Chapter 87 covers railway and tramway locomotives, rolling stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and signalling equipment; all kinds of motor vehicles (including tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, wheelchairs, etc.) and their parts and accessories. This chapter does not include certain special-purpose vehicles (such as railway vehicles of Chapter 86) or electric bicycles (which may be classified under 8711 or 8501, etc.). The core is land transport vehicles, but motorcycles, as personal transport, are classified based on engine type and displacement. Heading 8711 covers motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, whether or not with sidecars; and cycles not fitted with an auxiliary engine (such as ordinary bicycles, but bicycles are classified under 8712). Specifically includes: motorcycles fitted with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines or rotary internal combustion piston engines, and electric motorcycles (but electric motorcycles may be classified under subheading 8711.60, etc.). Note: motorcycles with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc are further subdivided under this heading. First 2 digits 87: represents Chapter 87, i.e., vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway vehicles. Digits 3-4 11: represents heading 8711, i.e., motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine. Digits 5-6 20: represents subheading 8711.20, specifically motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc. Therefore, the full meaning of 871120 is: motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, with a cylinder capacity (displacement) exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc. This product is classified under 871120 because its cylinder capacity exceeds 50cc but does not exceed 250cc, meeting the description of subheading 8711.20. If displacement ≤50cc, it should be classified under 8711.10; if displacement exceeds 250cc but not exceeding 500cc, under 8711.30; if exceeding 500cc, under 8711.40, etc. In addition, electric motorcycles may be classified under 8711.60 if power etc. meets conditions, but this code is for internal combustion engine motorcycles. Therefore, displacement is the core distinguishing point.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers railway and tramway locomotives, rolling stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and signalling equipment; all kinds of motor vehicles (including tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, wheelchairs, etc.) and their parts and accessories. This chapter does not include certain special-purpose vehicles (such as railway vehicles of Chapter 86) or electric bicycles (which may be classified under 8711 or 8501, etc.). The core is land transport vehicles, but motorcycles, as personal transport, are classified based on engine type and displacement.
Heading
Heading 8711 covers motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, whether or not with sidecars; and cycles not fitted with an auxiliary engine (such as ordinary bicycles, but bicycles are classified under 8712). Specifically includes: motorcycles fitted with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines or rotary internal combustion piston engines, and electric motorcycles (but electric motorcycles may be classified under subheading 8711.60, etc.). Note: motorcycles with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc are further subdivided under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 87: represents Chapter 87, i.e., vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway vehicles. Digits 3-4 11: represents heading 8711, i.e., motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine. Digits 5-6 20: represents subheading 8711.20, specifically motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc. Therefore, the full meaning of 871120 is: motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, with a cylinder capacity (displacement) exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 871120 because its cylinder capacity exceeds 50cc but does not exceed 250cc, meeting the description of subheading 8711.20. If displacement ≤50cc, it should be classified under 8711.10; if displacement exceeds 250cc but not exceeding 500cc, under 8711.30; if exceeding 500cc, under 8711.40, etc. In addition, electric motorcycles may be classified under 8711.60 if power etc. meets conditions, but this code is for internal combustion engine motorcycles. Therefore, displacement is the core distinguishing point.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "motorcycle" or "cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine", should accurately reflect the product attributes. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Honda", "Yamaha", etc. If no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the specific model or specification, such as "CG125", "YZF-R15", etc., which should be consistent with the actual goods. Cylinder Capacity (Displacement): Fill in the total engine cylinder volume, in cc or ml, such as "125cc". Must clearly be between 50cc and 250cc. Engine Type: Indicate whether it is a reciprocating internal combustion engine (gasoline/diesel) or rotary internal combustion engine, and whether it is electric. Whether Fitted with Auxiliary Engine: For cycles, indicate whether an auxiliary engine is fitted and the engine displacement. Vehicle Condition: Fill in "new" or "old" or "used", and whether complete or in parts. Use: Such as "personal transport", "racing", "off-road", etc., helps customs determine. Product Name: Motorcycle; Brand: Honda; Model: CG125; Cylinder Capacity: 125cc; Engine Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine; Whether Fitted with Auxiliary Engine: Not applicable (itself a motorcycle); Vehicle Condition: New; Use: Personal transport. Remarks: Displacement 124.8cc, meets subheading 871120. Inaccurate displacement declaration, such as declaring 124cc as 125cc but actually 124cc, must be accurate to one decimal place. Confusing electric motorcycles with internal combustion engine motorcycles, electric motorcycles should be classified under 871160, not 871120. Ignoring the difference between "cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine" and ordinary motorcycles, the latter has no pedals.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "motorcycle" or "cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine", should accurately reflect the product attributes.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "electric vehicle" or "bicycle", leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Honda", "Yamaha", etc. If no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling in incompletely, affecting customs valuation and intellectual property verification.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification, such as "CG125", "YZF-R15", etc., which should be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Vague model declaration, such as only writing "125cc motorcycle", lacking uniqueness.
Cylinder Capacity (Displacement)
Fill in the total engine cylinder volume, in cc or ml, such as "125cc". Must clearly be between 50cc and 250cc.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "125ml" but actual displacement does not match, or failing to specify the unit.
Engine Type
Indicate whether it is a reciprocating internal combustion engine (gasoline/diesel) or rotary internal combustion engine, and whether it is electric.
⚠️ Declaring an electric motorcycle as an internal combustion engine, leading to incorrect subheading.
Whether Fitted with Auxiliary Engine
For cycles, indicate whether an auxiliary engine is fitted and the engine displacement.
⚠️ Misdeclaring an ordinary bicycle as a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine.
Vehicle Condition
Fill in "new" or "old" or "used", and whether complete or in parts.
⚠️ Failing to declare the condition of a used motorcycle, which may involve import prohibition or additional requirements.
Use
Such as "personal transport", "racing", "off-road", etc., helps customs determine.
⚠️ False declaration of use, such as declaring a racing vehicle as ordinary transport.
Example： Product Name: Motorcycle; Brand: Honda; Model: CG125; Cylinder Capacity: 125cc; Engine Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine; Whether Fitted with Auxiliary Engine: Not applicable (itself a motorcycle); Vehicle Condition: New; Use: Personal transport. Remarks: Displacement 124.8cc, meets subheading 871120.
Common Mistakes：
Inaccurate displacement declaration, such as declaring 124cc as 125cc but actually 124cc, must be accurate to one decimal place.
Confusing electric motorcycles with internal combustion engine motorcycles, electric motorcycles should be classified under 871160, not 871120.
Ignoring the difference between "cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine" and ordinary motorcycles, the latter has no pedals.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether it is a motorcycle or a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine; 2) engine type (internal combustion or electric); 3) whether the cylinder capacity (displacement) exceeds 50cc but not exceeding 250cc. For internal combustion engine motorcycles, displacement is the key to determining the subheading. If displacement ≤50cc, classify under 871110; if exceeding 250cc, classify under 871130 or 871140, etc. In addition, note whether the sidecar is fitted with an auxiliary engine; if the sidecar is imported separately, it may be classified under 871190. 871110 Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc: Displacement ≤50cc, usually mopeds or power-assisted bicycles, while 871120 has displacement >50cc and ≤250cc. 871130 Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, with a cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 500cc: Displacement above 250cc up to 500cc, does not overlap with the displacement range of 871120. 871160 Electric motorcycles and electric cycles: Powered by electric motor, not internal combustion engine, and displacement does not apply; classification is based on power etc. 871190 Other motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine: Includes sidecars, motorcycles with displacement exceeding 500cc, etc., different from the displacement range of 871120. 871200 Cycles not fitted with an auxiliary engine and other non-motorized cycles: No auxiliary engine, purely human-powered, such as ordinary bicycles. Confirm whether the product is a motorcycle or a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine. Confirm the engine is an internal combustion engine, not an electric motor. Confirm whether the cylinder capacity is between 50cc and 250cc. Confirm whether the displacement unit is correct (cc or ml). Confirm whether it has a sidecar, and whether the sidecar is imported separately.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether it is a motorcycle or a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine; 2) engine type (internal combustion or electric); 3) whether the cylinder capacity (displacement) exceeds 50cc but not exceeding 250cc. For internal combustion engine motorcycles, displacement is the key to determining the subheading. If displacement ≤50cc, classify under 871110; if exceeding 250cc, classify under 871130 or 871140, etc. In addition, note whether the sidecar is fitted with an auxiliary engine; if the sidecar is imported separately, it may be classified under 871190.
Confused Codes：
871110 - Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc
Displacement ≤50cc, usually mopeds or power-assisted bicycles, while 871120 has displacement >50cc and ≤250cc.
871130 - Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine, with a cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 500cc
Displacement above 250cc up to 500cc, does not overlap with the displacement range of 871120.
871160 - Electric motorcycles and electric cycles
Powered by electric motor, not internal combustion engine, and displacement does not apply; classification is based on power etc.
871190 - Other motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine
Includes sidecars, motorcycles with displacement exceeding 500cc, etc., different from the displacement range of 871120.
871200 - Cycles not fitted with an auxiliary engine and other non-motorized cycles
No auxiliary engine, purely human-powered, such as ordinary bicycles.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the product is a motorcycle or a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine.
✓ Confirm the engine is an internal combustion engine, not an electric motor.
✓ Confirm whether the cylinder capacity is between 50cc and 250cc.
✓ Confirm whether the displacement unit is correct (cc or ml).
✓ Confirm whether it has a sidecar, and whether the sidecar is imported separately.
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for motorcycles? First determine whether it is a motorcycle or a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine, then judge based on engine type (internal combustion or electric) and displacement (cylinder capacity). Internal combustion engine motorcycles are divided by displacement: ≤50cc is 871110, 50-250cc is 871120, 250-500cc is 871130, 500-800cc is 871140, >800cc is 871150. Electric motorcycles are classified under 871160. Refer to the Customs Import and Export Tariff or use HS code query tools. If the cylinder capacity is exactly 250cc, which code should it be classified under? According to the HS code description, 871120 includes "exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc", so 250cc should be classified under 871120. If exceeding 250cc, classify under 871130. Note that displacement must be accurately measured, not rounded. What is the difference in HS codes between electric motorcycles and gasoline motorcycles? Electric motorcycles are classified under 871160, while gasoline motorcycles are classified under 871110-871150 by displacement. Electric motorcycles are not classified by displacement but by parameters such as electric motor power. If an electric motorcycle is fitted with an auxiliary internal combustion engine, it is classified by the displacement of the internal combustion engine. What should be noted when declaring the import of used motorcycles? Used motorcycles need to be declared as "old" and may involve import licenses, environmental standards, etc. Some countries prohibit the import of used motorcycles. Complete information such as displacement, brand, model, year, etc. must be provided during declaration. Classification is still by displacement, but the tax rate may differ. How are cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine classified? If the auxiliary engine is an internal combustion engine with displacement ≤50cc, classify under 871110; displacement 50-250cc under 871120. If electric auxiliary, classify under 871160. Note: If the cycle is not fitted with an auxiliary engine, classify under 871200. How is a motorcycle sidecar imported separately classified? If a sidecar is imported separately, it is usually classified under 871190 (other motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine), but it is necessary to confirm whether the sidecar is fitted with an auxiliary engine. If the sidecar is unpowered, it may be classified under 871690 (parts of other vehicles). It is recommended to judge based on the actual structure. What are the consequences of incorrect displacement declaration? Incorrect displacement declaration may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions. Customs may require tax supplements, fines, or even determine it as smuggling. Therefore, accurately measure displacement and retain technical documents. How to determine the displacement of a motorcycle? Displacement is usually calculated from the engine cylinder diameter and stroke, or refer to the vehicle nameplate or technical manual. When declaring, it must be accurate to cc, such as 124cc. Do not round arbitrarily to avoid classification errors.
Q: How to query the HS code for motorcycles?
A: First determine whether it is a motorcycle or a cycle fitted with an auxiliary engine, then judge based on engine type (internal combustion or electric) and displacement (cylinder capacity). Internal combustion engine motorcycles are divided by displacement: ≤50cc is 871110, 50-250cc is 871120, 250-500cc is 871130, 500-800cc is 871140, >800cc is 871150. Electric motorcycles are classified under 871160. Refer to the Customs Import and Export Tariff or use HS code query tools.
Q: If the cylinder capacity is exactly 250cc, which code should it be classified under?
A: According to the HS code description, 871120 includes "exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc", so 250cc should be classified under 871120. If exceeding 250cc, classify under 871130. Note that displacement must be accurately measured, not rounded.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between electric motorcycles and gasoline motorcycles?
A: Electric motorcycles are classified under 871160, while gasoline motorcycles are classified under 871110-871150 by displacement. Electric motorcycles are not classified by displacement but by parameters such as electric motor power. If an electric motorcycle is fitted with an auxiliary internal combustion engine, it is classified by the displacement of the internal combustion engine.
Q: What should be noted when declaring the import of used motorcycles?
A: Used motorcycles need to be declared as "old" and may involve import licenses, environmental standards, etc. Some countries prohibit the import of used motorcycles. Complete information such as displacement, brand, model, year, etc. must be provided during declaration. Classification is still by displacement, but the tax rate may differ.
Q: How are cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine classified?
A: If the auxiliary engine is an internal combustion engine with displacement ≤50cc, classify under 871110; displacement 50-250cc under 871120. If electric auxiliary, classify under 871160. Note: If the cycle is not fitted with an auxiliary engine, classify under 871200.
Q: How is a motorcycle sidecar imported separately classified?
A: If a sidecar is imported separately, it is usually classified under 871190 (other motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary engine), but it is necessary to confirm whether the sidecar is fitted with an auxiliary engine. If the sidecar is unpowered, it may be classified under 871690 (parts of other vehicles). It is recommended to judge based on the actual structure.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect displacement declaration?
A: Incorrect displacement declaration may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting tax rates and regulatory conditions. Customs may require tax supplements, fines, or even determine it as smuggling. Therefore, accurately measure displacement and retain technical documents.
Q: How to determine the displacement of a motorcycle?
A: Displacement is usually calculated from the engine cylinder diameter and stroke, or refer to the vehicle nameplate or technical manual. When declaring, it must be accurate to cc, such as 124cc. Do not round arbitrarily to avoid classification errors.
⚠️ 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.