Chapter 87 covers all land motor vehicles other than railway vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, vehicles for persons with disabilities, and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the core chapter for motor vehicles in the HS classification, including complete vehicles (8701-8705), special-purpose vehicles (8706-8709), parts (8711-8714), etc. Motorcycles and their parts are mainly classified under 8711 and 8714, of which 8714 is the broad heading for motorcycle parts. Heading 8714 covers parts and accessories of motorcycles (including mopeds), specifically including brakes, gearboxes, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, electrical equipment, exhaust pipes, chain tensioners, etc. This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings according to part type and function, such as 871410 for parts specifically for motorcycles, 871420 for parts for vehicles for persons with disabilities, etc. The first 2 digits 87 represent Chapter 87 (Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The 3rd-4th digits 14 represent heading 8714, namely parts and accessories of motorcycles and mopeds. The 5th-6th digits 47 represent subheading 871447, specifically chain tensioners for motorcycles. In the HS code, the first 4 digits are the internationally harmonized heading, and the last 2 digits are the subheading; countries may further subdivide on the basis of the 6 digits. 871447 is a 6-digit international code used to specify the particular part, the chain tensioner. A chain tensioner is a dedicated part of a motorcycle transmission system, used to maintain chain tension and prevent the chain from coming off or wearing. It is not an engine part (8409), a transmission shaft (8483), or a general-purpose mechanical part, but rather a motorcycle-specific accessory, and is therefore classified under 8714. Unlike other motorcycle parts such as brakes (871410) and wheels (871420), the chain tensioner has its own separate subheading 871447.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers all land motor vehicles other than railway vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, vehicles for persons with disabilities, and their parts and accessories. This chapter is the core chapter for motor vehicles in the HS classification, including complete vehicles (8701-8705), special-purpose vehicles (8706-8709), parts (8711-8714), etc. Motorcycles and their parts are mainly classified under 8711 and 8714, of which 8714 is the broad heading for motorcycle parts.
Heading
Heading 8714 covers parts and accessories of motorcycles (including mopeds), specifically including brakes, gearboxes, wheels, suspension systems, steering systems, electrical equipment, exhaust pipes, chain tensioners, etc. This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings according to part type and function, such as 871410 for parts specifically for motorcycles, 871420 for parts for vehicles for persons with disabilities, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 87 represent Chapter 87 (Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The 3rd-4th digits 14 represent heading 8714, namely parts and accessories of motorcycles and mopeds. The 5th-6th digits 47 represent subheading 871447, specifically chain tensioners for motorcycles. In the HS code, the first 4 digits are the internationally harmonized heading, and the last 2 digits are the subheading; countries may further subdivide on the basis of the 6 digits. 871447 is a 6-digit international code used to specify the particular part, the chain tensioner.
Classification Basis
A chain tensioner is a dedicated part of a motorcycle transmission system, used to maintain chain tension and prevent the chain from coming off or wearing. It is not an engine part (8409), a transmission shaft (8483), or a general-purpose mechanical part, but rather a motorcycle-specific accessory, and is therefore classified under 8714. Unlike other motorcycle parts such as brakes (871410) and wheels (871420), the chain tensioner has its own separate subheading 871447.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods should accurately describe them as chain tensioners for motorcycles, avoiding vague wording such as motorcycle parts. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'; it must be consistent with the actual goods or invoice. Model: Fill in the product model or part number to identify the specific specification; it should be consistent with the technical documents. Applicable vehicle model: Indicate the motorcycle brand, displacement, or model to which the tensioner applies, such as for Honda CB400. Material: Main material, such as steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., affecting classification and tax rate. Use: Clearly state that it is used in the motorcycle chain drive system to maintain chain tension. Origin: Country or region of manufacture, affecting tariffs and trade policy. Quantity and unit: Declared quantity and unit of measurement, usually pieces/sets/kilograms, must be consistent with the invoice. Product name: chain tensioner for motorcycles; Brand: XYZ; Model: CT-200; Applicable vehicle model: Honda CB400; Material: steel; Use: used in motorcycle chain drive system to maintain chain tension; Origin: China; Quantity: 1000 pieces; Unit: piece; Unit price: USD 5; Total price: USD 5000; HS code: 871447. Mistakenly classifying the chain tensioner under 8483 (transmission shafts and cranks), because its function is similar to a tensioning device, but 8483 is for general-purpose mechanical parts, while motorcycle-specific parts should be classified under 8714. Ignoring the applicable vehicle model; if it is not indicated as motorcycle-specific, it may be classified under other general-purpose part codes. False declaration of material, such as declaring aluminum when it is actually steel, affecting classification and tax rate.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods should accurately describe them as chain tensioners for motorcycles, avoiding vague wording such as motorcycle parts.
⚠️ Writing only 'motorcycle accessories' or 'tensioner' without indicating that it is for motorcycles.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'; it must be consistent with the actual goods or invoice.
⚠️ The brand does not match the invoice, or omission causes customs clearance delays.
Model
Fill in the product model or part number to identify the specific specification; it should be consistent with the technical documents.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing model, affecting customs classification.
Applicable vehicle model
Indicate the motorcycle brand, displacement, or model to which the tensioner applies, such as for Honda CB400.
⚠️ Failure to indicate the applicable vehicle model, leading to suspicion that it is not motorcycle-specific.
Material
Main material, such as steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., affecting classification and tax rate.
⚠️ False declaration of material, such as declaring aluminum when it is actually steel.
Use
Clearly state that it is used in the motorcycle chain drive system to maintain chain tension.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'used for mechanical transmission'.
Origin
Country or region of manufacture, affecting tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ Incorrect declaration of origin, leading to anti-dumping duty risk.
Quantity and unit
Declared quantity and unit of measurement, usually pieces/sets/kilograms, must be consistent with the invoice.
⚠️ Inconsistent units, such as the invoice being in sets while the declaration is in pieces.
Example： Product name: chain tensioner for motorcycles; Brand: XYZ; Model: CT-200; Applicable vehicle model: Honda CB400; Material: steel; Use: used in motorcycle chain drive system to maintain chain tension; Origin: China; Quantity: 1000 pieces; Unit: piece; Unit price: USD 5; Total price: USD 5000; HS code: 871447.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying the chain tensioner under 8483 (transmission shafts and cranks), because its function is similar to a tensioning device, but 8483 is for general-purpose mechanical parts, while motorcycle-specific parts should be classified under 8714.
Ignoring the applicable vehicle model; if it is not indicated as motorcycle-specific, it may be classified under other general-purpose part codes.
False declaration of material, such as declaring aluminum when it is actually steel, affecting classification and tax rate.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are dedicated for motorcycles. Heading 8714 explicitly covers motorcycle parts, and a chain tensioner is a dedicated accessory of the motorcycle transmission system whose function is to maintain chain tension and prevent the chain from coming off. According to General Interpretative Rules 1 and 6 of the HS, it should be classified under 871447. If it were a general-purpose mechanical tensioner, it might be classified under 8483, but its motorcycle-specific nature excludes that possibility. 8483 Transmission shafts and cranks: 8483 covers general-purpose mechanical transmission parts, such as bearings, gears, tensioning pulleys, etc., and is not limited to motorcycles. If the chain tensioner is a general-purpose type, it may be classified under 8483, but if it is motorcycle-specific, it is classified under 871447. 871410 Motorcycle brakes and parts thereof: 871410 specifically refers to brakes; a chain tensioner belongs to the transmission system, has a different function, and should be classified under 871447. 871420 Motorcycle wheels and parts thereof: 871420 covers wheels, hubs, etc.; a chain tensioner has nothing to do with wheels and is classified differently. 871419 Other motorcycle parts: 871419 is for other motorcycle parts. If the chain tensioner were not separately listed, it might be classified here, but since 871447 specifically exists, it should be classified there first. Is it dedicated for motorcycles? Is it used in the chain drive system? Does it have a tensioning function? Does the material affect classification? Is it distinguished from general-purpose mechanical parts?
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are dedicated for motorcycles. Heading 8714 explicitly covers motorcycle parts, and a chain tensioner is a dedicated accessory of the motorcycle transmission system whose function is to maintain chain tension and prevent the chain from coming off. According to General Interpretative Rules 1 and 6 of the HS, it should be classified under 871447. If it were a general-purpose mechanical tensioner, it might be classified under 8483, but its motorcycle-specific nature excludes that possibility.
Confused Codes：
8483 - Transmission shafts and cranks
8483 covers general-purpose mechanical transmission parts, such as bearings, gears, tensioning pulleys, etc., and is not limited to motorcycles. If the chain tensioner is a general-purpose type, it may be classified under 8483, but if it is motorcycle-specific, it is classified under 871447.
871410 - Motorcycle brakes and parts thereof
871410 specifically refers to brakes; a chain tensioner belongs to the transmission system, has a different function, and should be classified under 871447.
871420 - Motorcycle wheels and parts thereof
871420 covers wheels, hubs, etc.; a chain tensioner has nothing to do with wheels and is classified differently.
871419 - Other motorcycle parts
871419 is for other motorcycle parts. If the chain tensioner were not separately listed, it might be classified here, but since 871447 specifically exists, it should be classified there first.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it dedicated for motorcycles?
✓ Is it used in the chain drive system?
✓ Does it have a tensioning function?
✓ Does the material affect classification?
✓ Is it distinguished from general-purpose mechanical parts?
❓ FAQ
How can I look up the HS code for a motorcycle chain tensioner? You can query through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or an HS code query tool by entering the keyword 'motorcycle chain tensioner' or '871447'. You may also refer to the notes to Chapter 87 of the Import and Export Tariff to confirm that it is classified under 8714. It is recommended to combine the actual use and material of the goods and, if necessary, consult a professional customs broker. What is the difference between 871447 and 8483? 871447 specifically refers to chain tensioners for motorcycles and belongs to motorcycle-specific parts; 8483 is for general-purpose mechanical transmission parts, such as bearings and gears. If the tensioner is motorcycle-specific, it should be classified under 871447; if it is a general-purpose type, it may be classified under 8483. The key is whether it is dedicated for motorcycles. What elements need attention when declaring? It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, use, origin, quantity, and unit. Pay special attention to indicating 'for motorcycles' and 'chain tensioner', and avoid vague declaration as 'motorcycle accessories'. The material and use must be true and accurate. What are the common classification errors for chain tensioners? Common errors include: classifying under 8483 (general-purpose mechanical parts), classifying under 871419 (other motorcycle parts), and failing to indicate motorcycle-specific use, resulting in classification under other codes. It should be strictly classified under 871447 according to use and specificity. What taxes are payable on imported chain tensioners? The tariff rate varies depending on origin and trade agreements and can be queried in the Import and Export Tariff or the customs tariff query system. VAT is usually 13%, but the specific rate is subject to customs determination. It is recommended to use official tools to query the latest tax rates. How should chain tensioners sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared? Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual goods and provide the product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, etc. If using direct mail or bonded mode, customs regulatory requirements for cross-border e-commerce must be complied with, and the value and quantity must be declared truthfully to avoid under-declaration. Does the material of the chain tensioner affect the HS code? Material usually does not affect the 6-digit HS code; 871447 covers motorcycle chain tensioners of various materials. However, material may affect the tariff rate (for example, certain metal products have special rates), and it still must be truthfully filled in at declaration. How is a chain tensioner classified if it is used for other vehicles? If it is used for other vehicles (such as bicycles or automobiles), it cannot be classified under 871447. Bicycle parts are classified under 8714, and automobile parts under 8708; it must be classified under the corresponding code according to the specific vehicle type. Only motorcycle-specific ones are classified under 871447.
Q: How can I look up the HS code for a motorcycle chain tensioner?
A: You can query through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or an HS code query tool by entering the keyword 'motorcycle chain tensioner' or '871447'. You may also refer to the notes to Chapter 87 of the Import and Export Tariff to confirm that it is classified under 8714. It is recommended to combine the actual use and material of the goods and, if necessary, consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What is the difference between 871447 and 8483?
A: 871447 specifically refers to chain tensioners for motorcycles and belongs to motorcycle-specific parts; 8483 is for general-purpose mechanical transmission parts, such as bearings and gears. If the tensioner is motorcycle-specific, it should be classified under 871447; if it is a general-purpose type, it may be classified under 8483. The key is whether it is dedicated for motorcycles.
Q: What elements need attention when declaring?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, material, use, origin, quantity, and unit. Pay special attention to indicating 'for motorcycles' and 'chain tensioner', and avoid vague declaration as 'motorcycle accessories'. The material and use must be true and accurate.
Q: What are the common classification errors for chain tensioners?
A: Common errors include: classifying under 8483 (general-purpose mechanical parts), classifying under 871419 (other motorcycle parts), and failing to indicate motorcycle-specific use, resulting in classification under other codes. It should be strictly classified under 871447 according to use and specificity.
Q: What taxes are payable on imported chain tensioners?
A: The tariff rate varies depending on origin and trade agreements and can be queried in the Import and Export Tariff or the customs tariff query system. VAT is usually 13%, but the specific rate is subject to customs determination. It is recommended to use official tools to query the latest tax rates.
Q: How should chain tensioners sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual goods and provide the product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, etc. If using direct mail or bonded mode, customs regulatory requirements for cross-border e-commerce must be complied with, and the value and quantity must be declared truthfully to avoid under-declaration.
Q: Does the material of the chain tensioner affect the HS code?
A: Material usually does not affect the 6-digit HS code; 871447 covers motorcycle chain tensioners of various materials. However, material may affect the tariff rate (for example, certain metal products have special rates), and it still must be truthfully filled in at declaration.
Q: How is a chain tensioner classified if it is used for other vehicles?
A: If it is used for other vehicles (such as bicycles or automobiles), it cannot be classified under 871447. Bicycle parts are classified under 8714, and automobile parts under 8708; it must be classified under the corresponding code according to the specific vehicle type. Only motorcycle-specific ones are classified under 871447.
⚠️ 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.