (suspension system parts), while steering ball joints are classified under 8708.94 (steering system parts). Their functions differ: suspension ball joints are used to connect the control arm and steering knuckle and maintain wheel alignment; steering ball joints are used in steering tie rods to transmit steering force. When declaring, accurate classification should be made according to actual use. If suspension ball joints are imported as loose parts, how should they be declared? If loose suspension ball joints already have the character of complete parts, they are still classified under 8708.84. However, if they are only semi-finished or unassembled, they may need to be classified by material (e.g., iron or steel under 7326). It is recommended to provide processing technique and structural description so that customs can determine. Among the declaration elements for suspension ball joints, which are most prone to error? Common errors include: missing brand and model, non-specific applicable vehicle model, false material declaration, and vague use description. These errors may lead to classification disputes, valuation challenges, or customs clearance delays. It is recommended to fill in each item strictly according to the customs declaration requirements. How can I check the import tax rate for suspension ball joints? You can use the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Single Window', or professional tariff query tools, enter HS code 870884, and check the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should prevail. Do suspension ball joints require import commodity inspection? According to the Law on Import and Export Commodity Inspection, auto parts may involve safety and environmental protection items and may require statutory inspection. For details, check the Catalogue of Commodities Subject to Statutory Inspection issued by the General Administration of Customs. If not in the catalogue, statutory inspection is not required, but other regulatory conditions must still be met. For cross-border e-commerce sales of suspension ball joints, how should the HS code be declared? Cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods also need to declare an HS code. Suspension ball joints should be declared under 870884. Note that cross-border e-commerce has a positive list restriction; if not on the list, import through this channel is not allowed. It is recommended to check the list in advance. Does classification under 8708.84 apply to all vehicles for suspension ball joints? 8708.84 applies to suspension system parts of vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, including automobiles, tractors, motorcycles, etc. However, motorcycle suspension ball joints may be classified under 8714, depending on the vehicle type. If the suspension ball joint has an electronic sensor, will the classification change? If it has an electronic sensor, it may form part of an electronically controlled suspension system, but it is still classified under 8708.84 because the subheading covers suspension systems and parts thereof. However, if the sensor is imported separately, it may be classified under 8543 or 9032.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between suspension ball joints and steering ball joints?
A: Suspension ball joints are classified under 8708.84 (suspension system parts), while steering ball joints are classified under 8708.94 (steering system parts). Their functions differ: suspension ball joints are used to connect the control arm and steering knuckle and maintain wheel alignment; steering ball joints are used in steering tie rods to transmit steering force. When declaring, accurate classification should be made according to actual use.
Q: If suspension ball joints are imported as loose parts, how should they be declared?
A: If loose suspension ball joints already have the character of complete parts, they are still classified under 8708.84. However, if they are only semi-finished or unassembled, they may need to be classified by material (e.g., iron or steel under 7326). It is recommended to provide processing technique and structural description so that customs can determine.
Q: Among the declaration elements for suspension ball joints, which are most prone to error?
A: Common errors include: missing brand and model, non-specific applicable vehicle model, false material declaration, and vague use description. These errors may lead to classification disputes, valuation challenges, or customs clearance delays. It is recommended to fill in each item strictly according to the customs declaration requirements.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for suspension ball joints?
A: You can use the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Single Window', or professional tariff query tools, enter HS code 870884, and check the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should prevail.
Q: Do suspension ball joints require import commodity inspection?
A: According to the Law on Import and Export Commodity Inspection, auto parts may involve safety and environmental protection items and may require statutory inspection. For details, check the Catalogue of Commodities Subject to Statutory Inspection issued by the General Administration of Customs. If not in the catalogue, statutory inspection is not required, but other regulatory conditions must still be met.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of suspension ball joints, how should the HS code be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods also need to declare an HS code. Suspension ball joints should be declared under 870884. Note that cross-border e-commerce has a positive list restriction; if not on the list, import through this channel is not allowed. It is recommended to check the list in advance.
Q: Does classification under 8708.84 apply to all vehicles for suspension ball joints?
A: 8708.84 applies to suspension system parts of vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, including automobiles, tractors, motorcycles, etc. However, motorcycle suspension ball joints may be classified under 8714, depending on the vehicle type.
Q: If the suspension ball joint has an electronic sensor, will the classification change?
A: If it has an electronic sensor, it may form part of an electronically controlled suspension system, but it is still classified under 8708.84 because the subheading covers suspension systems and parts thereof. However, if the sensor is imported separately, it may be classified under 8543 or 9032.
⚠️ 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.