Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, including motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers, etc., and their parts and accessories. This chapter is a core chapter for transport equipment in international trade, involving the classification of complete vehicles and parts. Motorcycles and their parts are mainly classified under headings 8711 to 8714, of which 8714 is specifically for parts and accessories of motorcycles and bicycles. Heading 8714 covers parts and accessories of motorcycles (including mopeds) and bicycles (including invalid carriages). Specifically, it includes frames, forks, rims, spokes, hubs, brakes, transmissions, saddles, pedals, cranks, chain wheels, chains, and various types of buckles, clips, brackets and other general fasteners. Note, however, that general fasteners may be classified under other headings on a priority basis if they meet the provisions of Section XVII notes. Code 871478 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87, vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock; digits 3-4 "14" represent heading 8714, i.e., parts and accessories of motorcycles and bicycles; digits 5-6 "78" represent subheading 8714.78, specifically referring to buckles and clips for motorcycles. This subheading further distinguishes motorcycle-specific fasteners from similar articles for bicycles or other uses. The subheading hierarchy reflects the logic of subdivision by vehicle type and part function. This commodity is buckles and clips specifically for motorcycles, belonging to motorcycle parts, and is therefore classified under 8714. It is not classified under 7318 (iron or steel fasteners) or 3926 (plastic fasteners), because 8714 is the dedicated heading for motorcycle parts and subheading 8714.78 explicitly lists "buckles and clips." If it is a general fastener without motorcycle-specific characteristics, it may be classified according to material.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, including motor vehicles, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers, etc., and their parts and accessories. This chapter is a core chapter for transport equipment in international trade, involving the classification of complete vehicles and parts. Motorcycles and their parts are mainly classified under headings 8711 to 8714, of which 8714 is specifically for parts and accessories of motorcycles and bicycles.
Heading
Heading 8714 covers parts and accessories of motorcycles (including mopeds) and bicycles (including invalid carriages). Specifically, it includes frames, forks, rims, spokes, hubs, brakes, transmissions, saddles, pedals, cranks, chain wheels, chains, and various types of buckles, clips, brackets and other general fasteners. Note, however, that general fasteners may be classified under other headings on a priority basis if they meet the provisions of Section XVII notes.
Digit Breakdown
Code 871478 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87, vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock; digits 3-4 "14" represent heading 8714, i.e., parts and accessories of motorcycles and bicycles; digits 5-6 "78" represent subheading 8714.78, specifically referring to buckles and clips for motorcycles. This subheading further distinguishes motorcycle-specific fasteners from similar articles for bicycles or other uses. The subheading hierarchy reflects the logic of subdivision by vehicle type and part function.
Classification Basis
This commodity is buckles and clips specifically for motorcycles, belonging to motorcycle parts, and is therefore classified under 8714. It is not classified under 7318 (iron or steel fasteners) or 3926 (plastic fasteners), because 8714 is the dedicated heading for motorcycle parts and subheading 8714.78 explicitly lists "buckles and clips." If it is a general fastener without motorcycle-specific characteristics, it may be classified according to material.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "motorcycle buckle" or "motorcycle clip," which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The main material of the buckles and clips, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, nylon, etc., which affects classification and tariff rates. Use: Clearly state which part of the motorcycle it is used for, such as securing wiring harnesses, decorative parts, fuel tank caps, etc. Brand: The manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: The product model or part number to facilitate customs identification. Specifications and Dimensions: The dimensions of the buckles and clips, such as diameter, length, width, etc. Applicable Vehicle Model: The applicable motorcycle type or displacement, such as "suitable for 125cc motorcycles." Product Name: Motorcycle buckle; Material: Stainless steel; Use: Securing motorcycle wiring harness; Brand: No brand; Model: CL-2024; Specifications: Diameter 8mm, length 15mm; Applicable Vehicle Model: General motorcycles. Incorrectly classifying motorcycle-specific buckles under general fastener headings 7318 or 3926. False declaration of material, such as declaring plastic parts as metal parts, affecting classification. Vague description of use that does not reflect motorcycle specificity, leading to customs questioning.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "motorcycle buckle" or "motorcycle clip," which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Writing only "buckle" without indicating it is for motorcycles, or incorrectly writing it as "hardware."
Material
The main material of the buckles and clips, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, nylon, etc., which affects classification and tariff rates.
⚠️ Describing the material vaguely, such as "metal" without distinguishing the type of steel.
Use
Clearly state which part of the motorcycle it is used for, such as securing wiring harnesses, decorative parts, fuel tank caps, etc.
⚠️ Writing the use as "for motorcycles" too broadly without specifying the specific function.
Brand
The manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ The brand does not match the actual goods or is misspelled.
Model
The product model or part number to facilitate customs identification.
⚠️ The model is missing or inconsistent with the actual goods.
Specifications and Dimensions
The dimensions of the buckles and clips, such as diameter, length, width, etc.
⚠️ Failure to provide dimensions or incorrect units.
Applicable Vehicle Model
The applicable motorcycle type or displacement, such as "suitable for 125cc motorcycles."
⚠️ Failure to indicate the applicable vehicle model, leading to classification disputes.
Incorrectly classifying motorcycle-specific buckles under general fastener headings 7318 or 3926.
False declaration of material, such as declaring plastic parts as metal parts, affecting classification.
Vague description of use that does not reflect motorcycle specificity, leading to customs questioning.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Heading 8714 explicitly includes motorcycle parts and accessories, and subheading 8714.78 specifically refers to buckles and clips for motorcycles. If the goods are general fasteners but their design, dimensions, packaging, etc. indicate they are dedicated for motorcycles, they are classified under this code. Conversely, if they are general-purpose, they are classified according to material. 7318 Iron or steel fasteners: 7318 covers general iron or steel fasteners, such as screws, bolts, washers, etc., without distinguishing use. If the buckle is made of iron or steel and is not motorcycle-specific, it should be classified under 7318. 3926 Plastic fasteners: 3926 covers other articles of plastics, including plastic fasteners. If the buckle is made of plastic and is not motorcycle-specific, it is classified under 3926. 871410 Other motorcycle parts: 871410 covers other motorcycle parts, but buckles and clips are specifically listed under 871478, so they are classified under 871478 on a priority basis. 871419 Buckles and clips for bicycles: 871419 covers buckles and clips for bicycles. Motorcycle use and bicycle use must be distinguished, mainly by the applicable vehicle model. Is it dedicated for motorcycles? Does it belong to buckles or clips? Does the material affect classification? Is it already specifically named? Is it confused with general fasteners?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Heading 8714 explicitly includes motorcycle parts and accessories, and subheading 8714.78 specifically refers to buckles and clips for motorcycles. If the goods are general fasteners but their design, dimensions, packaging, etc. indicate they are dedicated for motorcycles, they are classified under this code. Conversely, if they are general-purpose, they are classified according to material.
Confused Codes：
7318 - Iron or steel fasteners
7318 covers general iron or steel fasteners, such as screws, bolts, washers, etc., without distinguishing use. If the buckle is made of iron or steel and is not motorcycle-specific, it should be classified under 7318.
3926 - Plastic fasteners
3926 covers other articles of plastics, including plastic fasteners. If the buckle is made of plastic and is not motorcycle-specific, it is classified under 3926.
871410 - Other motorcycle parts
871410 covers other motorcycle parts, but buckles and clips are specifically listed under 871478, so they are classified under 871478 on a priority basis.
871419 - Buckles and clips for bicycles
871419 covers buckles and clips for bicycles. Motorcycle use and bicycle use must be distinguished, mainly by the applicable vehicle model.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it dedicated for motorcycles?
✓ Does it belong to buckles or clips?
✓ Does the material affect classification?
✓ Is it already specifically named?
✓ Is it confused with general fasteners?
❓ FAQ
Why are motorcycle buckles and clips classified under 8714 instead of 7318? Because 8714 is the dedicated heading for motorcycle parts, and subheading 8714.78 explicitly lists "buckles and clips for motorcycles." 7318 covers general iron or steel fasteners. If the goods are dedicated for motorcycles, they should be classified under 8714 on a priority basis. General Interpretative Rule 1 provides that specific description prevails over general description. How can one determine whether a buckle is motorcycle-specific or general-purpose? It can be judged from design, dimensions, packaging, sales channels, etc. If the buckle is only suitable for a specific motorcycle model, or is sold as a set with motorcycle parts, it is generally regarded as specific. If it is a standard part and can be used for multiple types of equipment, it may be a general-purpose part. Are plastic motorcycle buckles also classified under 871478? Yes. Heading 8714 does not limit the material. As long as it is dedicated for motorcycles, plastic buckles are also classified under 871478. However, if the plastic buckle is a general-purpose article, it is classified under 3926. How should the material be filled in during declaration? The specific material should be filled in, such as "stainless steel," "nylon," "ABS plastic," etc., avoiding vague terms such as "metal" or "plastic." Material affects classification and tariff rates and must be declared accurately. What is the export tax rebate rate for 871478? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to consult the latest Export Tax Rebate Rate Database or consult the local customs. Generally, the rebate rate for motorcycle parts is relatively high, but official data shall prevail. What documents are required for importing motorcycle buckles? Generally, invoices, packing lists, contracts, bills of lading, customs declarations, etc. are required. If a brand or model is involved, an authorization letter or test report may be required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. If a buckle can be used for both motorcycles and bicycles, how should it be classified? If the main use cannot be determined, it is generally classified under 8714.19 as a bicycle part, because the motorcycle parts subheading requires dedication to motorcycles. It is recommended to provide instructions or pictures to prove the main use. What is the difference between 871478 and 871410? 871478 specifically refers to buckles and clips for motorcycles, while 871410 covers other motorcycle parts, such as frames, forks, etc. Buckles and clips are already specifically named, so they are classified under 871478 on a priority basis.
Q: Why are motorcycle buckles and clips classified under 8714 instead of 7318?
A: Because 8714 is the dedicated heading for motorcycle parts, and subheading 8714.78 explicitly lists "buckles and clips for motorcycles." 7318 covers general iron or steel fasteners. If the goods are dedicated for motorcycles, they should be classified under 8714 on a priority basis. General Interpretative Rule 1 provides that specific description prevails over general description.
Q: How can one determine whether a buckle is motorcycle-specific or general-purpose?
A: It can be judged from design, dimensions, packaging, sales channels, etc. If the buckle is only suitable for a specific motorcycle model, or is sold as a set with motorcycle parts, it is generally regarded as specific. If it is a standard part and can be used for multiple types of equipment, it may be a general-purpose part.
Q: Are plastic motorcycle buckles also classified under 871478?
A: Yes. Heading 8714 does not limit the material. As long as it is dedicated for motorcycles, plastic buckles are also classified under 871478. However, if the plastic buckle is a general-purpose article, it is classified under 3926.
Q: How should the material be filled in during declaration?
A: The specific material should be filled in, such as "stainless steel," "nylon," "ABS plastic," etc., avoiding vague terms such as "metal" or "plastic." Material affects classification and tariff rates and must be declared accurately.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 871478?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted according to national policies. It is recommended to consult the latest Export Tax Rebate Rate Database or consult the local customs. Generally, the rebate rate for motorcycle parts is relatively high, but official data shall prevail.
Q: What documents are required for importing motorcycle buckles?
A: Generally, invoices, packing lists, contracts, bills of lading, customs declarations, etc. are required. If a brand or model is involved, an authorization letter or test report may be required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: If a buckle can be used for both motorcycles and bicycles, how should it be classified?
A: If the main use cannot be determined, it is generally classified under 8714.19 as a bicycle part, because the motorcycle parts subheading requires dedication to motorcycles. It is recommended to provide instructions or pictures to prove the main use.
Q: What is the difference between 871478 and 871410?
A: 871478 specifically refers to buckles and clips for motorcycles, while 871410 covers other motorcycle parts, such as frames, forks, etc. Buckles and clips are already specifically named, so they are classified under 871478 on a priority basis.
⚠️ 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.