Chapter 87 covers all land motor vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, invalid carriages, etc. This chapter includes both complete vehicles and parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles. As motorcycles are a type of motor vehicle, their parts are classified in this chapter, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from rubber products of Chapter 40, iron and steel products of Chapter 73, etc. Heading 8714 specifically covers parts and accessories of motorcycles, bicycles and similar vehicles, including frames, wheel hubs, brakes, transmissions, saddles, pedals, chains, engine parts, etc. However, not all motorcycle parts are classified under this heading; for example, engines, electrical equipment, etc. have their own dedicated headings. Parts under this heading must be specially designed or principally designed for motorcycles, bicycles or similar vehicles. The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87, i.e., vehicles and their parts and accessories (other than railway vehicles). Digits 3-4, 14, indicate heading 8714, i.e., parts and accessories of motorcycles, bicycles and similar vehicles. Digits 5-6, 73, indicate subheading 8714.73, specifically rubber hoses and tubing for motorcycles. This subheading was newly added in the 2017 version of the HS code, specifically for rubber hoses for motorcycles, which may previously have been classified under other subheadings or Chapter 40. The goods are rubber hoses and tubing specially designed for motorcycles, belonging to motorcycle parts. Since they are specially designed for motorcycles, they meet the description of heading 8714 'parts specially designed or principally designed for motorcycles and similar vehicles,' and are therefore classified under 8714.73. They are not classified under Chapter 40 because Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, whereas these are dedicated parts; according to General Interpretative Rule 3(a) or the notes, they should be classified under the vehicle parts heading.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers all land motor vehicles and their parts and accessories, other than railway vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, invalid carriages, etc. This chapter includes both complete vehicles and parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for these vehicles. As motorcycles are a type of motor vehicle, their parts are classified in this chapter, but attention must be paid to distinguishing them from rubber products of Chapter 40, iron and steel products of Chapter 73, etc.
Heading
Heading 8714 specifically covers parts and accessories of motorcycles, bicycles and similar vehicles, including frames, wheel hubs, brakes, transmissions, saddles, pedals, chains, engine parts, etc. However, not all motorcycle parts are classified under this heading; for example, engines, electrical equipment, etc. have their own dedicated headings. Parts under this heading must be specially designed or principally designed for motorcycles, bicycles or similar vehicles.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 87 indicate Chapter 87, i.e., vehicles and their parts and accessories (other than railway vehicles). Digits 3-4, 14, indicate heading 8714, i.e., parts and accessories of motorcycles, bicycles and similar vehicles. Digits 5-6, 73, indicate subheading 8714.73, specifically rubber hoses and tubing for motorcycles. This subheading was newly added in the 2017 version of the HS code, specifically for rubber hoses for motorcycles, which may previously have been classified under other subheadings or Chapter 40.
Classification Basis
The goods are rubber hoses and tubing specially designed for motorcycles, belonging to motorcycle parts. Since they are specially designed for motorcycles, they meet the description of heading 8714 'parts specially designed or principally designed for motorcycles and similar vehicles,' and are therefore classified under 8714.73. They are not classified under Chapter 40 because Chapter 40 covers rubber and articles thereof, whereas these are dedicated parts; according to General Interpretative Rule 3(a) or the notes, they should be classified under the vehicle parts heading.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'rubber hose for motorcycles,' 'motorcycle brake hose,' etc., which must accurately reflect the characteristics of the goods. Use: Clearly state that it is specially designed for motorcycles, such as 'for motorcycle brake systems,' 'for motorcycle fuel systems,' etc. Material: Specific type of rubber, such as 'vulcanized rubber,' 'natural rubber,' 'nitrile rubber,' etc.; if reinforcing materials are included, they must be indicated. Structure: Whether it has fittings (such as connectors, flanges), whether it is a plain hose or a hose assembly with tubing. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name, such as 'Honda,' 'Yamaha,' etc.; if no brand, write 'none.' Model: Product model or part number, used to identify specific specifications. Specifications and Dimensions: Inner diameter, outer diameter, length and other dimensional information, as well as working pressure and other parameters. Reinforced or Not: Whether it contains reinforcing materials such as textiles, steel wire, etc., and the method of reinforcement. Product Name: Rubber hose for motorcycles; Use: For motorcycle brake systems; Material: Vulcanized rubber, with polyester fiber reinforcement; Structure: Without connectors; Brand: Honda; Model: 12345-ABC-678; Specifications: Inner diameter 6mm, outer diameter 12mm, length 500mm; Reinforced or Not: Yes, with polyester fiber reinforcement. Mistakenly classifying general-purpose rubber hose under this code; it must be confirmed as specially designed for motorcycles. Ignoring reinforcing materials; if reinforcement is present, it may affect classification and must be declared in detail. Mistakenly classifying hose assemblies with connectors under this code; with connectors they may be classified under 8481.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'rubber hose for motorcycles,' 'motorcycle brake hose,' etc., which must accurately reflect the characteristics of the goods.
⚠️ Writing only 'rubber hose' without indicating it is for motorcycles, leading to classification errors.
Use
Clearly state that it is specially designed for motorcycles, such as 'for motorcycle brake systems,' 'for motorcycle fuel systems,' etc.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'for vehicles,' which may be misclassified under other headings.
Material
Specific type of rubber, such as 'vulcanized rubber,' 'natural rubber,' 'nitrile rubber,' etc.; if reinforcing materials are included, they must be indicated.
⚠️ Writing only 'rubber' without indicating whether it is vulcanized or whether it contains textile reinforcement.
Structure
Whether it has fittings (such as connectors, flanges), whether it is a plain hose or a hose assembly with tubing.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether it has connectors, which affects classification (with connectors it may be classified under 8481, etc.).
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name, such as 'Honda,' 'Yamaha,' etc.; if no brand, write 'none.'
⚠️ Brand does not match the actual product, or brand is omitted, making it impossible to determine.
Model
Product model or part number, used to identify specific specifications.
⚠️ Model is incomplete or incorrect, affecting customs inspection.
Specifications and Dimensions
Inner diameter, outer diameter, length and other dimensional information, as well as working pressure and other parameters.
⚠️ Inconsistent units of measurement or omission of key dimensions.
Reinforced or Not
Whether it contains reinforcing materials such as textiles, steel wire, etc., and the method of reinforcement.
⚠️ Failing to indicate reinforcing materials, which may affect subheading determination (e.g., whether it is classified under 4009).
Example: Product Name: Rubber hose for motorcycles; Use: For motorcycle brake systems; Material: Vulcanized rubber, with polyester fiber reinforcement; Structure: Without connectors; Brand: Honda; Model: 12345-ABC-678; Specifications: Inner diameter 6mm, outer diameter 12mm, length 500mm; Reinforced or Not: Yes, with polyester fiber reinforcement.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying general-purpose rubber hose under this code; it must be confirmed as specially designed for motorcycles.
Ignoring reinforcing materials; if reinforcement is present, it may affect classification and must be declared in detail.
Mistakenly classifying hose assemblies with connectors under this code; with connectors they may be classified under 8481.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the specificity of the goods. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, heading 8714 covers parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for motorcycles (including mopeds). Rubber hoses for motorcycles must meet the following: 1) the material is rubber; 2) specially designed for motorcycles; 3) usually in hose form, possibly with reinforcement. If the hose is a general-purpose item, it may be classified under Chapter 40. If it has fittings such as connectors, consideration must be given to whether it constitutes a machine part, which may be classified under 8481. Classification also requires reference to the Explanatory Notes to heading 8714, as well as General Rules 1 and 6. 4009 Vulcanized rubber hose: 4009 is general-purpose rubber hose, without distinguishing use; 8714.73 is specially designed for motorcycles. If the hose can be used generally for other equipment, it should be classified under 4009. 4008 Vulcanized rubber plates, sheets, strips: 4008 is rubber plates, sheets and strips, not hoses; 8714.73 is hoses and tubing, with a different shape. 8714.10 Motorcycle saddles: Both belong to 8714 but are different subheadings; 8714.10 is saddles, 8714.73 is rubber hoses, with different functions. 8481 Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: If the rubber hose has a valve or connector, it may constitute a part of 8481, but a simple hose is still classified under 8714.73. 8714.99 Other motorcycle parts: 8714.99 is other parts not elsewhere specified, while 8714.73 is specifically named rubber hoses, which take priority under 8714.73. Is the product specially designed for motorcycles? Is the material rubber? Is it in hose or tubing form? Does it have connectors or valves? Does it contain reinforcing materials?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the specificity of the goods. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, heading 8714 covers parts and accessories specially designed or principally designed for motorcycles (including mopeds). Rubber hoses for motorcycles must meet the following: 1) the material is rubber; 2) specially designed for motorcycles; 3) usually in hose form, possibly with reinforcement. If the hose is a general-purpose item, it may be classified under Chapter 40. If it has fittings such as connectors, consideration must be given to whether it constitutes a machine part, which may be classified under 8481. Classification also requires reference to the Explanatory Notes to heading 8714, as well as General Rules 1 and 6.
Confused Codes:
4009 - Vulcanized rubber hose
4009 is general-purpose rubber hose, without distinguishing use; 8714.73 is specially designed for motorcycles. If the hose can be used generally for other equipment, it should be classified under 4009.
4008 - Vulcanized rubber plates, sheets, strips
4008 is rubber plates, sheets and strips, not hoses; 8714.73 is hoses and tubing, with a different shape.
8714.10 - Motorcycle saddles
Both belong to 8714 but are different subheadings; 8714.10 is saddles, 8714.73 is rubber hoses, with different functions.
8481 - Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances
If the rubber hose has a valve or connector, it may constitute a part of 8481, but a simple hose is still classified under 8714.73.
8714.99 - Other motorcycle parts
8714.99 is other parts not elsewhere specified, while 8714.73 is specifically named rubber hoses, which take priority under 8714.73.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the product specially designed for motorcycles?
✓ Is the material rubber?
✓ Is it in hose or tubing form?
✓ Does it have connectors or valves?
✓ Does it contain reinforcing materials?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between rubber hoses for motorcycles and general-purpose rubber hoses? Rubber hoses for motorcycles are classified under 8714.73 because they are parts specially designed for motorcycles; general-purpose rubber hoses are classified under 4009, applicable to various equipment. The key difference lies in specificity: if the hose is used only for motorcycles, it is classified under 8714.73; if it can be used for other machinery, it is classified under 4009. If a rubber hose has metal connectors, how should it be classified? If the hose has metal connectors and the connectors are integral components of the hose, it is usually still classified as a hose, but it must be confirmed whether it constitutes a machine part. If the connectors give the hose functions such as valve operation, it may be classified under 8481. It is recommended to judge based on actual function and, if necessary, apply for advance classification. Do rubber hoses under 8714.73 include fuel lines and brake lines? Yes, 8714.73 covers various rubber hoses and tubing for motorcycles, including fuel lines, brake lines, coolant hoses, etc. As long as they are specially designed for motorcycles and made of rubber, they are classified under this subheading. How can one determine whether a rubber hose is 'specially designed for motorcycles'? This can be determined by product specifications, brand, part number, packaging markings, etc. If the product is clearly labeled for motorcycle use, or if the part number can be verified as applicable only to motorcycles, it can be determined. If it is highly versatile, it may not be classified under this code. What elements need to be declared for rubber hoses for motorcycles? Product name, use, material, structure, brand, model, specifications and dimensions, whether reinforced, etc. must be declared. For details, refer to the customs declaration elements table to ensure completeness and accuracy, so as to avoid classification disputes. If a rubber hose is used for motorcycles but has no brand indicated, can it still be classified under 8714.73? Yes, brand is not a necessary condition for classification, but other evidence must be provided to prove it is specially designed for motorcycles, such as model, drawings, contracts, etc. If there is no brand, declare 'none,' but the use must be clearly stated. How to distinguish between 8714.73 and 8714.99 for classification? 8714.73 is specifically named rubber hoses and tubing for motorcycles, while 8714.99 is other motorcycle parts not elsewhere specified. If the goods are rubber hoses, priority is given to 8714.73; only if they are parts of other materials or other types should 8714.99 be considered. How to check the tariff rate for rubber hoses for motorcycles? Tariff rates are subject to change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. You may also consult professional customs brokers or use advance classification services.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between rubber hoses for motorcycles and general-purpose rubber hoses?
A: Rubber hoses for motorcycles are classified under 8714.73 because they are parts specially designed for motorcycles; general-purpose rubber hoses are classified under 4009, applicable to various equipment. The key difference lies in specificity: if the hose is used only for motorcycles, it is classified under 8714.73; if it can be used for other machinery, it is classified under 4009.
Q: If a rubber hose has metal connectors, how should it be classified?
A: If the hose has metal connectors and the connectors are integral components of the hose, it is usually still classified as a hose, but it must be confirmed whether it constitutes a machine part. If the connectors give the hose functions such as valve operation, it may be classified under 8481. It is recommended to judge based on actual function and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
Q: Do rubber hoses under 8714.73 include fuel lines and brake lines?
A: Yes, 8714.73 covers various rubber hoses and tubing for motorcycles, including fuel lines, brake lines, coolant hoses, etc. As long as they are specially designed for motorcycles and made of rubber, they are classified under this subheading.
Q: How can one determine whether a rubber hose is 'specially designed for motorcycles'?
A: This can be determined by product specifications, brand, part number, packaging markings, etc. If the product is clearly labeled for motorcycle use, or if the part number can be verified as applicable only to motorcycles, it can be determined. If it is highly versatile, it may not be classified under this code.
Q: What elements need to be declared for rubber hoses for motorcycles?
A: Product name, use, material, structure, brand, model, specifications and dimensions, whether reinforced, etc. must be declared. For details, refer to the customs declaration elements table to ensure completeness and accuracy, so as to avoid classification disputes.
Q: If a rubber hose is used for motorcycles but has no brand indicated, can it still be classified under 8714.73?
A: Yes, brand is not a necessary condition for classification, but other evidence must be provided to prove it is specially designed for motorcycles, such as model, drawings, contracts, etc. If there is no brand, declare 'none,' but the use must be clearly stated.
Q: How to distinguish between 8714.73 and 8714.99 for classification?
A: 8714.73 is specifically named rubber hoses and tubing for motorcycles, while 8714.99 is other motorcycle parts not elsewhere specified. If the goods are rubber hoses, priority is given to 8714.73; only if they are parts of other materials or other types should 8714.99 be considered.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for rubber hoses for motorcycles?
A: Tariff rates are subject to change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. You may also consult professional customs brokers or use advance classification services.
⚠️ 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.