HS Code: 871482
Motorcycle engine guard
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 87 covers 'Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof' in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles, tractors), non-motor vehicles (such as bicycles, horse-drawn carriages), and their dedicated parts and accessories. The core characteristic is that the goods must be used for vehicles and must not be more specifically covered by headings in other chapters. Motorcycles and their parts are an important component of this chapter and must be strictly distinguished from the mechanical and electrical parts of Chapters 84 and 85.
Heading
Heading 8714 covers 'Parts and accessories of motorcycles and bicycles'. Specifically, it includes: frames, forks, rims, spokes, brakes, transmissions, saddles, pedals, chain wheels, engine parts (such as pistons, cylinders) for motorcycles and bicycles, as well as various safety or decorative accessories. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include complete engines (classified under 8407 or 8408) or electrical lighting or signaling devices (classified under 8512 or 8531). Engine guards, as protective accessories, fall within the scope of this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 871482 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '87' represent Chapter 87 (Vehicles and parts and accessories thereof); digits 3-4 '14' represent heading 8714 (Parts and accessories of motorcycles and bicycles); digits 5-6 '82' represent subheading 8714.82, i.e., parts and accessories 'for motorcycles' (since under 8714, subheadings are first divided by 'for motorcycles' and 'for bicycles', with 8714.82 specifically referring to for motorcycles). Therefore, the complete meaning of 871482 is: engine guards for motorcycles. This subheading may be further subdivided by specific part type, but the 6-digit code already clearly identifies the goods as motorcycle-specific accessories.
Classification Basis
An engine guard is a protective plate installed beneath a motorcycle engine. It is a dedicated accessory for motorcycles, not a part of the engine itself. It does not participate in engine operation and only serves a protective function, so it cannot be classified under 8407 (engines) or 8409 (engine parts). At the same time, it is not a general metal article (such as 7326) because its design and shape are dedicated to motorcycles. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it should be classified under 8714.82.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should accurately describe them as 'Motorcycle engine guard', avoiding vague terms such as 'guard plate'.
⚠️ Writing only 'guard plate' or 'metal plate' without reflecting the 'for motorcycle' and 'engine' use.
Material
State the main material of the guard, such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, plastic, or carbon fiber. Different materials may affect classification but are all applicable under this code.
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' without specifying the alloy type, leading to customs questioning.
Use
Clearly state that it is used for protecting motorcycle engines from gravel and mud impacts. The compatible motorcycle type (such as off-road, cruiser) should be noted.
⚠️ Writing 'for automobile' or 'general protection', leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as 'BMW', 'KTM', or 'No Brand'. If no brand, it must be noted.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with actual product, or omitted, making traceability impossible.
Model
Fill in the product model or part number to facilitate customs confirmation of compatibility with the motorcycle.
⚠️ Filling in the engine model instead of the guard's own model.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Note the compatible motorcycle displacement or specific model, such as 'suitable for 250cc off-road motorcycle'.
⚠️ Not noting displacement, leading to confusion with bicycle parts.
Installation Position
State that it is installed beneath or on the side of the engine, clarifying its protective function.
⚠️ Writing 'body guard plate', which is too broad in scope.
Example:
Customs declaration example: Product Name: Motorcycle engine guard Material: Aluminum alloy Use: For protecting the bottom of off-road motorcycle engines from gravel impacts Brand: KTM Model: 79003001000 Applicable Vehicle Model: Suitable for KTM 790 Adventure Installation Position: Beneath the engine HS Code: 871482 Quantity: 100 pieces Unit Price: USD 25 Total Price: USD 2500
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core classification criteria: 1) The goods must be dedicated to motorcycles, not general purpose; 2) The goods are accessories rather than engine parts and do not participate in engine operation; 3) The goods are not more specifically covered by other headings. According to the notes to Chapter 87 of the Import and Export Tariff, motorcycle parts include all parts and accessories dedicated to or mainly used for motorcycles, except complete engines. Engine guards, as protective accessories, conform to the description of 8714.82. At the same time, 7326 (other articles of iron or steel) and 7616 (other articles of aluminum) must be excluded because they are not dedicated to motorcycles.
Confused Codes:
871410 - Brakes and parts thereof for motorcycles
871410 specifically refers to brake systems, while engine guards are protective accessories with different functions. If the guard has a brake cooling duct function, classification should be determined by the primary function.
871419 - Other parts and accessories for motorcycles
871419 is the residual subheading under 8714 for motorcycles, but 871482 more specifically covers 'engine guards', so 871482 takes priority.
840991 - Parts for spark-ignition engines
840991 applies to internal engine parts such as pistons and cylinder heads. Engine guards do not participate in combustion or power transmission and are only external protection, so they are not classified here.
732690 - Other articles of iron or steel
732690 applies to general iron or steel articles, but engine guards are dedicated to motorcycles with specific shapes and mounting holes, so they should be classified under 871482.
761699 - Other articles of aluminum
If the guard is made of aluminum, it may be mistakenly classified here. However, since it is dedicated to motorcycles, it should still be classified under 871482 unless it has not been made into a specific shape.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Should an engine guard be classified under 871482 or 840991?
A: 871482 is for motorcycle accessories, while 840991 is for engine parts. An engine guard does not participate in engine operation and only provides external protection, so it should be classified under 871482. If the guard is integrated with the engine and affects performance, reassessment is needed.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 871482?
A: You can check through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to refer to the latest tariff or use customs advance ruling services.
Q: When declaring, is there a difference between filling in 'aluminum alloy' and 'stainless steel' as the material?
A: Under 871482, the material does not affect classification, but it must be declared truthfully. If the material is plastic, it may be classified under 871419, but engine guards are usually metal. Different materials may affect tariff rates and must be filled in accurately.
Q: Are engine guards and chassis guards the same product?
A: Chassis guards usually refer to automobile chassis protection and are classified under 8708; engine guards are dedicated to motorcycles and classified under 8714. If a motorcycle guard covers the entire chassis, it is still classified as a motorcycle accessory.
Q: How should engine guards sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: They must be declared according to the actual goods, providing elements such as product name, material, use, brand, and model. If shipped via express or mail channels, the HS code must also be declared truthfully to avoid risks from under-declaration.
Q: If the guard has LED lights, will the code change?
A: If the guard integrates LED lights and the primary function is lighting, it may be classified under 8512 (lighting devices). However, if the LED is only decorative and the primary function is still protection, it is classified under 871482. Classification should be determined by the primary function.
Q: What is the difference between 871482 and 871419?
A: 871482 is the specific subheading for motorcycle engine guards, while 871419 is the residual subheading for other motorcycle parts and accessories. When there is a specific named subheading, it takes priority, so engine guards should be classified under 871482.
Q: How should used imported engine guards be classified?
A: Used goods are still classified the same as new goods, but note that used mechanical and electrical products may be subject to import restrictions. The classification remains 871482, but relevant certification documents must be provided, and pre-shipment inspection may be required.
⚠️ 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.