Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories in the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles), tractors, special purpose vehicles, and their parts and accessories. The commodity range spans from complete vehicles to specialized parts, making it an important chapter for the classification of mechanical and electrical products in international trade. Motorcycles and their parts are mainly classified under headings 8711 to 8714, where 8714 is specifically for motorcycle parts, while 8708 is for automobile parts; the two must be strictly distinguished. Heading 8714 covers parts and accessories of motorcycles (including mopeds), but excludes power units such as engines and electric motors and their parts (classified under 8407, 8501, etc.), and also excludes rubber products such as tires and inner tubes (classified under 4011, 4013). This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings, such as 871410 for motorcycle saddles, 871420 for other motorcycle parts, and 871499 for other sensors for motorcycles, etc. Sensors, as electronic components, are classified under this heading if they are specially designed for motorcycles. Code 871499 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87 vehicles and their parts and accessories; digits 3-4 "14" represent heading 8714, i.e., motorcycle parts and accessories; digits 5-6 "99" represent subheading 871499, i.e., "other." Under 8714, there are already subheadings such as 871410 (saddles) and 871420 (other parts), while 871499 generally refers to motorcycle parts not elsewhere specified, including sensors, electronic control units, etc. Note that if a sensor is of a general-purpose type, it may be classified under Chapter 85, but if it is specially designed for motorcycles, it is classified here. Sensors for motorcycles are specially designed for motorcycle systems, such as oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, speed sensors, etc., and are motorcycle-specific parts, therefore classified under 8714. If a sensor is of a general-purpose type, such as a general industrial sensor, it may be classified under Chapter 85 (such as 8543 or 9031). In addition, if a sensor is integrated with the engine, it may be classified under 8407 or 8409, but a sensor sold separately is still classified under 871499.
Chapter
Chapter 87 covers vehicles and their parts and accessories in the Harmonized System, excluding railway and tramway vehicles. This chapter includes motor vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles), tractors, special purpose vehicles, and their parts and accessories. The commodity range spans from complete vehicles to specialized parts, making it an important chapter for the classification of mechanical and electrical products in international trade. Motorcycles and their parts are mainly classified under headings 8711 to 8714, where 8714 is specifically for motorcycle parts, while 8708 is for automobile parts; the two must be strictly distinguished.
Heading
Heading 8714 covers parts and accessories of motorcycles (including mopeds), but excludes power units such as engines and electric motors and their parts (classified under 8407, 8501, etc.), and also excludes rubber products such as tires and inner tubes (classified under 4011, 4013). This heading is further subdivided into multiple subheadings, such as 871410 for motorcycle saddles, 871420 for other motorcycle parts, and 871499 for other sensors for motorcycles, etc. Sensors, as electronic components, are classified under this heading if they are specially designed for motorcycles.
Digit Breakdown
Code 871499 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits "87" represent Chapter 87 vehicles and their parts and accessories; digits 3-4 "14" represent heading 8714, i.e., motorcycle parts and accessories; digits 5-6 "99" represent subheading 871499, i.e., "other." Under 8714, there are already subheadings such as 871410 (saddles) and 871420 (other parts), while 871499 generally refers to motorcycle parts not elsewhere specified, including sensors, electronic control units, etc. Note that if a sensor is of a general-purpose type, it may be classified under Chapter 85, but if it is specially designed for motorcycles, it is classified here.
Classification Basis
Sensors for motorcycles are specially designed for motorcycle systems, such as oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, speed sensors, etc., and are motorcycle-specific parts, therefore classified under 8714. If a sensor is of a general-purpose type, such as a general industrial sensor, it may be classified under Chapter 85 (such as 8543 or 9031). In addition, if a sensor is integrated with the engine, it may be classified under 8407 or 8409, but a sensor sold separately is still classified under 871499.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the type and purpose of the sensor, such as "motorcycle oxygen sensor." Brand: Fill in the brand of the sensor, such as Bosch, Denso, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the model or part number of the sensor to identify the specific specification. Applicable Vehicle Model: Indicate the motorcycle brand, model, or engine displacement to which the sensor applies, such as "suitable for Honda CB400." Working Principle: Briefly describe the working principle of the sensor, such as "generates a voltage signal through oxygen ion concentration." Function: Explain the function of the sensor on the motorcycle, such as "monitors exhaust oxygen content and feeds back to the ECU." Material: Fill in the main materials of the sensor, such as ceramics, metal, plastic, etc. Is It Universal: Declare whether it is exclusively for motorcycles; if universal, it may be classified under other chapters. Product Name: Motorcycle Oxygen Sensor; Brand: Bosch; Model: 0258006027; Applicable Vehicle Model: Honda CB400; Working Principle: Senses oxygen concentration in exhaust through zirconia ceramic and generates a voltage signal; Function: Monitors exhaust oxygen content and feeds back to the ECU to adjust the air-fuel ratio; Material: Ceramic, metal; Is It Universal: Motorcycle-specific. Failure to indicate specificity, resulting in classification under Chapter 85 as a general-purpose sensor. Incorrect model or part number entry, affecting customs review. Unclear working principle description, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to sensors.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the type and purpose of the sensor, such as "motorcycle oxygen sensor."
⚠️ Writing only "sensor" or "motorcycle part," which is too general.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the sensor, such as Bosch, Denso, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the model or part number of the sensor to identify the specific specification.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Applicable Vehicle Model
Indicate the motorcycle brand, model, or engine displacement to which the sensor applies, such as "suitable for Honda CB400."
⚠️ Failure to indicate the applicable vehicle model, leading to classification disputes.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working principle of the sensor, such as "generates a voltage signal through oxygen ion concentration."
⚠️ The description is too simple to determine classification.
Function
Explain the function of the sensor on the motorcycle, such as "monitors exhaust oxygen content and feeds back to the ECU."
⚠️ Function description is confused with working principle.
Material
Fill in the main materials of the sensor, such as ceramics, metal, plastic, etc.
⚠️ Inaccurate material entry, affecting classification.
Is It Universal
Declare whether it is exclusively for motorcycles; if universal, it may be classified under other chapters.
⚠️ Failure to clarify specificity, leading to classification errors.
Example: Product Name: Motorcycle Oxygen Sensor; Brand: Bosch; Model: 0258006027; Applicable Vehicle Model: Honda CB400; Working Principle: Senses oxygen concentration in exhaust through zirconia ceramic and generates a voltage signal; Function: Monitors exhaust oxygen content and feeds back to the ECU to adjust the air-fuel ratio; Material: Ceramic, metal; Is It Universal: Motorcycle-specific.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to indicate specificity, resulting in classification under Chapter 85 as a general-purpose sensor.
Incorrect model or part number entry, affecting customs review.
Unclear working principle description, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to sensors.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the specificity of the sensor. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, motorcycle-specific parts are classified under 8714, while general-purpose sensors are classified under Chapter 85 or Chapter 90. If a sensor is specially designed for motorcycle systems, such as oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, speed sensors, and is not applicable to other equipment, it is classified under 871499. If the sensor is of a general-purpose type or integrated with the engine, it may be classified under 8407, 8409, or Chapter 85. 8543 Electrical equipment not elsewhere specified: 8543 covers general-purpose electrical equipment; if the sensor is of a general-purpose type, it is classified under 8543, while 871499 is specifically for motorcycles. 9031 Measuring or checking instruments: 9031 covers general-purpose measuring instruments; if the sensor is used for measurement and is not specific, it is classified under 9031; if motorcycle-specific, then 871499. 8409 Engine parts: 8409 covers engine parts; if the sensor is engine-specific and integrated with the engine, it may be classified under 8409; a standalone sensor is classified under 871499. 871410 Motorcycle saddles: 871410 specifically refers to motorcycle saddles; sensors are not saddles, so they are classified under 871499. 871420 Other motorcycle parts: 871420 is for other motorcycle parts, but sensors are generally classified under 871499, as 871499 is the "other" subheading. Is the sensor specially designed for motorcycles? Is the sensor sold separately? Is the sensor integrated with the engine? Does the sensor have general-purpose applicability? Does the sensor fall within the scope of Chapter 85 or Chapter 90?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the specificity of the sensor. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff, motorcycle-specific parts are classified under 8714, while general-purpose sensors are classified under Chapter 85 or Chapter 90. If a sensor is specially designed for motorcycle systems, such as oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, speed sensors, and is not applicable to other equipment, it is classified under 871499. If the sensor is of a general-purpose type or integrated with the engine, it may be classified under 8407, 8409, or Chapter 85.
Confused Codes:
8543 - Electrical equipment not elsewhere specified
8543 covers general-purpose electrical equipment; if the sensor is of a general-purpose type, it is classified under 8543, while 871499 is specifically for motorcycles.
9031 - Measuring or checking instruments
9031 covers general-purpose measuring instruments; if the sensor is used for measurement and is not specific, it is classified under 9031; if motorcycle-specific, then 871499.
8409 - Engine parts
8409 covers engine parts; if the sensor is engine-specific and integrated with the engine, it may be classified under 8409; a standalone sensor is classified under 871499.
871410 - Motorcycle saddles
871410 specifically refers to motorcycle saddles; sensors are not saddles, so they are classified under 871499.
871420 - Other motorcycle parts
871420 is for other motorcycle parts, but sensors are generally classified under 871499, as 871499 is the "other" subheading.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the sensor specially designed for motorcycles?
✓ Is the sensor sold separately?
✓ Is the sensor integrated with the engine?
✓ Does the sensor have general-purpose applicability?
✓ Does the sensor fall within the scope of Chapter 85 or Chapter 90?
❓ FAQ
Which HS code should motorcycle sensors be classified under? Motorcycle sensors are generally classified under 871499, i.e., other parts for motorcycles. However, it must be confirmed that the sensor is motorcycle-specific; if it is of a general-purpose type, it may be classified under Chapter 85 or Chapter 90. It is recommended to provide detailed product information for accurate classification. How can one determine whether a sensor is motorcycle-specific or general-purpose? Specific sensors are designed to be used only on motorcycles, such as mounting interfaces and signal protocols matching the motorcycle ECU; general-purpose sensors can be used on multiple devices. Product manuals, brands, and applicable vehicle model lists can be referenced. What elements need attention during declaration? It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, working principle, function, material, whether it is universal, etc. In particular, specificity should be indicated to avoid classification disputes. If the sensor is integrated with the engine, which code should it be classified under? If the sensor is integrated with the engine and is part of the engine, it may be classified under 8409 (engine parts). However, if the sensor can be replaced independently, it is usually still classified under 871499. What certifications are required for importing motorcycle sensors? According to national regulations, CCC certification or environmental certification may be required. For specifics, consult customs or certification bodies. What is the export tax rebate rate for 871499? Export tax rebate rates may change; please consult the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the tax authorities. After sensors are classified under 871499, what is the focus of customs review? Customs will focus on reviewing the specificity, working principle, and applicable vehicle models of the sensor to confirm whether the classification is correct. It is recommended to attach product manuals, pictures, and other materials. If a sensor is common to both motorcycles and automobiles, which code should it be classified under? If a sensor is applicable to both motorcycles and automobiles, it may be regarded as a general-purpose part and classified under Chapter 85 or Chapter 90, rather than 871499. Judgment should be based on the principal use.
Q: Which HS code should motorcycle sensors be classified under?
A: Motorcycle sensors are generally classified under 871499, i.e., other parts for motorcycles. However, it must be confirmed that the sensor is motorcycle-specific; if it is of a general-purpose type, it may be classified under Chapter 85 or Chapter 90. It is recommended to provide detailed product information for accurate classification.
Q: How can one determine whether a sensor is motorcycle-specific or general-purpose?
A: Specific sensors are designed to be used only on motorcycles, such as mounting interfaces and signal protocols matching the motorcycle ECU; general-purpose sensors can be used on multiple devices. Product manuals, brands, and applicable vehicle model lists can be referenced.
Q: What elements need attention during declaration?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, applicable vehicle model, working principle, function, material, whether it is universal, etc. In particular, specificity should be indicated to avoid classification disputes.
Q: If the sensor is integrated with the engine, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the sensor is integrated with the engine and is part of the engine, it may be classified under 8409 (engine parts). However, if the sensor can be replaced independently, it is usually still classified under 871499.
Q: What certifications are required for importing motorcycle sensors?
A: According to national regulations, CCC certification or environmental certification may be required. For specifics, consult customs or certification bodies.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 871499?
A: Export tax rebate rates may change; please consult the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the tax authorities.
Q: After sensors are classified under 871499, what is the focus of customs review?
A: Customs will focus on reviewing the specificity, working principle, and applicable vehicle models of the sensor to confirm whether the classification is correct. It is recommended to attach product manuals, pictures, and other materials.
Q: If a sensor is common to both motorcycles and automobiles, which code should it be classified under?
A: If a sensor is applicable to both motorcycles and automobiles, it may be regarded as a general-purpose part and classified under Chapter 85 or Chapter 90, rather than 871499. Judgment should be based on the principal use.
⚠️ 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.