Chapter 87 covers motor vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. It includes tractors, passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, special purpose vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, etc., as well as parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles. As the core electronic component of a vehicle's passive safety system, the airbag control module falls within the scope of motor vehicle parts and is therefore classified in this chapter. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, electrical equipment, airbags, etc. This heading is subdivided into multiple subheadings based on part type and applicable vehicle type. As the electronic control unit of the airbag system, the airbag control module is an electrical or electronic part and is classified under heading 8708. First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, i.e., motor vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 08: indicates heading 8708, i.e., parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 97: indicates subheading 870897, which in the HS classification generally refers to "other electrical or electronic equipment" or a similar residual subheading; the specific scope shall be determined by reference to the latest version of the HS Explanatory Notes. As an electronic control unit, the airbag control module is classified under this subheading if not more specifically named elsewhere. The airbag control module is a dedicated part of motor vehicles, used to control airbag deployment, and is an electronic control unit. It should not be classified in Chapter 85 (electrical equipment) because it is a part dedicated to motor vehicles; nor should it be classified under other subheadings of 8708 such as 870829 (body parts) or 870899 (other parts), because 870897 explicitly covers electrical or electronic equipment. Therefore, classification under 870897 is the most accurate.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers motor vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. It includes tractors, passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, special purpose vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, etc., as well as parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles. As the core electronic component of a vehicle's passive safety system, the airbag control module falls within the scope of motor vehicle parts and is therefore classified in this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles, including braking systems, gearboxes, drive axles, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, electrical equipment, airbags, etc. This heading is subdivided into multiple subheadings based on part type and applicable vehicle type. As the electronic control unit of the airbag system, the airbag control module is an electrical or electronic part and is classified under heading 8708.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 87: indicates Chapter 87, i.e., motor vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 08: indicates heading 8708, i.e., parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Digits 5-6, 97: indicates subheading 870897, which in the HS classification generally refers to "other electrical or electronic equipment" or a similar residual subheading; the specific scope shall be determined by reference to the latest version of the HS Explanatory Notes. As an electronic control unit, the airbag control module is classified under this subheading if not more specifically named elsewhere.
Classification Basis
The airbag control module is a dedicated part of motor vehicles, used to control airbag deployment, and is an electronic control unit. It should not be classified in Chapter 85 (electrical equipment) because it is a part dedicated to motor vehicles; nor should it be classified under other subheadings of 8708 such as 870829 (body parts) or 870899 (other parts), because 870897 explicitly covers electrical or electronic equipment. Therefore, classification under 870897 is the most accurate.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "Airbag Control Module" or "安全气囊控制模块". Brand: Fill in the product brand, such as Bosch, Continental, Denso, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "No Brand". Model: Fill in the specific model or part number, such as "0 285 010 123", used to uniquely identify the commodity. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the vehicle brand, model, and year to which the module applies, such as "Volkswagen Magotan 2018-2020". Function: Briefly describe the module's function, such as "Receives collision signals and controls airbag deployment". Material: Main materials, such as "plastic housing, circuit board, electronic components". Contains Sensor: Indicate whether a collision sensor is integrated, such as "contains acceleration sensor". OEM/Aftermarket: Indicate whether it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part. Product Name: Airbag Control Module; Brand: Bosch; Model: 0 285 010 123; Applicable Vehicle Model: Volkswagen Magotan 2018-2020; Function: Receives collision signals and controls airbag deployment; Material: plastic housing, circuit board, electronic components; Contains Sensor: contains acceleration sensor; OEM/Aftermarket: OEM part. Mistakenly classifying the airbag control module under 870829 (body parts), ignoring its electronic control characteristics. Failure to provide the applicable vehicle model, causing customs to question its dedicated nature and possibly classify it as general electronic equipment. Incorrect model entry or use of internal codes, resulting in inconsistency with the declared elements. Omitting the declaration of whether a sensor is included, which may be mistaken for a sensor and classified under other codes.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "Airbag Control Module" or "安全气囊控制模块".
⚠️ Writing only "Control Module" or "Electronic Module" without reflecting the dedicated nature of "airbag".
Brand
Fill in the product brand, such as Bosch, Continental, Denso, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "No Brand".
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer's name for the brand, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the specific model or part number, such as "0 285 010 123", used to uniquely identify the commodity.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or use of internal codes, making it impossible for customs to verify.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the vehicle brand, model, and year to which the module applies, such as "Volkswagen Magotan 2018-2020".
⚠️ Writing only "Universal" or "Multiple Models" without providing a specific range.
Function
Briefly describe the module's function, such as "Receives collision signals and controls airbag deployment".
⚠️ Description too general, such as "control function", without mentioning airbags.
Material
Main materials, such as "plastic housing, circuit board, electronic components".
⚠️ Writing only "electronic" or "metal" without specifying the specific composition.
Contains Sensor
Indicate whether a collision sensor is integrated, such as "contains acceleration sensor".
⚠️ Omitting this item, leading to confusion with a simple sensor.
OEM/Aftermarket
Indicate whether it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part.
⚠️ Not indicating this, affecting price and classification judgment.
Mistakenly classifying the airbag control module under 870829 (body parts), ignoring its electronic control characteristics.
Failure to provide the applicable vehicle model, causing customs to question its dedicated nature and possibly classify it as general electronic equipment.
Incorrect model entry or use of internal codes, resulting in inconsistency with the declared elements.
Omitting the declaration of whether a sensor is included, which may be mistaken for a sensor and classified under other codes.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is specially designed or principally designed for motor vehicles; 2) whether the commodity is electrical or electronic equipment; 3) whether there is a more specific subheading under 8708. The airbag control module is a dedicated part of motor vehicles, is an electronic control unit, and subheading 870897 covers other electrical or electronic equipment, so it is classified under 870897. If the module integrates a sensor, it is still classified under this code because its main function is control. 870829 Other body parts: 870829 covers body structural parts, interior trim, and other non-electrical parts, whereas the airbag control module is an electronic control unit with electrical characteristics, so it is classified under 870897. 870899 Other motor vehicle parts: 870899 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified, but 870897 explicitly covers electrical or electronic equipment, so 870897 takes precedence. 853710 Electrical control panels: 853710 covers general electrical control panels, but the airbag control module is dedicated to motor vehicles and, according to Chapter 87 notes, should be classified under 8708. 851230 Vehicle audio equipment: 851230 covers vehicle audio equipment, etc.; the airbag control module belongs to the safety system and has a different function, so it is classified under 8708. Is the commodity specially designed for motor vehicles? Is the commodity electrical or electronic equipment? Is there a more specific subheading under 8708? Does it integrate a sensor? Is its main function control? Is it confused with general electrical control panels?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the commodity is specially designed or principally designed for motor vehicles; 2) whether the commodity is electrical or electronic equipment; 3) whether there is a more specific subheading under 8708. The airbag control module is a dedicated part of motor vehicles, is an electronic control unit, and subheading 870897 covers other electrical or electronic equipment, so it is classified under 870897. If the module integrates a sensor, it is still classified under this code because its main function is control.
Confused Codes：
870829 - Other body parts
870829 covers body structural parts, interior trim, and other non-electrical parts, whereas the airbag control module is an electronic control unit with electrical characteristics, so it is classified under 870897.
870899 - Other motor vehicle parts
870899 is a residual subheading for parts not elsewhere specified, but 870897 explicitly covers electrical or electronic equipment, so 870897 takes precedence.
853710 - Electrical control panels
853710 covers general electrical control panels, but the airbag control module is dedicated to motor vehicles and, according to Chapter 87 notes, should be classified under 8708.
851230 - Vehicle audio equipment
851230 covers vehicle audio equipment, etc.; the airbag control module belongs to the safety system and has a different function, so it is classified under 8708.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity specially designed for motor vehicles?
✓ Is the commodity electrical or electronic equipment?
✓ Is there a more specific subheading under 8708?
✓ Does it integrate a sensor? Is its main function control?
✓ Is it confused with general electrical control panels?
❓ FAQ
Why is the airbag control module classified under 870897 instead of 853710? Because the airbag control module is a part dedicated to motor vehicles. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, parts dedicated to a certain type of vehicle should be classified in the chapter covering that vehicle. Chapter 87 notes explicitly state that motor vehicle parts are classified under 8708, while 853710 is a general electrical control panel not dedicated to automobiles. Therefore, 870897 is more accurate. If the airbag control module integrates a collision sensor, will the code change? No. After integrating a sensor, its main function is still to control airbag deployment, and it remains a control module. The sensor as an additional function does not change the classification, and it is still classified under 870897. However, the declaration must indicate that it contains a sensor for customs verification. How can I check the import tariff rate for 870897? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, origin, etc. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration, the International Trade Single Window, or a professional customs broker. You can also use an HS code query tool, enter 870897 and the country of origin to obtain the accurate rate. What are the consequences of an incorrect model entry in the declaration? The model is a key element for identifying the commodity. An incorrect entry may cause customs to question the accuracy of the classification, trigger inspections, delays, and even penalties for false declaration. It must be consistent with the actual item, and technical documentation should be kept for reference. Is there any difference in classification between aftermarket parts and OEM parts? There is no difference in classification; both are classified under 870897. However, OEM and aftermarket parts differ in price, brand, and quality, and must be truthfully declared to avoid affecting the customs value and customs valuation. In the declaration elements for the airbag control module, how should the function be described? It should be concise and highlight the core function, such as "Receives collision signals and controls airbag deployment". Avoid general descriptions like "control function" so that customs can quickly understand the product's use. If the module is used for motorcycles, is the code still 870897? No. 8708 applies to motor vehicles (automobiles, etc.), while motorcycle parts are classified under 8714. If the module is dedicated to motorcycles, it should be classified under the corresponding subheading of 8714. Therefore, the applicable vehicle type must be clearly specified. How to distinguish between 870897 and 870829 during classification? 870829 covers other body parts, such as bumpers, doors, and other non-electrical parts; 870897 covers electrical or electronic equipment. The airbag control module is an electronic control unit with electrical characteristics, so it is classified under 870897.
Q: Why is the airbag control module classified under 870897 instead of 853710?
A: Because the airbag control module is a part dedicated to motor vehicles. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the HS, parts dedicated to a certain type of vehicle should be classified in the chapter covering that vehicle. Chapter 87 notes explicitly state that motor vehicle parts are classified under 8708, while 853710 is a general electrical control panel not dedicated to automobiles. Therefore, 870897 is more accurate.
Q: If the airbag control module integrates a collision sensor, will the code change?
A: No. After integrating a sensor, its main function is still to control airbag deployment, and it remains a control module. The sensor as an additional function does not change the classification, and it is still classified under 870897. However, the declaration must indicate that it contains a sensor for customs verification.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 870897?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, origin, etc. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration, the International Trade Single Window, or a professional customs broker. You can also use an HS code query tool, enter 870897 and the country of origin to obtain the accurate rate.
Q: What are the consequences of an incorrect model entry in the declaration?
A: The model is a key element for identifying the commodity. An incorrect entry may cause customs to question the accuracy of the classification, trigger inspections, delays, and even penalties for false declaration. It must be consistent with the actual item, and technical documentation should be kept for reference.
Q: Is there any difference in classification between aftermarket parts and OEM parts?
A: There is no difference in classification; both are classified under 870897. However, OEM and aftermarket parts differ in price, brand, and quality, and must be truthfully declared to avoid affecting the customs value and customs valuation.
Q: In the declaration elements for the airbag control module, how should the function be described?
A: It should be concise and highlight the core function, such as "Receives collision signals and controls airbag deployment". Avoid general descriptions like "control function" so that customs can quickly understand the product's use.
Q: If the module is used for motorcycles, is the code still 870897?
A: No. 8708 applies to motor vehicles (automobiles, etc.), while motorcycle parts are classified under 8714. If the module is dedicated to motorcycles, it should be classified under the corresponding subheading of 8714. Therefore, the applicable vehicle type must be clearly specified.
Q: How to distinguish between 870897 and 870829 during classification?
A: 870829 covers other body parts, such as bumpers, doors, and other non-electrical parts; 870897 covers electrical or electronic equipment. The airbag control module is an electronic control unit with electrical characteristics, so it is classified under 870897.
⚠️ 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.