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 vehicles), and parts and accessories thereof. Airbags, as core components of passive safety systems in automobiles, are dedicated vehicle parts and therefore classified in this chapter. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles (headings 8701 to 8705), including braking systems, transmissions, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, airbags, etc. This heading is the core heading for the classification of automotive parts, with a broad scope, but is limited to parts solely or principally used in motor vehicles; general-purpose parts are classified according to their material. First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, vehicles and their parts and accessories (excluding railway vehicles). 3rd-4th digits 08: indicates heading 8708, parts and accessories of motor vehicles. 5th-6th digits 95: indicates subheading 8708.95, specifically referring to airbags and their parts. In the HS classification, heading 8708 is further subdivided; 8708.95 is a subheading newly added in the 2017 edition, separating airbags from other parts for statistical and regulatory purposes. Airbags are safety devices dedicated to motor vehicles, functioning to protect occupants during collisions, and are dedicated vehicle parts. They do not fall within heading 8707 (bodies) or 8709 (tractors), nor are they general-purpose mechanical parts (such as Chapter 84). Therefore, according to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, they are classified under 8708.95.

Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as 'airbag' or 'airbag parts', avoiding colloquial terms such as 'air cushion'. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer brand of the airbag, such as 'TAKATA', 'AUTOLIV', etc. If no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the specific model or part number of the airbag, such as '34012345', 'AB-1234'. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the car brand and model to which the airbag applies, such as 'Toyota Corolla 2018'. Part Number: The unique part number provided by the manufacturer to identify the specific part. Material: Describe the main materials of the airbag, such as 'nylon fabric', 'metal housing', etc. Function: Briefly explain the function of the airbag, such as 'deploys during collision to protect occupants'. Contains Gas Generator: Declare whether the airbag contains a gas generator and the type of generator (such as pyrotechnic, hybrid). Product Name: Airbag; Brand: TAKATA; Model: 34012345; Applicable Vehicle Model: Toyota Corolla 2018; Part Number: AB-1234; Material: Nylon fabric + steel housing; Function: Deploys during collision to protect occupants; Contains Gas Generator: Yes, pyrotechnic. Ignoring the declaration of the gas generator may involve dangerous goods regulation, leading to customs inspection delays. Classifying airbags as body accessories (8708.29) or brake parts (8708.30), resulting in classification errors. Failure to provide applicable vehicle model and part number affects customs' determination of classification and subsequent traceability.

Core classification criteria: Airbags must be solely or principally used in motor vehicles (Chapter 87) and not be goods more specifically named in other headings. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, subheading 8708.95 explicitly includes airbags and their parts. If airbags are used as independent devices for non-vehicles (such as aircraft), they are classified in Chapter 88; if they are general-purpose machinery, they are classified in Chapter 84. 8708.29 Other parts of bodies: 8708.29 covers body accessories such as bumpers, doors, etc., while airbags are independent safety devices with different functions, and 8708.95 is a specific subheading, which should take precedence. 8708.30 Brakes and parts thereof: Brakes belong to the braking system, while airbags belong to the passive safety system. They have different functions, and classification should be based on the primary function. 8708.99 Other parts: 8708.99 is a residual subheading, used only when parts are not named in other subheadings of 8708. Airbags are already named in 8708.95, so they are not classified in 8708.99. 8803.90 Parts for aircraft: If airbags are dedicated for aircraft, they are classified in 8803.90; but automotive airbags must be classified in 8708.95. Confirm whether the commodity is solely used in motor vehicles? Confirm whether it contains a gas generator? Confirm whether it is already named in other subheadings of this heading? Confirm whether it is a general-purpose part? Confirm whether the declaration elements are complete?

How to inquire the HS code for airbags? You can inquire in the China Customs 'Import and Export Tariff' or on the website of the General Administration of Customs. Enter the keyword 'airbag', and the system will display 8708.95. You can also use HS code inquiry tools to search chapter by chapter. Note to confirm whether the commodity is dedicated for automobiles. Are airbag parts classified under the same code as airbags? Yes, 8708.95 includes airbags and their parts. However, if parts are imported separately and are clearly used for other equipment, they need to be reclassified. For example, if a gas generator is imported separately, it is still classified under 8708.95, but dangerous goods information must be declared. What special regulations are required for exporting airbags? Airbags may contain gas generators, which are dangerous goods and must comply with the 'Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods'. When exporting, MSDS, dangerous goods packaging certificates must be provided, and dangerous goods information may need to be declared to customs. Consult local customs for specifics. When declaring airbags, how to fill in the brand and model? Fill in the brand of the airbag manufacturer, such as TAKATA; fill in the specific model or part number. If no brand, fill in 'no brand'. The model should be accurate to avoid using internal codes that cannot be identified. Is the classification of airbags affected by material? Classification is mainly based on function rather than material. Airbags are usually composed of nylon fabric and metal housing, but because they are dedicated for vehicles, they are classified under 8708.95. If the material is precious metal, Chapter 71 needs to be considered, but automotive airbags rarely use precious metals. What are the regulations for importing used airbags? Used airbags may be prohibited from import due to safety risks. According to the 'Catalogue of Prohibited Import Goods', used airbags may be prohibited. Before import, check the latest catalogue and consult customs. How to inquire the tariff rate for airbags? Tariff rates may change. You can inquire in the 'Import and Export Tariff' published by the General Administration of Customs or through the 'China Customs Online Service Hall'. Enter HS code 8708.95, and the system will display the latest tariff rate. You can also consult a customs broker. If airbags are imported together with the vehicle body, how to classify? If the airbags are already installed on the vehicle body, the complete vehicle is classified under the corresponding heading in Chapter 87 (such as 8703). If the airbags are imported separately, they are classified under 8708.95. If the airbags are imported as vehicle parts with the vehicle but not installed, they need to be classified separately.