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), tractors, special-purpose vehicles (such as fire trucks, crane chassis), and their parts and accessories. The headings within the chapter are divided by vehicle type and part function. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles and is one of the most frequently declared headings in international trade customs clearance. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, clutches and their parts, etc. This heading includes not only metal parts but also parts made of plastics, rubber, and other materials, provided they are solely or principally for use with the aforementioned motor vehicles. The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87, vehicles and their parts and accessories; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708, namely parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6, 93, indicate subheading 870893, specifically clutches and their parts. Among these, 870893 is further subdivided into: 87089310 clutch friction plates (linings) and parts, and 87089390 other clutches and their parts. Therefore, the complete 6-digit code 870893 covers clutch assemblies and their dedicated parts, but does not include cases where clutch friction plates are separately listed. The clutch is a core component of a motor vehicle's transmission system, used to connect and disconnect the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox. It is a dedicated part for vehicles of headings 8701-8705 and is therefore classified under 8708. Under 8708, it is further subdivided into multiple subheadings by function, with clutches corresponding to 870893. If a clutch is used for non-motor vehicles (such as agricultural machinery or ships), it may be classified under other chapters.
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), tractors, special-purpose vehicles (such as fire trucks, crane chassis), and their parts and accessories. The headings within the chapter are divided by vehicle type and part function. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles and is one of the most frequently declared headings in international trade customs clearance.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, clutches and their parts, etc. This heading includes not only metal parts but also parts made of plastics, rubber, and other materials, provided they are solely or principally for use with the aforementioned motor vehicles.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87, vehicles and their parts and accessories; digits 3-4, 08, indicate heading 8708, namely parts and accessories of motor vehicles; digits 5-6, 93, indicate subheading 870893, specifically clutches and their parts. Among these, 870893 is further subdivided into: 87089310 clutch friction plates (linings) and parts, and 87089390 other clutches and their parts. Therefore, the complete 6-digit code 870893 covers clutch assemblies and their dedicated parts, but does not include cases where clutch friction plates are separately listed.
Classification Basis
The clutch is a core component of a motor vehicle's transmission system, used to connect and disconnect the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox. It is a dedicated part for vehicles of headings 8701-8705 and is therefore classified under 8708. Under 8708, it is further subdivided into multiple subheadings by function, with clutches corresponding to 870893. If a clutch is used for non-motor vehicles (such as agricultural machinery or ships), it may be classified under other chapters.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "clutch assembly," "clutch pressure plate," "clutch friction plate," etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Brand: Fill in the brand of the commodity, such as "Valeo," "Luk," "Exedy," etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the commodity model or part number, such as "VW-12345," used to identify specific specifications. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the vehicle type or specific model to which the clutch applies, such as "suitable for Volkswagen Passat 1.8T." Material: Main material, such as "steel," "copper alloy," "friction material," etc., which affects classification. Whether Assembly: Indicate whether it is a clutch assembly or a part, such as "assembly" or "part." Part Number: The unique part number provided by the manufacturer, such as "OEM 123456." Product Name: Clutch pressure plate assembly; Brand: Luk; Model: L-12345; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Passat 1.8T; Material: Steel; Whether Assembly: Assembly; Part Number: OEM 06B141025. When declaring clutch friction plates separately, they should be classified under 87089310, not 87089390; attention must be paid to subheading distinction. If the clutch is used for motorcycles, it should be classified under 8714, not 8708; the vehicle type must be confirmed. The applicable vehicle model must be provided at declaration to avoid classification disputes caused by "universal."
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "clutch assembly," "clutch pressure plate," "clutch friction plate," etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "auto parts" without specifying the specific component.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the commodity, such as "Valeo," "Luk," "Exedy," etc. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer name for the brand, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the commodity model or part number, such as "VW-12345," used to identify specific specifications.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the vehicle type or specific model to which the clutch applies, such as "suitable for Volkswagen Passat 1.8T."
⚠️ Only filling in "for automobile use" without specifying the vehicle model.
Material
Main material, such as "steel," "copper alloy," "friction material," etc., which affects classification.
⚠️ Ignoring the friction plate material, leading to classification errors.
Whether Assembly
Indicate whether it is a clutch assembly or a part, such as "assembly" or "part."
⚠️ Misreporting a part as an assembly, affecting regulatory conditions.
Part Number
The unique part number provided by the manufacturer, such as "OEM 123456."
When declaring clutch friction plates separately, they should be classified under 87089310, not 87089390; attention must be paid to subheading distinction.
If the clutch is used for motorcycles, it should be classified under 8714, not 8708; the vehicle type must be confirmed.
The applicable vehicle model must be provided at declaration to avoid classification disputes caused by "universal."
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. The clutch must be solely or principally for motor vehicles of headings 8701-8705 and must be a transmission system component. If the clutch is used for other machinery (such as machine tools), it is classified under 8483. In addition, a distinction must be made between clutch assemblies and parts, as well as between friction plates and other parts. 870840 Gearboxes and their parts: Gearboxes are used to change transmission ratios, while clutches are used to connect/disconnect the engine and gearbox; their functions differ. 870850 Drive axles and their parts: Drive axles include differentials, half-shafts, etc., while clutches are not included. 848330 Bearing housings and sliding bearings: Clutch release bearings may be classified under 8483, but if solely for automobiles, they are classified under 8708. 871410 Motorcycle parts: Motorcycle clutches are classified under 8714, not 8708; judgment must be based on vehicle type. Is it solely for vehicles of headings 8701-8705? Does it belong to a clutch assembly or dedicated parts? Does it include friction plates? If declared separately, it must be classified under 87089310. Is it used for motorcycles or non-motor vehicles? Have declaration elements such as brand, model, and applicable vehicle model been provided?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System. The clutch must be solely or principally for motor vehicles of headings 8701-8705 and must be a transmission system component. If the clutch is used for other machinery (such as machine tools), it is classified under 8483. In addition, a distinction must be made between clutch assemblies and parts, as well as between friction plates and other parts.
Confused Codes：
870840 - Gearboxes and their parts
Gearboxes are used to change transmission ratios, while clutches are used to connect/disconnect the engine and gearbox; their functions differ.
870850 - Drive axles and their parts
Drive axles include differentials, half-shafts, etc., while clutches are not included.
848330 - Bearing housings and sliding bearings
Clutch release bearings may be classified under 8483, but if solely for automobiles, they are classified under 8708.
871410 - Motorcycle parts
Motorcycle clutches are classified under 8714, not 8708; judgment must be based on vehicle type.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it solely for vehicles of headings 8701-8705?
✓ Does it belong to a clutch assembly or dedicated parts?
✓ Does it include friction plates? If declared separately, it must be classified under 87089310.
✓ Is it used for motorcycles or non-motor vehicles?
✓ Have declaration elements such as brand, model, and applicable vehicle model been provided?
❓ FAQ
Which code should clutch friction plates be classified under? Clutch friction plates (linings) and their parts should be classified under 87089310, while other clutch parts are classified under 87089390. If the friction plates are combined with other materials into an assembly, they are classified as an assembly. How can it be determined whether a clutch is for an automobile or a motorcycle? According to vehicle type, automobile clutches are classified under 870893, and motorcycle clutches under 871410. The applicable vehicle model must be provided at declaration, such as "for motorcycle use" or "for automobile use." What is the difference between clutch assemblies and parts at declaration? Assemblies must be declared as "clutch assembly," while parts must be declared by their specific names. Assemblies may involve different regulatory conditions, such as mechanical and electrical product import licenses. What additional requirements are needed for importing used clutches? Used clutches may involve solid waste management and require inspection reports proving they can continue to be used. Some countries prohibit the import of used auto parts, so this must be checked in advance. After a clutch is classified under 8708, how can the tariff rate be checked? You may consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or the website of the General Administration of Customs, and determine the applicable rate based on origin, trade agreements, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted, and the latest announcements shall prevail. If a clutch is used for engineering machinery, is it classified under 8708? If the engineering machinery belongs to headings 8701-8705 (such as crane chassis), it is classified under 8708; if it belongs to heading 8426, etc., it is classified under the corresponding heading. Judgment must be based on vehicle type. Must brand and model be filled in at declaration? Yes, brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs confirm classification and price. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand"; the model must be consistent with the actual goods. If clutch parts contain electronic components, does this affect classification? If the electronic components serve only as auxiliary components, they are still classified as clutch parts; if they constitute an independent function, they may need to be classified as electronic equipment. A specific analysis is required.
Q: Which code should clutch friction plates be classified under?
A: Clutch friction plates (linings) and their parts should be classified under 87089310, while other clutch parts are classified under 87089390. If the friction plates are combined with other materials into an assembly, they are classified as an assembly.
Q: How can it be determined whether a clutch is for an automobile or a motorcycle?
A: According to vehicle type, automobile clutches are classified under 870893, and motorcycle clutches under 871410. The applicable vehicle model must be provided at declaration, such as "for motorcycle use" or "for automobile use."
Q: What is the difference between clutch assemblies and parts at declaration?
A: Assemblies must be declared as "clutch assembly," while parts must be declared by their specific names. Assemblies may involve different regulatory conditions, such as mechanical and electrical product import licenses.
Q: What additional requirements are needed for importing used clutches?
A: Used clutches may involve solid waste management and require inspection reports proving they can continue to be used. Some countries prohibit the import of used auto parts, so this must be checked in advance.
Q: After a clutch is classified under 8708, how can the tariff rate be checked?
A: You may consult the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China or the website of the General Administration of Customs, and determine the applicable rate based on origin, trade agreements, etc. Note that rates may be adjusted, and the latest announcements shall prevail.
Q: If a clutch is used for engineering machinery, is it classified under 8708?
A: If the engineering machinery belongs to headings 8701-8705 (such as crane chassis), it is classified under 8708; if it belongs to heading 8426, etc., it is classified under the corresponding heading. Judgment must be based on vehicle type.
Q: Must brand and model be filled in at declaration?
A: Yes, brand and model are important declaration elements that help customs confirm classification and price. If there is no brand, fill in "no brand"; the model must be consistent with the actual goods.
Q: If clutch parts contain electronic components, does this affect classification?
A: If the electronic components serve only as auxiliary components, they are still classified as clutch parts; if they constitute an independent function, they may need to be classified as electronic equipment. A specific analysis is required.
⚠️ 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.